Côte d'Ivoire: Students launch indefinite national strike Sep. 26 /update 3

Event

Students from the Federation Estudiantine et Scolaire de Côte d'Ivoire (FESCI) youth group launched an indefinite nationwide strike on Tuesday, September 26. Students are calling for the release of those arrested during protests over increased tuition fees that took place in several cities throughout the country, including in Abidjan and Daloa, on September 13 and 18. Protests and related violence cannot be ruled out during this social movement.

Context

Social unrest is common in Côte d'Ivoire, especially on university campuses where students and lecturers regularly protest against a lack of resources, delayed scholarship payments and research funding, and accommodation issues. Classes were intended to begin on September 11, but universities have remained closed amid the ongoing demonstrations.

Advice

Those present in Côte d'Ivoire, and especially in Abidjan, are advised to avoid any related protests and to keep abreast of the situation.