Simiane Tatu's discharge in Côte d'Ivoire: chronicle of a controversial prohibition
The circumstances of repression
March 15, 2025, the singer Gospel Simiane Tatuwife of the evangelical prophet Joël Francis Tatu, was denied entry into Ivorian territory despite a valid visa and a scheduled concert. Arriving at Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan international airport around 5:05 p.m., it was to perform during a concert scheduled for March 23, 2025 at the Treichville Culture Palace. However, despite a visa issued in accordance with the rules in force, it was not authorized to leave the airport.
Airport authorities have indicated a “prohibition to return to Ivorian territory” without providing a specific grievance. After several hours of unsuccessful negative negotiations, Simiane Tatu was forced to resume a flight to Paris on the same day.
The alleged reasons of blocking
The Ivorian state has made no official accusation against the singer. What makes this situation even more mysterious is that his visa had been granted in the rules. The concert organizing committee tried to obtain explanations from the airport police, but the latter remained elusive.
According to some sources, the authorities have declared that “orders come from certain religious authorities”. This declaration aroused questions among the organizers and relaunches the question of the potential influence of the religious authorities on administrative decisions.
A precedent with Joël Francis Tatu in 2023
This is not the first time that the Tatu couple has encountered difficulties in Côte d'Ivoire. In 2023, Joël Francis Tatu was also repressed when he arrived in Abidjan. This precedent strengthens the feeling of injustice among their supporters and suggests the existence of unresolved litigation between the Tatu couple and certain Ivorian authorities.
Who are Simiane and Joël Francis Tatu?
- Simiane Tatu is a French evangelical gospel singer known as “Simiane Music”. She shares her spiritual and conjugal experience in programs like Waking Women On French -speaking TBN.
- Joël Francis Tatu is an influential preacher from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is famous for his predictions and his religious teachings.
Repercussions and reactions
Financial and organizational impact
The concert organizers had invested around 17 million CFA francs in this event. The postponement of the concert on a later date represents considerable financial loss and major disorganization.
Reactions of the Christian Community
This incident aroused incomprehension and indignation within the Evangelical Christian Community in Côte d'Ivoire. Many see it as an act of relentlessness against the Tatu torque, creating a climate of tension.
Questions about religious legislation
This case also relaunches the debate on a recent Ivorian law supervising the invitation of foreign preachers. This legal framework could explain the difficulties encountered by the couple.
Simiane Tatu's repression raises questions about relations between religious and administrative authorities in Côte d'Ivoire. The opacity surrounding official reasons fueling controversies and speculation, leaving the evangelical community awaiting a resolution.
