French Retiree Seeks Help Returning From Côte d’Ivoire, Digi Mart USA News: Many retirees mark their departure from work as a key moment, with some seeking part-time jobs and others choosing to start a new life abroad. A 72-year-old retiree who gave up his life in France to live in Côte d’Ivoire is now asking fellow French citizens to help him come back.
After several years in Abidjan, the retiree decided to return to France. He said his time in the Ivorian capital had not been a good experience, and he is publicly appealing to compatriots for assistance in making the move home.
The 72-year-old had lived in Abidjan for many years. Although the atmosphere and the neighborhood made him want to stay, he said he could not bring himself to finish his retirement there.
He cited constant loneliness, which he said weighs on him more each day.
“Given my age, it is more complicated for me to stay here,” he said. He also said his pension, which he described as not very high, does not allow him to live normally.
Having come to Côte d’Ivoire under very different expectations, he is now calling for help returning to France.
His appeal drew mixed reactions. Some people quickly offered him small sums of money, while others were skeptical and wondered whether the request was a ploy to extract money from well-meaning people.
Either way, the post left few people indifferent.
His situation recalls that of a retiree who received less than 800 euros in pension each month. Both stories show that retirement is not always a smooth path.
The case contrasts with a broader trend. While Portugal had long been the preferred destination for French retirees, Africa is increasingly becoming a new destination of choice.
Coastal beaches and picturesque landscapes attract growing numbers, and a lower cost of living than in France makes the region appealing. Some retirees face isolation like this 72-year-old, while others report enjoying the African experience.
