Cote d'Ivoire: Security forces kill two protesters in Bonoua on August 13 /update 3

Event

Two anti-government protesters were killed by security forces in Bonoua (Sud-Comoe region) on Thursday, August 13, amid calls for President Alassane Ouattara to not run for a third term as president. The police station was reportedly stormed in Bonoua and set alight by angry demonstrators. 

Clashes were reported elsewhere on Thursday, particularly in parts of the capital Abidjan. In Yopougon, demonstrators clashed with police and blocked roads in the area of the courthouse. In Port-Bouët, demonstrators blocked a key thoroughfare. In Cocody, a heightened security presence was reported and police were carrying out body searches of passers-by. Also on Thursday, there were reports that demonstrators blocked the Abidjan-Grand Bassam expressway (A100) - which leads to Felix Houphouet-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) - in the Gonzagueville area of the capital. 

Supporters and opposers of President Alassane Ouattara have called for further rallies on 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.