Cote d'Ivoire: Inauguration ceremony for President Alassane Ouattara will be held on Dec. 14

Event

Political dignitaries, including foreign leaders, plan to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Alassane Ouattara for his third term on Dec. 14. The event will occur at the Presidential Palace at 1100. Opposition political parties and civil society groups may protest the event.

Heightened security and transportation disruptions are almost certain to occur. Security forces will likely deploy to any demonstrations, should they manifest. Protesters may gather near government buildings, in city or town centers, and along major road routes in Abidjan. Authorities will likely use force to disperse any protests that may materialize. Government supporters may hold counter-rallies; clashes between the two groups could occur.

Context

Political opposition parties and civil society groups have held multiple nationwide protests in the past several months to protest President Ouattara's third term efforts. Recent rallies have been called to protest Ouattara's victory in the Oct. 31 election, with opposition leaders rejecting Ouattara's legitimacy as president. While it is unclear if political groups will protest the Dec. 14 event, the high-profile nature of the event and planned attendance of prominent heads of state increases the odds of demonstrations occurring.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a standard security precaution. Keep away from areas where security personnel appear to be deploying. If clashes break out nearby, take shelter in a safe, nongovernmental building. Heed all security personnel instructions and allow additional travel time near gatherings.