Côte d’Ivoire: Tens of thousands of people rally in Abidjan October 10 /update 2

Event

Opposition supporters rallied in Abidjan on Saturday, October 10, as part of ongoing calls denouncing a possible third term by incumbent President Alassane Ouattara. Former president and opposition candidate, Henri Konan Bedie, called for the rally at Félix Houphouët Boigny stadium in Plateau district. The rally commenced at around 09:00 (local time) and by the afternoon there were approximately 20,000 people gathered at the stadium. A ban on gatherings remains and therefore a heightened security presence was anticipated; however, there have been no confirmed reports of police intervention or clashes during the event.

Associated demonstrations and rallies are likely to continue in the lead up to the election. Localized disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of demonstrations. Events and demonstrations will likely be tightly policed with the potential to escalate into clashes.

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.