Côte d’Ivoire: Student marches nationwide August 16

Event

The Student and School Federation of Côte d’Ivoire (FESCI) called for demonstrations to take place on Wednesday, August 16, in various cities throughout the country. According to a union source, these marches aim to put pressure on the authorities to renovate university residences, reduce family financial obligations, and install Wi-Fi at university buildings. The demonstrations are currently scheduled to take place in Yamoussoukro, Man, Bouaké, Aboisso, Korhogo, Abengourou, Divo, Lakota, Gagnoa, Daloa, and Abidjan. Traffic disruptions and an increased security presence are likely in the vicinity of any demonstrations.

Context

Côte d'Ivoire experienced a drawn-out political crisis from 2002 to 2011 but is now considered one of Africa's most promising economies, the largest in francophone West Africa. However, the country continues to suffer from high sociopolitical and economic tensions; numerous strikes and protests, as well as several military and police mutinies, have occurred since the beginning of 2017. A large civil servant strike that lasted several weeks in early 2017, mainly affecting the education sector, was accompanied by sporadic outbreaks of violence.

Advice

Individuals present in the abovementioned areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to avoid all demonstrations.