Cote d'Ivoire: Protests likely nationwide in the coming days ahead of planned return of former president, June 17

Event

Protests against and in support of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo's return may take place nationwide over the coming days after his Front Populaire Ivoirien (FPI) party announced May 31 that Gbagbo plans to return to Cote d’Ivoire June 17. His return may attract hundreds to thousands of people. Notable possible flashpoints include Bonoua (Sud-Comoe Region), Gagnoa (Goh Region), Yamoussoukro, and the Yopougon neighborhood in Abidjan – historic FPI and Gbagbo’s strongholds.

The conditions of Gbagbo's return remain unclear; the FPI did not specify the exact timing or location for his intended comeback. Gbagbo will likely arrive in Abidjan. Should he return to Cote d'Ivoire, heightened security and transport disruptions are likely June 17. Clashes between rival protesters as well as between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Previously, the Collective for Victims of the Post-Electoral Crisis (Collectif des victimes de Cote d'Ivoire) civil society group gathered in front of the Palais de Justice in Abidjan May 10 to demand the immediate arrest of Gbagbo and Charles Ble Goude (former minister under Gbagbo’s presidency) upon their return. There were no reports of clashes.

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 freely. His return has the potential to revive political tensions.

The FPI was founded by Gbagbo and other relatives in 1982.

Advice

Monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and refrain from discussing domestic political issues in public.