Cote d'Ivoire: Demonstrations possible nationwide on August 31 as presidential candidacy applications close

Event

Demonstrations are possible throughout Côte d'Ivoire on Monday, August 31, the scheduled end date of presidential candidacy applications. A ban is in place on all demonstrations until at least September 15, but recent anti-government protests have defied the ban and violent clashes have been witnessed amid the unrest. Although no official demonstrations have been confirmed, likely gathering points include Abidjan and other areas where protests have taken place in recent weeks.

Demonstrations are likely in the coming days, and a heightened security presence is to be anticipated in major urban centers.

Context

President Alassane Ouattara announced on August 7 that he would be standing for a third term in presidential elections scheduled to be held on October 31. The president had been expected to stand down at the end of his current term, but the sudden death of his expected successor, Prime Minister Amadou Gon Coulibaly, on July 8 left the ruling RHDP coalition with no clear candidate going into the polls. However, Ouattara's decision to stand again has been opposed by the opposition and civil society groups. Unrest linked to the issue has resulted in six fatalities, over 100 injuries, and 69 arrests.

Advice

Those in Cote d'Ivoire are advised to monitor developments and remain apprised of the political situation, avoid all public demonstrations and political gatherings as a precaution, avoid discussing sensitive political topics in public, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.