Ivory Coast in the news: France returns looted sacred drum, first official restitution to the nation. Côte d'Ivoire, a West African state with Yamoussoukro capital and Abidjan as economic hub.
Italy has purchased a 1598 portrait attributed to Caravaggio of Maffeo Barberini, later Pope Urban VIII, from a private collection. The painting, a key work in Caravaggio's rediscovery, will join the Palazzo Barberini collection after negotiations lasting over a year, strengthening Italy's cultural heritage.
A sharp decline in cocoa prices has led to widespread land abandonment and alternative land uses in Ghana and Ivory Coast, with farmers turning to illegal mining and other activities as their yields and incomes plummet amid climate change and market volatility.
Ivory Coast has received back the Djidji Ayokwè, a 400kg carved wooden drum looted by French colonial authorities in 1916. The drum, used to alert locals to forced labor and mobilize fighters, was displayed at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris. Its return marks a significant step in cultural restitution efforts.
A new book by retired FBI agent Geoffrey Kelly revisits the 1990 Boston museum theft, dismissing theories involving the Corsican mob and IRA. Current investigations focus on Boston mobsters linked to Carmello Merlino, with two deceased suspects resembling the thieves. The FBI offers up to $10 million for information.
China has extended zero-tariff treatment to 20 more African nations, bringing the scheme to 53 of Africa’s 54 countries. Eswatini remains excluded due to its ties with Taiwan. Analysts say gains are limited, but the policy signals Beijing’s openness push and aims to boost China‑Africa trade.
Argentina has named Lionel Messi among 55 players in its preliminary World Cup squad, with ongoing questions over his availability. Gianluca Prestianni faces a worldwide ban extension that could affect Argentina’s opening games; the World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with Algeria, Austria and Jordan in Argentina’s group.