Courts in Ivory Coast sentenced 26 people to three years in prison for participating in banned protests ahead of presidential elections. Political tensions are rising as former president Laurent Gbagbo and opposition leader Tidjane Thiam were barred from contesting incumbent Alassane Ouattara.
Authorities have prohibited all demonstrations against these exclusions, citing threats to national security and public order, Justice Minister Sansan Kambile said. Despite the ban, protesters gathered in Abidjan and other towns, challenging Ouattara’s bid for a controversial fourth term.
Prosecutor Oumar Braman Kone said authorities have arrested around 700 people since demonstrations began, reflecting growing unrest across the country. On Thursday, 32 individuals appeared in courts in Abidjan and Dabou, accused of marching illegally the previous Saturday, lawyers reported to AFP.
Of those, 26 received three-year prison terms, two were given suspended sentences, and four were acquitted, lawyers from PDCI and independent counsel said. Lawyer Roselyne Serikpa said many defendants were caught by circumstance, including workers, joggers, and worshippers, highlighting the breadth of the crackdown.
Authorities plan to sentence another 105 individuals in Abidjan next week, keeping pressure on opposition supporters ahead of the October 25 vote. During protests, police said a man was killed by unidentified individuals, while opposition groups claim at least two others have died nationwide.
Amnesty International urged Ivorian authorities to halt the crackdown and release detainees, condemning the government’s aggressive response to dissent. Ouattara, who has ruled since 2011, now faces four opposition candidates in an election shadowed by political tension and widespread demonstrations.