Cote d'Ivoire: Exercise caution ahead of expected unrest in lead up to presidential election October 31 /update 6

Event

Due to a call for civil disobedience by opposition leaders, unrest is anticipated across Cote d'Ivoire in the days leading to the presidential election on Saturday, October 31. Road blockages, traffic disruptions, and potentially violent and unruly protests should be anticipated in urban centers, with previous protests in Bongouanou, Bonoua, Dabou, and Daoukro in recent days resulting in clashes between rival supporters, with at least 20 people reportedly killed.

Heightened security measures should be anticipated in the vicinity of any demonstrations, particularly as a ban on gatherings remains in place amid COVID-19 restrictions.

Context

President Alassane Ouattara has announced 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 several fatalities and dozens of arrests.

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 or on social media, and heed all instructions issued by the local authorities.