A group of lawyers representing the opposition African Peoples’ Party Côte d’Ivoire (PPACI), led by former President Laurent Gbagbo, has accused the Ivorian government of serious human rights violations, including the secret detention of two party militants.
At a press conference held in Abidjan on Wednesday, attorneys Sylvain Tapi, Zahui Toussaint Dako, and Hiujo Kano Blé alleged that Mr. Lida Kouassi Moise and Mr. Kone Boubacar were arrested in connection with the burning of a public transport bus and a police vehicle in the Yopougon district on August 1–2. The lawyers claim the men have since been held in an undisclosed location without access to legal counsel.
“These individuals were interrogated without their lawyers present, and are being detained in a secret facility,” said one of the attorneys. “This constitutes a total violation of their rights.”
The legal team cited breaches of Côte d’Ivoire’s 2005 legal code, specifically Articles 42 and 43, which guarantee the right to legal representation and protection against arbitrary detention.
Government officials have not yet responded to the specific allegations. However, sources familiar with the case confirmed that both men were placed under a detention warrant on August 11 and are facing charges including terrorism and conspiracy against the state.
The lawyers’ statements have intensified scrutiny over the government’s handling of political dissent, particularly as Côte d’Ivoire prepares for its 2025 presidential elections.
The country has experienced repeated episodes of electoral violence, and international human rights organizations have previously raised concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and judicial independence.
The PPACI’s claims are expected to fuel further debate over the state of civil liberties in Côte d’Ivoire and the transparency of its legal processes.
