Côte d'Ivoire: Rally scheduled in Yopougon December 21

Event

The Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) and the Ivorian Democratic Party (PDCI) opposition groups have scheduled a rally in the Yopougon district of Abidjan on Saturday, December 21, ahead of the 2020 presidential election campaign. The parties will also call for former President Laurent Gbagbo’s repatriation. It remains unclear whether the rally will in fact take place as Yopougon’s mayor issued a decree on Monday, December 16, prohibiting all gatherings in the area until Sunday, January 5. Should the rally takes place despite the ban, participants plan to gather at 08:00 (local time) at Place Ficgayo.

Heightened security measures and associated transportation disruptions are to be expected in the vicinity of the rally. Clashes between participants and police are possible, particularly if participants gather despite the ban.

Context

The decree which can potentially ban the rally was issued due to French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to neighboring Abidjan between December 20 and December 22.

The presidential election is scheduled to take place in October 2020.

Advice

Individuals in Abidjan notably in Yopougon are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, anticipate localized transportation disruptions, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.