Côte d'Ivoire: FPI leader calls for rally in Abidjan August 8

Event

Sangaré Aboudramane, the leader of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) party, is calling for supporters to hold a significant rally in Abidjan on Wednesday, August 8. Participants are being asked to gather outside the Gendarmerie School to celebrate the release of former First Lady Simone Gbagbo from prison. Gbagbo, along with 800 other prisoners, was granted amnesty on Monday, August 6, by President Alassane Ouattara. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated in the area.

Context

Gbagbo was arrested in 2011, following the disputed 2010 presidential elections. At least 3000 people died when rival supporters clashed in the streets of Abidjan. The unrest continued throughout the country for five months. She received a 20-year prison sentence in 2015 after being charged with “attempting to undermine the security of the state,” disturbing public order, and organizing armed gangs in relation to the violence.

Advice

Individuals present in Abidjan are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to avoid any protests, rallies, or political events.