Côte d’Ivoire: Police disperse protesters in Abidjan March 22 /update 1

Event

On Thursday, March 22, Ivoirian security forces dispersed a protest organized by the opposition coalition group Ensemble pour la démocratie et la souveraineté (EDS) in Abidjan. According to local sources, police officers fired tear gas to disperse the crowd and arrested at least ten protesters. Further demonstrations are likely in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The opposition is asking for the Independent Electoral Commission to be reorganized as the country prepares for a series of upcoming elections. In addition to senatorial elections in March, other municipal and regional elections are expected to take place later this year and presidential elections are scheduled for 2020. The current electoral commission has been accused of political bias and there are concerns over the accuracy of electoral lists and election security. Following the disputed 2010 presidential elections, 3000 people died when rival supporters clashed in the streets of Abidjan. The unrest continued throughout the country for five months.

Advice

Individuals present in the Côte d'Ivoire are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid any protests, rallies, or political events.