Ivory Coast: Situation unresolved in Abidjan and Bouaké May 16 /update 6

Event

Soldiers taking part in Ivory Coast's ongoing military mutiny reportedly rejected a deal proposed by the government on the evening of Monday, May 15. This contradicted an announcement made by the country’s Defense Minister declaring that an agreement to end the ongoing conflict had been reached. According to a spokesperson for the protesting soldiers, they are demanding 7 million CFA francs be paid to each mutineer, turning down the government's proposal of 5 million CFA francs. According to a spokesperson for the mutineers, the mutiny is “not an attempt to stage a coup, but a call to obtain the unpaid bonuses,” adding that once the bonuses are paid, the situation will return to normal.

Although conditions seems to be relatively calm in Abidjan, as of the morning of Tuesday, May 16, the Blaise Pascal and Jacques Prévert French schools will reportedly remain closed. It is unclear if banks, shops, and businesses will remain closed as well.

There is currently little information available regarding conditions in Bouaké, and other cities affected by recent soldier protests (e.g. San Pedro, Daloa, Bondoukou, Abengourou, Anyama, Toulepleu, and Tabou) as of Tuesday morning. 

Most Western embassies have issued security messages advising their nationals to be highly vigilant in the above cities and to strictly avoid areas surrounding all military camps.

At least 20 people have reportedly been injured and one killed in associated violence since the beginning of the current mutiny on May 12. Further violence, including clashes between groups of soldiers, are possible in affected cities in the coming hours and days.

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 Ouattara. However, protesting soldiers claimed that the spokesman did not represent them and the mutiny continued across the country with incidents taking place in Bouaké, Korhogo, Daloa, Man, and Bondoukou May 13-14.

Gunshots were reported in the capital Abidjan and in the city of Bouaké on the morning of Monday, May 15, including at the Akouedo and Gallieni military camps in Abidjan, as well as near the naval base located in the Youpougon district of the capital.

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 Bouaké, Abidjan, and other areas where unrest is ongoing are advised to avoid unnecessary movements, to be prepared to shelter in place for a period of several days should the situation deteriorate, to keep abreast of ongoing developments, 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.