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The authorities in the Ivory Coast have imposed a comprehensive two-month ban on political rallies and demonstrations just one week ahead of a presidential election, further limiting opposition activities.
This ban, announced late Friday by the ministries of interior and defence, affects all political parties and groups except for the five candidates who have been officially cleared to participate in the October 25 election.
The decision arises amid escalating tensions triggered by the exclusion of prominent opposition figures, Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, from the electoral race.
Last weekend, hundreds participated in protests in Abidjan, which were met with police dispersal of the crowds. Reports of sporadic unrest, including road and school blockades, have emerged from various regions.
According to public prosecutor Oumar Braman Kone, approximately 700 individuals have been detained over the past week, with phone data indicating calls for attacks on public institutions, which he labelled as “acts of terrorism.”
On Thursday, 26 protesters received sentences of three years in prison for offences related to public order, while another 105 are expected to face 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 pursuit of a fourth term.
Amnesty International has called on the authorities to cease the “repression” of protests, but Justice Minister Sansan Kambile has justified the crackdown by citing concerns for national security.
Ouattara is up against four opponents, including former minister Jean-Louis Billon and ex-first lady Simone Gbagbo.
