Côte d'Ivoire: Clashes reported in Koumassi (Abidjan) December 3

Event

Clashes between Abidjan's Koumassi district residents and security forces occurred on Tuesday, December 3, after employees of the Ivory Coast electricity company (CIE) attempted to remove fraudulent electricity connections in the area. During the dispute, three cars from the CIE were burned down and few people were also injured.

Further discontent and related clashes over electricity regularisation operations are possible over the near term across Abidjan.

Context

Thousands of residents in Abidjan illegally connect to the electricity grid to avoid bill payment, prompting interventions from the CIE to rectify the situation.

Advice

Individuals in Abidjan are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid all gatherings as violence may flare up without warning.