Côte d'Ivoire: Ongoing student protest in Abidjan, Daloa Sep. 18 /update 2

Event

Students protest organized by the Federation Estudiantine et Scolaire (FESCI) youth group youth group are currently taking place in Abidjan, Daloa, and other cities throughout the country. In Abidjan, students reportedly blocked the roads around the Université Houphouet-Boigny located in the Cocody district and police forces are reportedly using tear gas to disperse the crowd. Further demonstrations are expected to take place in the Plateau district of Abidjan. Protesters are denouncing the violent police response following their demonstration held on September 13. An increased security presence, especially in Abidjan, and traffic disruptions are likely around the vicinity of the protests.

The protests are likely to continue until students’ demands are met.

Context

The September 13 protest occurred in front of Cité Rouge University, located in the Cocody district of Abidjan. Protesters are denouncing an increased tuition fees. Classes were intended to begin for the year on September 11 but the university has remained closed amid the demonstrations. On September 13, skirmishes between security forces and students in front of Cité Rouge University, located in the Cocody district of Abidjan, led to the arrest of several students and several injuries.

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.

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.