Ivorian president’s niece Epstein role revealed in new documents
Recent disclosures from newly released U.S. Justice Department documents reveal that Alassane Ouattara’s niece, Nina Keita, played a notable role as a go‑between for disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, facilitating introductions between him, influential officials and young women.
According to correspondence dating from 2011 to 2018, Keita maintained a close association with Epstein, acting as a liaison and intermediary. At the heart of the relationship was her role in arranging meetings between Epstein and her powerful contacts, including senior Ivorian officials and, on at least one occasion, her uncle, President Ouattara. These meetings occurred in New York and later in Abidjan, where Epstein was received by ministers to discuss investment and other initiatives.
The documents suggest that Keita, a former model and now a senior executive at the state‑owned oil stock management firm Gestoci, organized Epstein’s trip to Abidjan, reserved accommodations and introduced him to senior political figures. Beyond political connections, the emails indicate that Keita arranged introductions between Epstein and young women, in some cases allegedly at his request.
The disclosures also show that Epstein’s influence extended into matters beyond social introductions. Keita is said to have sought Epstein’s financial backing for political causes, including a reported $100,000 transfer to support lobbying efforts for the release from prison of Senegalese politician Karim Wade.
While the transactions and correspondence do not appear to have led to formal legal action thus far, the revelations have sparked scrutiny and debate about Epstein’s global network and the nature of his ties to political elites in West Africa. Neither the Ivorian presidency nor Keita has made a public comment on the matter since the documents were disclosed.
About the Author
