Residents of the Zagna canton in western Ivory coast0 are grappling with unease and sorrow following the sudden deaths of two traditional chiefs within just three months—a situation that has stirred concerns about spiritual unrest and the stability of local governance.
The most recent loss came on June 15, 2025, when the newly chosen canton chief, the Honorable Dao Boblaé François, passed away unexpectedly while preparations for his formal inauguration were still underway.
He had been elected by consensus on May 6 to fill the vacancy left by the late Tahi Bah Jean, whose burial took place on March 15.
The abrupt deaths of both leaders, revered custodians of custom and tradition, have left many in the region fearful and searching for answers.
“This situation is frightening,” said Gnonzoropé Armand, a university student from the canton.
“Our fathers, who are the guardians of our customs and traditions and who are at the top of the traditional political organization of our people, are following each other quickly to the cemetery.”
The sentiment is echoed by residents in nearby villages, including Béoué, where community member Hortense Goué voiced growing concern that these events may signal deeper cultural or spiritual issues. “These unfortunate events within the cantonal chiefdom raise questions in Zagna and throughout the department,” she said.
“Populations wonder if the ancestors are not angry about the violation of a customary prohibition.”
While no official explanation has been provided for the deaths, the timing has prompted speculation about whether traditional rites or taboos may have been unintentionally violated—an especially sensitive topic in a region where ancestral authority remains deeply respected.
The deaths have also created a renewed sense of urgency around preserving cultural continuity and reinforcing traditional structures at a time when the canton is without a recognized chief.
As the Zagna community mourns its losses, elders and spiritual leaders are reportedly consulting to determine next steps—both to identify a new chief and to address the possible metaphysical concerns that have now become central to local discourse.
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