The following report highlights major news developments in politics, economy, health, and security in Cote d’Ivoire as of 25 October. This edition focuses on speculations over presidential candidates’ age limit, suspected terrorist attack in the northeast region, flooding victims, and a pro-Ble Goude march in Paris. The report includes background information to add context to the news items.
POLITICS
Political Stakeholders Speculate Over Age Limit for Presidential Candidates
After former President Laurent Gbagbo criticized an alleged plan by the government to put an age limit for presidential candidates, his former ally Pascal Affi N’guessan, chairman of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), raised against him. N’guessan said that the FPI, a party formed by Gbagbo, introduced the age limit in the 2000 Constitution. N’guessan said: “Let us support the age limit of 75 for presidential candidates because we must remain coherent and credible.”
Background: Upon his returned to Cote d’Ivoire after serving 10 years in jail at the International Criminal Court, Gbagbo left the FPI and formed a new party – the Party of African People of Cote d’Ivoire (PPA). An amendment of the Constitution with a view to reintroduce an age limit will prevent Gbagbo (76), Henri Konan Bedie (87), and President Alassane Ouattara (79) from running in the 2025 presidential election.
SECURITY
Vehicle of Security Forces Hit Improvised Explosive Device in Northeast
Media reported that a vehicle of the National Gendarmerie ran over an improvised explosive device in the northeastern locality of Tehini on 22 October. According to the reports, 36 men of the gendarmerie, who were on board of two pick-ups and five motorbikes, were ambushed on the Gogo-Govitan road in the department of Tehini. The soldiers sustained injuries and there was no death.
Background: Terrorist groups have launched sporadic attacks in northern Cote d’Ivoire. On 19 October, an unidentified gunman was killed and a gendarme wounded in an attack in Gogobel, a locality on the Tehini-Doropo road in northeastern Cote d’Ivoire.
Heavy Rain Claims Seven Lives in Abidjan
Media reported that flooding after heavy rains killed seven people, including two children, in the Yopougon ward of Abidjan 22 October. Following the tragedy, a delegation of the government, comprising the Minister of Solidarity and the Fight Against Poverty, Myss Belmonde Dogo, visited the family of the two children, who were found dead.
Background: In Abidjan, victims of flooding generally live in areas with poor or little infrastructure. Experts said that climate change has contributed to unexpected rainfalls in Abidjan where the rainy season usually lasts from May to late July.
TRENDING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Netizens React to Ambush of Gendarmerie Vehicle in Northeast
The Facebook page of Abidjan.net, a popular news portal, on 24 October reported that a pick of the Gendarmerie carrying 36 security forces and five motorcycles “fell into an ambush” on 22 October on the Gogo-Govitan road in the department of Tehini. Some 386 users commented the post that was shared 176 times. Most comments urged more vigilance from the authorities and accrued resources for the troops deployed in the area. One user from Mali asked the Ivorian and Malian governments to work hand in hand to face this transnational issue that risks spilling over to more countries.
Supporters of Charles Ble Goude March in France To Demand Issuance of Passport
On 22 October, the Facebook of Abidjan.net reported that around 100 supporters of Charles Ble Goude demonstrated on 23 October in front of the Ivoirian Embassy in Paris. They were asking for a passport for the former leader of the defunct pro-Gbagbo Congress of Young Patriots. Some 144 users commented the post, expressing vert mixed reactions. While some were asking the government to allow Ble Goude to return to Cote d’Ivoire since he was acquitted and in the name of reconciliation, others express worries that his return may cause trouble.
Context: Along with ex-President Laurent Gbagbo, Ble Goude was acquitted by the International Criminal Court of all charges in relation with the political crisis back in 2010-2011. But while Gbagbo has returned to Cote d’Ivoire after receiving a passport, Ble Goude is yet to receive his.
