Côte d'Ivoire: Protests in Korhogo region (north) December 7

Event

At least 50 youths protested on Thursday, December 7, in Lagnonkaha, Korhogo region (north), to denounce the activities of an Indian manganese mining company. The protesters are demanding recruitment within the Shiloh Manganese mining company as compensation for company activities that affect nearby villages, and have called for development projects involving the drinking water supply, electrification, and construction of health centers and schools. The youth protesters set up barricades on the main roads leading to the mining site, paralyzing the company's activities. Calm returned to the area at the end of the day following a meeting between local authorities and protesters.

Further protests are possible in the coming weeks and months if the youth demands are not met.

Context

The Ivorian subsoil contains a wide variety of minerals such as gold (five mines), diamond, iron, nickel, manganese (four mines), bauxite, and copper. Mining accounts for 5 percent of the country's GDP.

Advice

Travelers to Côte d'Ivoire are advised to avoid all protests and adhere to instructions as issued by local authorities.