Keypoints:
- Prosecutors charge 11 people, including PPA-CI members, with terrorism-related offences linked to August 1 unrest
- Former defence minister Lida Kouassi Moise and retired ambassador Kone Boubakar detained as alleged masterminds
- PPA-CI says arrests are politically motivated; prosecutors deny any political intent amid election turmoil
PROSECUTORS in Côte d’Ivoire have formally charged 11 individuals, among whom are members of the opposition African Peoples’ Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) of former president Laurent Gbagbo, accusing them of ‘terrorist’ offences connected to violent unrest earlier this month.
On the night of August 1, a public transport bus was torched and a police vehicle was attacked in a suburb of Abidjan by ‘a horde of hooded individuals holding machetes, clubs, firearms and incendiary cocktails,’ according to a statement released by Prosecutor Oumar Braman Kone.
Investigation points to high-profile figures
An inquiry led to the arrest of nine suspects, several of whom are affiliated with the PPA-CI, although the party has denied any involvement. During questioning, the suspects reportedly named Lida Kouassi Moise, the former defence minister, and Kone Boubakar, a retired ambassador, as the instigators of the unrest. Both men were taken into custody over the weekend.
Charges cover terrorism and insurrection
Prosecutor Kone stated that the suspects appeared to have intended to spread ‘terror’ and destabilise the country following President Alassane Ouattara’s announcement that he would seek a fourth term in the October election. The 11 individuals face multiple charges, including ‘terrorist acts, conspiracy against state authority, participation in an insurrection, wilful damage to a vehicle and arson involving someone else’s vehicle.’
Opposition decries judicial crackdown
The PPA-CI has condemned the charges as ‘an operation of intimidation and repression’ and ‘judicial and political harassment’, asserting that the arrests are politically motivated. Prosecutor Kone rebutted this, insisting there is no political intent behind the legal action.
Election tensions escalate amid leaders’ exclusion
These developments come amid mounting political turmoil less than three months ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October 25. Court rulings have already barred several opposition figures—including Gbagbo—from standing. On Saturday, thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets of Yopougon—the site of the violent incidents—to protest President Ouattara’s bid for another term and demand the reinstatement of their leaders to the electoral roll.
