The following report highlights Ivorians netizens’ reactions to various events, including news that the construction of the Abidjan metro sparked discontent among the populations and rumors of terrorist threats in the north of Cote d’Ivoire. The report includes background information to add context to the discussions.
Economy
Construction of Abidjan Metro Sparks Discontent Among Populations
A 23 August post on the Facebook page of NCI-La Nouvelle Chaine Ivoirienne, with more than 1.3 million followers, said that works of the Abidjan metro sparked discontent among the populations of the communes of Anyama and Abobo. According to the post, the victims did not receive any prior notification that they should vacate their houses. As at 1100 GMT on 24 August, the post generated more than 4,000 likes, more than 800 emojis of sadness, more than 1,400 comments, and was shared 2,300 times. The majority of the comments hailed the construction of the Abidjan metro, but criticized the government, saying that it failed to compensate and relocate the victims.
Background: The initial work of the Abidjan metro, a 37-kilometer urban transport rail network project, began in 2018. The project’s execution started on 19 August.
Security
Netizen Says Unidentified ‘Terrorist’ Group Threatens Cote d’Ivoire
A 23 August post on the Facebook page of the Ivorian state-owned news agency AIP, with more than 87,000 followers, quoted Prefect Cyrille Ambroise Diomande as saying that an unidentified “terrorist” group threatened to attack the northern town of Tingrela. As at 1100 GMT on 24 August, the post generated more than 44 likes, 13 emojis of surprise, 12 emojis of sadness, 18 comments, and was shared 26 times. The majority of the comments expressed surprise and asked for divine protection.
Background: Ivorian security forces are investigating a social media video showing armed individuals on motorbikes. Terrorist groups first targeted Cote d’Ivoire in 2016 when they attacked the southeastern town of Grand-Bassam. Ever since, the country is on high alert.
