Friday Apr 24, 2026. 15:00
The Ivorian League for Women’s Rights announced that Abdoulaye Traore (Ben Badi) was convicted of rape by a court in Ivory Coast.
The former SC Braga and ASEC Mimosas striker was sentenced to 36 months in prison, ordered to pay 15 million CFA francs to the victim, stripped of civil rights for 10 years, and banned from residing in Bouaké for five years.
The League, which supported the survivor since 2021, welcomed the verdict as a significant victory in the fight against impunity for sexual violence.
“COMMUNIQUÉ FROM THE IVORIAN LEAGUE FOR WOMEN’S RIGHTS REGARDING THE RAPE COMMITTED BY ABDOULAYE TRAORÉ KNOWN AS BEN BADI,” a statement read.
“On 31 March 2021, the Ivorian League for Women’s Rights published a communiqué regarding the case between Ms E.L. and Mr Abdoulaye Traoré, known as Ben Badi, whom she accused of rape.
“This Thursday, 22 April 2026, the League has taken note of the court decision rendered in this case.
“Ben Badi has been sentenced to thirty-six (36) months in prison, to pay fifteen (15) million CFA francs to the victim, to ten (10) years deprivation of his civil rights, as well as a five (5) year ban on residing in Bouaké.
“The Ivorian League for Women’s Rights, which followed and assisted the survivor in 2021, welcomes this decision. It represents an important step forward in the fight against impunity for sexual and gender-based violence.”
Traore ,a prolific player, earned 90 caps and scored 49 goals for Ivory Coast between 1984 and 1996, helping the team win the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, finish as runners-up in 1994, and secure third place in 1986.