Côte d’Ivoire: Violent students protest in Abidjan March 19 /update 5

Event

Police forces dispersed with tear gas and water canons a group of hundreds of students protesting in Abidjan on Tuesday, March 19. Students gathered in the Cocody neighborhood to denounce a teachers' strike ongoing for two months and demand the resumption of classes. A continuation of the strike is expected and further protests by teachers and by students are possible in the coming days and weeks. Associated disruptions are expected in the vicinity of any demonstrations.

Context

Teachers have been on strike since January 22 to demand better salaries, the payment of bonuses and housing fees, and class-free days on Wednesdays. Student protests erupted nationwide to denounce the strike. Teachers had previously agreed to suspend their nationwide strike for one month on March 3 to allow for talks. However, leaders of the Student Federation of Cote d'Ivoire (FESCI) claim that the teachers have not obtained any concessions from the government and teachers will continue their protest until their demands are satisfied. Some union leaders have called for educators to return to work and denounced efforts to prevent non-striking teachers from resuming classes.

Advice

Individuals in Côte d'Ivoire are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate public demonstrations and localized transportation disruptions, and avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution.