Didier Drogba: Côte d’Ivoire’s Symbol of Unity, Says Tiken Jah Fakoly
Ivorian reggae artist Tiken Jah Fakoly sees Didier Drogba as the only person capable of bringing together the sons and daughters of Côte d’Ivoire around the table of brotherhood, encouraging unity despite differences.
After more than a decade of war, Côte d’Ivoire is still healing from deep ethnic and community divisions. The country is slowly rebuilding, but reconciliation remains vital—to soothe wounds and bring together both victims and perpetrators. For Tiken Jah Fakoly, this role of reconciler belongs solely to one Ivorian: Didier Drogba.
“Didier Drogba is my pride, he is our pride. He is a great player who has left his mark and continues to play even at 36. He holds a very important place in the reconciliation of Côte d’Ivoire. I believe the only Ivorian who can truly unite Ivorians is Didier Drogba. Everyone loves him—from the North to the South,” Tiken declared in an interview with French magazine Le Parisien.
Tiken Jah Fakoly explains why he himself cannot play this role: “As a reggae artist, I’m somewhat politicized. I cannot claim to be the face of reconciliation because my views differ from some people I respect.”
Now retired, Drogba remains an iconic figure in Côte d’Ivoire, inspiring an entire generation. His immense influence and aura make him uniquely positioned to help heal and unify this great African nation.
