Côte d'Ivoire: Protesters gather in Abidjan August 14 /update 6

Event

Anti-government protests took place in the capital Abidjan on Friday, August 14, as demonstrators denounce President Alassane Ouattara's decision to run for a third term in the October election. A bus was reportedly set alight in the capital, but did not cause any casualties. 

Protests were also reported in Gôh's Gagnoa (Gôh-Djiboua district) and Diegonefla (Oumé department), and in Bonoua (Comoé district) on Friday. 

Further unrest is likely across Côte d'Ivoire over the coming days and in the lead up to the elections. A heightened security presence is likely, along with disruptions to overland travel. 

Context

Protests have taken place across the country in recent days to condemn President Alassane Ouattara's decision to run for a third term in the October 31 election. The protests have led to dozens of arrests and at least five deaths, two of which occurred during demonstrations in Daoukro on Wednesday, where a curfew was put in place from 19:00 to 06:00 (local time); it has not been specified how long it will be imposed for.

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 Côte 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.