Côte d’Ivoire: Pro-government rally planned in Abidjan for October 29

Event

A pro-government rally has been called for by the ruling Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) party in Abidjan on Thursday, October 29, to show support for President Alassane Ouattara. The rally is set to take place in the Abobo district, with supporters expected to gather at Rond point Banco-Anador from 11:00 (local time) before marching to the City council of Abobo at 14:00. The event is likely to be tightly policed with the potential to escalate into clashes.

A heightened security presence and localized travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the event.

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 Abidjan are advised to monitor developments, avoid large gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.