26 Oct 2017 | 09:28 PM UTC
Côte d'Ivoire: Demobilized soldiers call off nationwide protests Oct. 26 /update 1
Demobilized soldiers call off nationwide protests to allow for negotiations with the government October 26
Event
Demobilized soldiers demanding the payment of unpaid bonuses temporarily called off nationwide protests scheduled for Thursday, October 26, to allow for negotiations to proceed with the government. Protests remain possible if negotiations prove unsuccessful.
Context
Côte d'Ivoire experienced a drawn-out civil war and political crisis from 2002 to 2011. Thousands of former rebel fighters in the country, who had fought on behalf of now-President Alassane Ouattara, claim they have not been paid for their service. Demobilized rebels previously carried out deadly demonstrations to demand direct cash payments of unpaid bonuses (e.g. in September and May 2017), promised following the 2011 post-electoral crisis.
Advice
Individuals present throughout the country are advised to remain vigilant, monitor the situation via local media, and 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).
