With just a week to the presidential polls, Ivory Coast has imposed a sweeping two-month ban on political rallies and demonstrations, tightening restrictions on opposition activities amid growing unrest.
The ban, jointly announced by the interior and defence ministries on Friday night, prohibits all political gatherings except those organised by the five candidates cleared to contest the October 25 election.
This comes against the backdrop of rising political tension following the exclusion of key opposition figures — including former president Laurent Gbagbo and ex-prime minister Tidjane Thiam from the race.
According to AFP, protests erupted last weekend in Abidjan as hundreds took to the streets, prompting security forces to disperse demonstrators. Similar disturbances, including road and school blockades, have been reported in other regions.
Public prosecutor Oumar Braman Kone confirmed that about 700 people have been arrested in the past week, citing phone data that allegedly revealed coordinated plans to attack public institutions — actions he described as “acts of terrorism.”