Ivory Coast: Ramadan to begin May 26-27

Event

On May 26-27 (depending on the moon), Muslims will begin their month-long celebration of Ramadan. The end of the month of Ramadan, marked by the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, will take place on June 25. Many businesses, restaurants, and government administrations are expected to operate on a reduced schedule during this holy month. Diplomatic missions may also operate on a similar schedule.

Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers, especially in airports. Heavy traffic after sundown is to be anticipated as Muslims typically gather for festivities and to eat with family, especially over weekends. Furthermore, traffic accidents tend to increase during Ramadan (especially at dusk) due to a combination of hunger, dehydration, exhaustion, and impatience.

Tight security measures are also to be expected due to a heightened terror threat in the region. Local authorities also typically observe an increase in incidents of petty crime during this period.

In addition, heavy rains are to be expected during Ramadan as Benin’s rainy season spans from May to November. Power outages as well as water cuts are possible and can lead to poor food preservation (malfunctioning refrigerators and freezers) and shortages of drinking water. Traffic may be disrupted if flooding blocks major thoroughfares.

Context

Ramadan is a period of reflection and self-restraint and carries great significance within the Muslim calendar. Muslims traditionally observe daytime fasting and are called to practice increased devotion. Around 42.9 percent of Ivory Coast’s national population is Muslim.

This period also marks a significant increase in the terrorist threat in predominately Muslim countries. The terror threat in Ivory Coast has risen in recent years due to its participation to the counter-terrorist United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and its support of French counter-terrorist operations (many French troops are stationed in the country). On March 13, 2016, a terrorist attack targeted the Grand Bassam seaside resort, resulting in 19 people killed and 22 injured.

Advice

Individuals in Ivory Coast are advised to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public by day in Muslim-majority areas during this period. Travelers are also advised to allow additional time for travel and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

On a separate note, due to tensions between ethnic groups and occasional outbreaks of deadly violence, some Western governments advise against nonessential travel to the southwestern border areas with Liberia (Bas-Sassandra, Haut-Sassandra, Dix-Huit Montagnes regions). Additionally, due to high crime rates in urban areas, visitors to Ivory Coast are advised to maintain a low profile at all times as criminals may target foreigners due to their perceived affluence. Be particularly vigilant after dusk and avoid traveling by foot at night. Be aware that criminals may be armed; do not resist in the event of an attempted robbery.