Côte d’Ivoire’s opposition parties have called for daily protests ahead of the presidential election, scheduled for October 25. The two main opposition candidates, former leader Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, have been barred from running. The government imposed sweeping bans on meetings and rallies earlier this month, citing the need to maintain public order.
On Saturday, security forces dispersed crowds with tear gas at a banned march in Abidjan, arresting at least 237 people. The opposition reported numerous injuries and reaffirmed their determination to continue demonstrations. The Common Front, a coalition of the two main opposition parties, announced that protests will continue daily until their demands for political dialogue are met.
The authorities had banned the opposition protest, but several groups took to the streets, calling for democracy and opposing President Alassane Ouattara’s candidacy. Ouattara, 83, is seeking a fourth term, which has sparked tensions in the country. Opposition leaders were not seen at the march, but activists expressed their frustration with the current regime. “Alassane Ouattara is not the choice of the Ivorians. We are not in a democracy; we are under a dictatorial regime,” one activist said.
The government’s actions have been criticized by the opposition, with the head of Thiam’s Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI) in parliament, Simon Doho, describing the arrests as “arbitrary” and a “serious risk to the stability of the country.” The executive secretary of Gbagbo’s African People’s Parti Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), Sebastien Djedje, said peace was being “imposed by weapons.”
In contrast, President Ouattara launched his re-election campaign in the city of Daloa, where he addressed a crowd of cheering supporters. His campaign spokesperson urged people to “vote for stability, peace, and continuity.” Ouattara will face off against several candidates, including former ministers and a former first lady, in the upcoming election.
The opposition’s call for daily protests has raised concerns about the country’s stability ahead of the election. The situation remains tense, with the opposition demanding political dialogue and the government maintaining its ban on meetings and rallies. The international community will be watching the developments in Côte d’Ivoire closely, as the country prepares for a crucial election that could have significant implications for its future.