Ivory Coast Bans Protests Ahead Of Presidential Election
Ivory Coast authorities have imposed a two-month ban on political rallies and demonstrations, tightening restrictions on opposition activity just a week before the presidential election.
The ban, announced late Friday by the Interior and Defence Ministries, applies to all political parties and groups except the five candidates officially cleared to contest the October 25 poll.
The decision follows growing tensions over the disqualification of major opposition figures, including Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam.
Last weekend, hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Abidjan before security forces dispersed them. Sporadic unrest, including road and school blockades, has also been reported in several regions.
According to public prosecutor Oumar Braman Kone, about 700 people have been arrested within the past week. He said phone records showed calls for attacks on public institutions, describing them as “acts of terrorism.”
On Thursday, 26 protesters received three-year jail sentences for public order offences, while another 105 are expected to go on trial next week.
The opposition coalition, which includes Gbagbo’s African Peoples’ Party – Ivory Coast (PPA-CI) and Thiam’s Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), has condemned President Alassane Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term.
While Amnesty International has urged the government to end what it called the repression of protests, Justice Minister Sansan Kambile defended the clampdown, citing national security concerns.
Ouattara will face four challengers, including former minister Jean-Louis Billon and ex-first lady Simone Gbagbo, in the upcoming vote.
AFP
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
