Côte d'Ivoire: Students postpone indefinite national strike Sep. 26 /update 4

Event

Students from the Federation Estudiantine et Scolaire de Côte d'Ivoire (FESCI) youth group postponed an indefinite nationwide strike hours after its launch on Tuesday, September 26, after the government offered talks with the group. The strike is officially postponed for 24 hours, but may be called off indefinitely should demands be met. Even so, additional protests and related violence cannot be ruled out in the coming days.

Context

Students are calling for the release of those arrested during protests over increased tuition fees that took place in several cities throughout the country, including in Abidjan and Daloa, on September 13 and 18.

Social unrest is common in Côte d'Ivoire, especially on university campuses where students and lecturers regularly protest against a lack of resources, delayed scholarship payments and research funding, and accommodation issues. Classes were intended to begin on September 11, but universities have remained closed amid the ongoing demonstrations.

Advice

Those present in Côte d'Ivoire, and especially in Abidjan, are advised to avoid any related protests and to keep abreast of the situation.