Ivory Coast authorities have imposed a sweeping two-month ban on political rallies and demonstrations, just a week before the country’s presidential election, further tightening restrictions on opposition activities.
The ban, announced late Friday by the interior and defence ministries, applies to all political parties and groups except the five candidates officially cleared to contest the October 25 vote.
The move follows growing political tension after two prominent opposition figures — former president Laurent Gbagbo and former prime minister Tidjane Thiam — were barred from participating in the election.
Last weekend, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Abidjan to protest the exclusions, prompting security forces to disperse the crowds. Sporadic unrest, including road and school blockades, has since been reported across several regions.
According to public prosecutor Oumar Braman Kone, around 700 people have been arrested in the past week. He said phone data showed evidence of “calls for attacks on public institutions,” describing the actions as “acts of terrorism.”
On Thursday, a court sentenced 26 protesters to three years in prison for public order offences, while 105 others are expected to go on trial next week.
The opposition coalition — made up of Gbagbo’s African Peoples’ Party – Ivory Coast (PPA-CI) and Thiam’s Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI) — condemned President Alassane Ouattara’s bid for a fourth term, calling the ban a violation of democratic rights.
Rights group Amnesty International has urged the government to stop “repressing” peaceful dissent, but Justice Minister Sansan Kambile defended the measure, saying it was necessary to protect national security.
Ouattara faces four challengers in the upcoming election, including former minister Jean-Louis Billon and ex-first lady Simone Gbagbo, as Ivory Coast braces for a tense and closely watched vote.
