Ivory Coast: Mutiny ends, cities peaceful May 16 /update 7

Event

On Tuesday, May 16, soldiers taking part in Ivory Coast's military mutiny reportedly accepted a deal initially proposed by the government the evening prior, thus theoretically putting an end to the crisis ongoing since Friday. According to a spokesperson for the protesting soldiers, the mutineers have accepted the government's proposal to immediately distribute 5 million CFA francs of back pay to each soldier; the remaining 2 million CFA francs owed to the soldiers will reportedly be paid in June. The spokesperson announced that the soldiers will now return to their barracks.

In Bouaké, police forces have reportedly regained control of the main highways leading to and from the city. Conditions are back to normal in Abidjan; the Blaise Pascal and Jacques Prévert French schools, as well as international organizations (such as the African Development Bank) and various businesses are expected to re-open on the morning of Wednesday, May 17.

Western embassies have lifted travel warnings for affected cities. However, further violence cannot be ruled out, for example if the agreement is not honored. As such individuals in the country should continue to monitor the situation and remain vigilant.

Context

This most recent soldier mutiny over unpaid bonuses began on Friday, May 12, with disgruntled soldiers firing shots into the air in Bouaké and taking control of the national military headquarters and the Defense Ministry in Abidjan. After tense negotiations on Friday, the rebelling soldiers withdrew from the buildings and barricades erected throughout the city were dismantled. Later in the day a spokesman for the soldiers issued an apology for to President Alassane Ouattara. However, protesting soldiers claimed that the spokesman did not represent them and the mutiny continued across the country until Tuesday, May 16. At least 20 people have reportedly been injured and one killed in associated violence since the beginning of the current mutiny.

Soldiers had launched an earlier mutiny on January 6 over low wages and unpaid bonuses supposedly owed to the soldiers after the 2010-2011 post-electoral crisis. Calm was restored after an agreement between mutineers and the government was reached on January 7. Nevertheless, the situation remained volatile in the days and weeks after the agreement. A similar uprising occurred in 2014, when hundreds of soldiers blocked roads throughout the country demanding unpaid wages. The government ultimately reached a financial settlement with the soldiers.

Ivory Coast experienced a drawn-out political crisis from 2002 to 2011 but is now considered one of Africa's most promising economies, the largest in francophone West Africa. However, the country's military continues to suffer from large internal divisions stemming from long-standing animosities among current soldiers (opponents in previous conflicts) and a lack of reform.

Advice

Individuals present in the country are advised to keep abreast of the situation, to remain vigilant, and to follow any instructions issued by local authorities or their home governments.

On a separate note, due to tensions between ethnic groups and occasional outbreaks of deadly violence, some Western governments advise against nonessential travel to the southwestern border areas with Liberia (Bas-Sassandra, Haut-Sassandra, Dix-Huit Montagnes regions). Additionally, due to high crime rates in urban areas, visitors to Ivory Coast are advised to maintain a low profile at all times as criminals may target foreigners due to their perceived affluence. Be particularly vigilant after dusk and avoid traveling by foot at night. Be aware that criminals may be armed; do not resist in the event of an attempted robbery.