Abidjan: Opposition parties and NGOs in Ivory Coast have expressed strong disapproval of a two-month ban on political rallies, which was announced late Friday, just a week before a contentious presidential election. The election has become a focal point of controversy as two major opposition figures have been excluded from the race, with incumbent President Alassane Ouattara seeking a fourth term in office.
According to France24.com, the ban, which was issued by the interior and defence ministries, applies to all political parties and groups, except for the five candidates who have been officially approved to contest the October 25 vote. This decision has sparked significant unrest, especially following the exclusion of prominent figures such as former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, the former head of Credit Suisse.
In response to the ban, hundreds of people took to the streets in Abidjan last weekend, with security forces reportedly dispersing crowds. The unrest has also manifested in sporadic incidents, including road and school blockades across several regions. On Saturday, the NGO Turn the Page labeled the protest bans as “blatant violations of the right to peaceful assembly” and criticized what it described as “police oppression against peaceful demonstrations,” urging the government to reengage in political dialogue.
Further adding to the criticism, the Ivorian League of Human Rights (LIDHO) cautioned authorities against the excessive use of force. Meanwhile, public prosecutor Oumar Braman Kone reported that around 700 people have been arrested over the past week. He cited phone data revealing calls for attacks on public institutions, categorizing these actions as “acts of terrorism.”
In the legal arena, 26 protesters have been sentenced to three years in prison for public order offences, with another 105 individuals scheduled to stand trial next week. While Amnesty International has urged the government to cease its repression of protests, Justice Minister Sansan Kambile has defended the crackdown, emphasizing concerns for national security.
President Ouattara is facing four challengers in the upcoming election, including former minister Jean-Louis Billon and ex-first lady Simone Gbagbo. As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely watching the developments leading up to the election.