Ivorian authorities have announced the arrest of 237 people, including women and youths, following a banned opposition protest in Abidjan over the weekend. Interior and Security Minister General Vagondo Diomandé said the detainees were involved in setting up barricades and causing disturbances in parts of Cocody, including Blockhaus and Angré.
He warned that anyone caught participating in unauthorized demonstrations would face legal action.
The protest, organized by the PPA-CI and PDCI opposition alliance, was initially planned for October 4, 2025, to challenge the organization of the upcoming presidential election set for October 25.
After being banned by authorities, the rally was rescheduled for October 11, but the Abidjan prefecture again prohibited it, citing security concerns during the campaign period.
Despite the ban, opposition spokesperson Habiba Touré insisted the march for “democracy, justice, and peace” would proceed. Security forces, however, blocked all attempts to gather as the official campaign period, running from October 10 to 23, began across the country.
