Côte d'Ivoire: Gunfire reported near Bouaké January 9 /update 1

Event

Gunfire and heavy arms fire reportedly broke out between rival military factions at military bases to the north of Bouaké (Bouaké department) at around 19:00 (local time) on Tuesday, January 9; unconfirmed reports indicate that gunfire was also heard near the city center. It is currently unclear what prompted the outbreak of violence, and whether the exchange of fire resulted in any casualties. Residents reportedly sought shelter and businesses closed their doors on Tuesday evening. Further violence remains possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

Similar clashes were reported on Friday, January 5, when an exchange of fire was reported near Bouaké between Ivoirian soldiers and members of the elite Coordination Center for Decision-Making Operations (CCDO), resulting in at least one person killed. Tensions between Ivoirian military factions have been high in recent months, as some military members have accused the CCDO of espionage against military activities. Several mutinies in January and May 2017 - staged by members of the Forces Nouvelles (FN) rebel group, who were integrated in the Ivoirian army and demanded bonus payments - have also exacerbated military tensions.

The CCDO, a mixed security force of police, gendarmes, and soldiers, was established by former Ivoirian Minister of Interior Hamed Bakayoko in 2013 to augment security in Ivoirian cities amid chronic insecurity and the extant terror threat in the country.

Advice

Individuals present in Bouaké and adjacent regions of Côte d'Ivoire are advised to monitor developments to the situation, to adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities or their home governments, and to avoid unnecessary movements in the event of further outbreaks of violence.