Côte d'Ivoire: Protests near Abidjan’s Port Bouët Airport (ABJ) January 14

Event

Protesters took to the streets near Abidjan's Port Bouët Airport (ABJ) on Tuesday, January 14, after eviction orders were issued to approximately 700,000 residents in the surrounding Adjouffou neighborhood. The government plans to demolish homes within 4 km (2.5 mi) of the airport fence to improve security at ABJ. This decision comes after a teenager was found dead in the landing gear of an airplane that had arrived in Paris (France) from Abidjan on January 8. The government has given residents until Wednesday, January 15, to leave the affected area.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected in the area over the coming hours. Further protests are possible over the near term.  

Advice

Individuals in Abidjan are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, anticipate a heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.