Authorities Crack Down on Peaceful Protests in Côte d’Ivoire
On October 2, 2025, Côte d’Ivoire’s National Security Council declared all necessary measures to maintain order during the upcoming presidential election, including a sweeping ban on meetings and public protests that oppose decisions by the Constitutional Council. Following this, the Prefect of Abidjan prohibited peaceful rallies scheduled by opposition groups for October 4 and October 11.
Blanket Bans Violate Rights, Say International Human Rights Organizations
Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, condemned the bans, stating, “Any restriction on public protests must be lawful, necessary, proportionate, and non-discriminatory.” She emphasized that human rights violations Côte d’Ivoire are evident in the blanket prohibition of peaceful assemblies, which breaches both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, ratified by Côte d’Ivoire.
Security Forces Use Tear Gas, Mass Arrests Reported
On October 11, security forces reportedly dispersed young people peacefully gathering in Abidjan’s Cocody area using tear gas. Amnesty International documented testimonies, media footage, and reported 237 arrests in Abidjan and 18 in nearby Dabou. Charges against those detained remain undisclosed.
Sivieude urged, “Anyone detained solely for peaceful protest must be released immediately. The authorities have a duty to facilitate and protect the right to peaceful assembly.” She also called for transparency on arrests and investigations into excessive use of force.
Political Context and Ongoing Tensions
Earlier in 2025, President Alassane Ouattara announced his intention to run for a controversial fourth term. The Constitutional Council approved five candidates for the October 25 election but rejected two key opposition figures who had united to call for political change. Following the October 4 ban, opposition parties rescheduled their rally for October 11, which was forcefully dispersed.
On the same day as the bans, the National Security Council deployed 44,000 security personnel nationwide to enforce the restrictions. Opposition leader Pascal Affi N’Guessan’s residence was temporarily surrounded by security forces after the October 11 protests.
Opposition Demands Dialogue Amid Continued Crackdowns
On October 12, the excluded opposition parties vowed to hold daily protests calling for political dialogue. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges regarding protest suppression amnesty and persistent human rights violations Côte d’Ivoire faces in the lead-up to the elections.
This story was first reported by Amnesty International. Read the full article here.
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