Legal System of Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire is located in Africa. It is geographically situated in western africa, bordering the north atlantic ocean, between ghana and liberia. The country achieved independence on 7 august 1960 (from france). The capital is Yamoussoukro (legislative capital), Abidjan (administrative and economic capital); note - the US Embassy is in Abidjan.

Government Overview

Government Type: presidential republic Chief of State: President Alassane Dramane OUATTARA (since 25 October 2025) Head of Government: Prime Minister Robert BREUGRE MAMBE (since 17 October 2023) Cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president Administrative Divisions: 12 districts and 2 autonomous districts*; Abidjan*, Bas-Sassandra, Comoe, Denguele, Goh-Djiboua, Lacs, Lagunes, Montagnes, Sassandra-Marahoue, Savanes, Vallée du Bandama, Woroba, Yamoussoukro*, Zanzan National Holiday: Independence Day, 7 August (1960) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Côte d’Ivoire is described as civil law system based on the French civil code; Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court reviews legislation International Law: accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: previous 1960, 2000; latest draft completed 24 September 2016, approved by the National Assembly 11 October 2016, approved by referendum 30 October 2016, promulgated 8 November 2016 Amendment Process: proposed by the president of the republic or by Parliament; consideration of drafts or proposals requires an absolute majority vote by the parliamentary membership; passage of amendments affecting presidential elections, presidential term of office and vacancies, and amendment procedures requires approval by absolute majority in a referendum; passage of other proposals by the president requires at least four-fifths majority vote by Parliament; constitutional articles on the sovereignty of the state and its republican and secular form of government cannot be amended

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Supreme Court or Cour Supreme (organized into Judicial, Audit, Constitutional, and Administrative Chambers; consists of the court president, 3 vice presidents for the Judicial, Audit, and Administrative chambers, and 9 associate justices or magistrates) Judge Selection: judges nominated by the Superior Council of the Magistrature, a 7-member body consisting of the national president (chairman), 3 “bench” judges, and 3 public prosecutors; judges appointed for life Subordinate Courts: Courts of Appeal (organized into civil, criminal, and social chambers); first instance courts; peace courts

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of bicameral Note:

Lower Chamber: National Assembly (Assemblée nationale) (255 (all directly elected) seats) Electoral System (Lower Chamber): plurality/majority Upper Chamber: Senate (Sénat)

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of Cote d’Ivoire Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

Various small kingdoms ruled the area of Cote d’Ivoire between the 15th and 19th centuries, when European explorers arrived and then began to expand their presence. In 1844, France established a protectorate. During this period, many of these kingdoms and tribes fought to maintain their cultural identities – some well into the 20th century.

This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Côte d’Ivoire based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.