Cote d'Ivoire: Opposition plan rally to be held in Yamoussoukro September 12

Event

The opposition Democratic Party of Cote d'Ivoire-African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA) has scheduled a rally to be held on Saturday, September 12, in Yamoussoukro to officially nominate former president Henri Konan Bedie as the party's candidate in the upcoming 31 October presidential elections. Reports indicate that participants are expected to gather from 09:00 (local time) at Place Jean Paul II in the capital.

A ban remains in place on all demonstrations until at least September 15, however, rallies and protests have defied the ban and continued in recent weeks and resulted in clashes. Further unrest in the lead up to the elections is likely across Cote d'Ivoire. A heightened security presence and localized disruptions in the vicinity of the rally are likely.

Context

President Alassane Ouattara announced on August 7 that he would be standing for a third term in presidential elections scheduled to be held on October 31. 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. Unrest linked to the issue has resulted in six fatalities, over 100 injuries, and 69 arrests.

Advice

Those in Yamoussoukro 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.