Cote d'Ivoire: Political rally scheduled in Abidjan for August 22

Event

A political rally is scheduled to take place in Abidjan on Saturday, August 22, during the ruling party's nomination ceremony. The rally has been organized by the ruling Houphouetist Rally for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party to mark the formal candidature of President Alassane Ouattara for a third term. The rally will be held at the Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

Associated disruptions to transportation are to be expected around the demonstration site.

Context

Ouattara announced on 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 the opposition and civil society groups.

Advice

Individuals in Abidjan are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor the situation, allow ample travel time, and obey instructions issued by local authorities