Ivory Coast Bans Political Rallies Ahead Of Presidential Election Amid Rising Tensions

The ban, announced late Friday by the interior and defence ministries, applies to all political parties and groups except the five candidates officially cleared to contest the October 25 presidential poll.

Ivory Coast authorities have imposed a sweeping two-month ban on political rallies and demonstrations just a week before the presidential election, a move that further restricts opposition activities in the country.

The ban, announced late Friday by the interior and defence ministries, applies to all political parties and groups except the five candidates officially cleared to contest the October 25 presidential poll.

The decision comes amid mounting political tensions following the exclusion of prominent opposition figures, including former president Laurent Gbagbo and former prime minister Tidjane Thiam, from the race.

AFP reports that last weekend, hundreds of people took to the streets of Abidjan in protest, prompting security forces to disperse crowds.

Sporadic unrest, including road and school blockades, has also been reported in several regions across the country.

Public prosecutor Oumar Braman Kone said about 700 people have been arrested over the past week, adding that phone data revealed coordinated calls for attacks on public institutions — which he described as “acts of terrorism.”