Cote d'Ivoire: Anti-government protest reported in Abidjan August 13 /update 2

Event

Anti-government protesters have gathered in Abidjan on Thursday, August 13. Reportedly, tear gas has been deployed to disperse protesters in Yopougon. Furthermore, there are reports that demonstrators have blocked the Abidjan-Grand Bassam expressway (A100) - which leads to Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) - in the Gonzagueville area. There have been no immediate reports of casualties amid the demonstrations. 

Supporters and opposers of President Alassane Ouattara have called for nationwide rallies on August 13, and Friday, August 14.

A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of any protests on Thursday and Friday.

Context

Ouattara announced on Friday, August 7, that he would be standing for a third term in presidential elections scheduled to be held in October. The president had been expected to stand down at the end of his current term, but the sudden death of his expected successor, Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly, on July 8 left the ruling RHDP coalition with no clear candidate going into the polls. However, Ouattara's decision to stand again has been opposed by opposition and civil society groups.

Advice

Those in Cote d'Ivoire are advised to monitor developments and remain apprised of the political situation, avoid all public demonstrations and political gatherings as a precaution, avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.