Cote d'Ivoire: Clashes in Abidjan, June 17

Event

Civil unrest has been reported in several locations in Abidjan ahead of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo's return to Cote d'Ivoire, June 17. The former president is scheduled to return at 15:45 via Abidjan's Felix-Houphouet-Boigny International Airport (ABJ). Police have used tear gas to disperse pro-Gbagbo supporters in the Port-Bouet and Koumassi neighborhoods. Uncorroborated reports also suggest that anti-Gbagbo supporters attacked pro-Gbagbo supporters in the Adjame area, killing one elderly person and injuring several others. Further related gatherings have been reported in and around Abidjan, including in the Yopougon neighborhood– a historic Gbagbo stronghold. Ground traffic is also severely disrupted, notably along roads to and from ABJ.

Further episodes of unrest are likely in the coming hours. Clashes between protesters and the police and between pro- and anti-Gbagbo sympathizers are possible. Any unrest is likely to result in further ground travel disruptions.

Context

Gbagbo had been in detention since November 2011 and faced counts of crimes against humanity, related to the violence following his defeat in the 2010 presidential election. On March 31, the International Criminal Court confirmed his acquittal for crimes against humanity, and current President Alassane Ouattara said he could return to Cote d’Ivoire.

Advice

Avoid all protests and demonstrations. Plan for localized disruptions. Heed the instructions of the security forces.