Ivory Coast has introduced a Child Abduction Alert Plan (PAE), a tool aimed at swiftly resolving child abduction cases.
This system supports investigations into crimes covered under Articles 430, 431, and 432 of the Ivorian Penal Code, specifically related to the abduction of minors, according to the Ministry of Interior and Security. With this, Ivory Coast becomes the first African country to launch such a system.
Interior and Security Minister Vagondo Diomandé stated that the implementation of the PAE strengthens the capabilities of the National Police, particularly the Criminal Police Department (DPC).
"The adoption of this important child protection tool confirms Ivory Coast's leadership in Africa in this area and reaffirms our nation's commitment to minimizing the effects of crime," said the minister. He added, "The PAE not only ensures better protection for our children but also bolsters the fight against organized crime and terrorism. It is an innovative and essential security mechanism for our country."
The PAE is designed to quickly broadcast a message to the public in the event of a child abduction. When triggered, it allows for the rapid dissemination of specific information across the country to locate the child as quickly as possible.
According to the Criminal Police Department's statistics on child abductions from 2014 to 2024, 83% of reported cases have been resolved, 15% ended in homicides, and 2% remain without judicial resolution.
Abduction cases can be reported by calling 100 or 0170900600.
