FACTCHECK: Ivory Coast Army Chief Assassinated? No, He’s Alive, Not Shot

On Tuesday May 20, 2025, speculations were rife that Lieutenant General Lassina Doumbia, Chief of Staff of the Ivorian Armed Forces was shot dead at the Defence ministry after leaving a meeting with Defense Minister Téné Birahimea Ouattara.

The rumour which spread like wide fire became intense on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, as one of the Ivorian popular Facebook page “La voix de l’AES” which wrongly announced the shooting quoted a popular media outfit, Abidjan.net as its source.

The report which has sparked numerous reactions on social media, claimed that the Chief of Staff of the Ivorian Armed Forces was attack in broad daylight outside the Ministry of Defense.

Some reports claims that earlier that day, indications showed a possible coup attempt in the West African nation, leading to the urgent fleeing of President Alassane Ouattara to an undisclosed location.

The report claimed that witnesses described how General Doumbia’s vehicle was ambushed as he exited the defense ministry. “Gunmen opened fire, riddling the vehicle with bullets. The general was swiftly transported to a military hospital but succumbed to his injuries before reaching the facility.

“As of now, no official statement has clarified who was responsible or their motives. Speculation is rife — some believe it was a targeted assassination, while others suggest it could be linked to internal military conflicts, political rivalries, or acts of terrorism”, the report reads.

But Abidjan.net in a spontaneous counter report, denied reporting the alleged shooting of the Ivorian Armed Forces chief.

In a post published on its website on Wednesday, Abidjan.net said; “In a post published on its Facebook page on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, the page “La voix de l’AES” wrongly announced the shooting death of Lieutenant General Lassina Doumbia, Chief of Staff of the Ivorian Armed Forces. This false message, which falsely cites Abidjan.net as the source, has sparked numerous reactions on social media.

“The editorial team at Abidjan.net wishes to formally deny this unfounded information. At no time has our media outlet relayed such news. We strongly condemn the spread of this fake news and call for vigilance in the face of disinformation,” said publication director Robert Kra.

“Furthermore, according to a security source close to General Doumbia, the latter is indeed alive and is continuing his duties as head of the Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire.

“Abidjan.net reminds its readers that all its publications are based on verified and credible sources”.