Ivory Coast opposition slams protest ban ahead of controversial vote

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ABIDJAN - Ivorian opposition parties and NGOs slammed a ban on political rallies just a week before a controversial presidential election in which two top opposition figures have been barred.

The two-month ban, announced late Friday by the interior and defence ministries, applies to all political parties and groups except the five candidates officially approved to contest the October 25 vote.

It comes amid rising tensions following the exclusion of opposition heavyweights Laurent Gbagbo, a former Ivorian president, and Tidjane Thiam, who earlier headed Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse, from the race.

Incumbent President Alassane Ouattara, in power since 2011, is vying for a fourth term in office.

The opposition coalition Common Front, made up of Gbagbo's African Peoples' Party -- Ivory Coast (PPA-CI) and Thiam's Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), has denounced Ouattara's bid for a fourth term.

Ivorian independent presidential candidate Ahoua Don Mello is welcomed by his supporters during a campaign rally at the commune of Port-Bouet in Abidjan on October 15, 2025. (AFP)

"Saying no to the fourth term is not a crime," said Common Front spokeswoman Habiba Toure in a video late Friday.

"We are not calling for war -- we want democracy. Do not let yourselves be intimidated," she said.

Hundreds of people rallied at protests in Abidjan last weekend, with security forces dispersing crowds. Sporadic unrest, including road and school blockades, has been reported in several regions.

On Saturday, the NGO Turn the Page called protest bans "blatant violations of the right to peaceful assembly".

It added that it "condemns police oppression against peaceful demonstrations" and "urges the government to reengage in political dialogue".

The Ivorian League of Human Rights (LIDHO), meanwhile, called on the authorities to "avoid any excessive use of force".

Around 700 people have been arrested over the past week, according to public prosecutor Oumar Braman Kone, who said phone data revealed calls for attacks on public institutions, which he described as "acts of terrorism".

On Thursday, 26 protesters were sentenced to three years in prison for public order offences, and another 105 are due to stand trial next week.

Amnesty International urged authorities to stop "repressing" protests, but Justice Minister Sansan Kambile defended the crackdown, citing national security concerns.



Ouattara faces four challengers, including former minister Jean-Louis Billon and ex-first lady Simone Gbagbo.