Ivory Coast: Violence possible as loyalist troops approach Bouaké May 14 /update 2

Event

On Sunday, May 14, media sources reported that a convoy of loyalist troops was heading toward Bouaké, the country's second-largest city, where renegade soldiers have staged a mutiny since Friday, May 12. Reports indicate that by Sunday afternoon the large convoy of loyalist troops was roughly 60 km (40 mi) south of the city. A representative of the mutinous soldiers, many of them ex-rebel fighters, indicated they were aware of the approaching troops and prepared to confront them if they attempted to enter the city. The main access roads to the city remain blocked by the protesting soldiers despite an increase in popular resistance to the mutiny; five individuals were reportedly shot and injured when renegade soldiers attempted to break up a demonstration in the city in opposition to their revolt earlier on May 14.

Further tensions, including violent conflict between groups of soldiers, is increasingly likely in Bouaké and other affected cities in the coming hours and days. Remain vigilant.

Context

The mutiny started on Friday, May 12, with the disgruntled soldiers taking control of the national military headquarters and the defense ministry in Abidjan. After tense negotiations the rebelling soldiers withdrew from the buildings and the barricades throughout the city were taken down. Later in the day a spokesman for the soldiers issued an apology for the current mutiny to President Alassane Ouattara. However, the protesting soldiers claimed that the spokesman did not represent them and the mutiny continued across the country May 13 with incidents taking place in Abidjan, Korhogo, Daloa, Man, and Bondoukou.

Soldiers launched a 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 and other areas where unrest is ongoing are advised to avoid unnecessary long-distance 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 more general 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.