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About Miléquêm

Miléquêm Diarassouba is an African photojournalist and filmmaker based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, specializing in human stories and social issues across West Africa. For more than a decade, he has documented health, education, development, resilience, sustainability, culture, and social change across Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Benin, Senegal, and the wider West African region. He collaborates with international organizations including UNICEF, UNFPA, Gavi, IFAD, USAID, Global Citizen, MiracleFeet, and Aid by Trade Foundation, producing documentary photography, films, and visual stories that make complex issues more human, understandable, and engaging. His photography has been published in The Guardian and El País, featured by Forbes, shared by UNICEF Headquarters, and exhibited at Sciences Po Paris. In 2023, he was named Documentary Photographer of the Year in Côte d’Ivoire. His work sits at the intersection of photojournalism, documentary filmmaking, visual storytelling, and impact communication, helping international organizations, media, and purpose-driven institutions connect audiences with the people and realities behind the issues they address. Based in Abidjan and available for assignments across West Africa and internationally.

Languages
English French
Seen in
El País Unicef

Work 5

‘Biama,’ the youthful, joyful revolution in Ivory Coast gains traction thanks to TikTok

El País 21 Sep 2025 English

Biama, a dance movement originating in Ivory Coast, is gaining popularity through TikTok, led by young influencers like Ismael Mondesir Ouattara. The dance, rooted in local culture, is a variation of coupé décalé and has become a symbol of youthful energy and aspiration. It allows children to balance school with becoming social media stars, promoting discipline and positive influence. The movement is supported by older siblings who guide and mentor the young dancers. Events like the Biama Festival provide platforms for local talent, fostering community cohesion and offering economic opportunities. The movement aspires to showcase African excellence globally.

Youth Culture Social Media Dance Ivory Coast Abidjan TikTok Ismael Mondesir Ouattara Léo Montaz Kevin Junior Koffee Cheikh Mohamed Sam Gbongue Diaz
Reporting styleBalanced

The article presents a mix of factual reporting and subjective statements about the cultural impact of biama.

‘Biama’, the youth revolution of joy in Ivory Coast gains strength thanks to TikTok

El País 14 Sep 2025 Spanish

The Biama dance movement in Ivory Coast, popularized through TikTok, is a vibrant expression of youth culture, blending local traditions with global social media trends. Originating in Abidjan, it has become a symbol of joy and artistic expression among young people, offering them a platform to showcase their talents and gain recognition. Influencers like Ismael Mondesir Ouattara and Kevin Junior Koffee play pivotal roles in mentoring young dancers, while events like the Biama Festival provide opportunities for local talent to shine. The movement emphasizes discipline and community, steering youth away from negative influences and towards positive self-expression and potential international recognition.

Youth Culture Social Media Dance Ivory Coast Abidjan Africa TikTok Ismael Mondesir Ouattara Léo Montaz Kevin Junior Koffee Cheikh Mohamed Sam Gbongue Diaz
Reporting styleBalanced

The article presents a mix of factual reporting and subjective statements about the cultural impact of the Biama dance.

Deborah, visually impaired since childhood, shares her daily life, aspirations, and discusses sexual and reproductive health for people with disabilities in this video.

Video YouTube

Mariam Sangaré, Plastic waste collector

Video YouTube

Léontine: The Power of Hairstyling to Weave Her Success

UNICEF French

Léontine, a 19-year-old from Grand-Bereby, Côte d'Ivoire, is training in hairstyling at an IFEF center supported by UNICEF and NATCOM Suédois. Despite financial challenges, she is determined to succeed and dreams of owning her own salon to help other girls in similar situations. Her mentor, Massandjé, who also faced hardships, believes in her potential and supports her journey towards autonomy and success.

Education Women's Empowerment San Pedro Côte d'Ivoire UNICEF NATCOM Suédois IFEF Léontine Massandjé
Reporting styleInformative

The article is mostly factual but includes some subjective statements about the characters' motivations and aspirations.

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