Ivory Coast’s government has imposed a sweeping two-month ban on political rallies and demonstrations just days before the October 25 presidential election — a move widely seen as tightening the clampdown on opposition activity.
Announced late Friday by the interior and defence ministries, the ban applies to all political groups and parties except the five candidates officially cleared to contest the vote.
The decision comes amid mounting political tension following the disqualification of opposition heavyweights Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, whose exclusion has sparked anger and sporadic unrest in several regions.
Last weekend, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Abidjan before security forces dispersed them. Authorities say around 700 people have been arrested over the past week, with public prosecutor Oumar Braman Kone alleging that phone data uncovered plans for attacks on public institutions — acts he labelled as “terrorism.”
Twenty-six protesters have already been sentenced to three years in prison for public order offences, while another 105 are expected to face trial next week.
The opposition coalition, which includes Gbagbo’s African Peoples’ Party — Ivory Coast (PPA-CI) and Thiam’s Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), has condemned President Alassane Ouattara’s bid for a controversial fourth term, calling the election unfair.
Amnesty International has urged authorities to stop “repressing” peaceful protests, but Justice Minister Sansan Kambile defended the government’s stance, insisting that the restrictions are necessary to preserve national security.
President Ouattara faces four approved challengers, including former minister Jean-Louis Billon and ex-first lady Simone Gbagbo.
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