Ivory Coast’s government on Thursday announced a ban on meetings and rallies opposing the exclusion of key critics from the October 25 presidential vote. Ex-leaders Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam have been barred from challenging President Alassane Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term, escalating political tensions.
Past elections in the country have sparked deadly unrest, raising fears of violence ahead of the vote this month in Ivory Coast. Since September 8, when the Constitutional Council approved candidates, the National Security Council warned of individuals spreading false information that could threaten public peace.
The CNS emphasised that “decisions of the Constitutional Council cannot be appealed,” and contesting the rulings is illegal and punishable by law. Authorities instructed justice and security ministers to enforce order, including banning public meetings or demonstrations aimed at challenging the council’s decisions.
Gbagbo and Thiam’s parties had announced a joint march in Abidjan for Saturday, advocating “democracy, justice and peace,” which now faces prohibition. The opposition has staged two major marches in recent months, drawing thousands of supporters despite rising government scrutiny.
Gbagbo’s party claims dozens of members have been abducted or arrested since August 1, accusations the government denies as false. Critics question the independence of Ivory Coast’s judiciary, even as the government insists the courts acted autonomously in candidate approvals.
Ouattara, 83, will compete against former ministers Jean-Louis Billon and Ahoua Don Mello, former first lady Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, and Henriette Lagou. Tensions continue to mount as the nation prepares for a pivotal vote, with fears of unrest shadowing Ivory Coast’s political landscape.