The Ivorian government has announced a nationwide security operation and a ban on public protests challenging the final list of presidential candidates, as the country prepares for elections scheduled for October 25.
President Alassane Ouattara chaired a meeting of the National Security Council (CNS) on Thursday, where officials unveiled “Opération Espérance” (Operation Hope), a comprehensive security plan aimed at ensuring peaceful and orderly voting. The operation will mobilize 44,000 members of the Defence and Security Forces, deploying mixed patrols — both motorized and on foot — across the country.
The CNS reported that the national security situation is “continuously improving” and praised a recent simulation exercise held in September to test coordination among security units.
Crackdown on Political Dissent
The Council issued a strong warning against any attempts to challenge the Constitutional Council’s final candidate list, published on September 8. Officials condemned what they described as “xenophobic, hateful, and subversive remarks” by certain political figures, as well as the spread of misinformation deemed likely to disrupt public order.
Under Article 138 of the Ivorian Constitution, decisions by the Constitutional Council are final and not subject to appeal. The Ministers of Justice and Security have been instructed to enforce a ban on public gatherings or demonstrations aimed at contesting the Council’s rulings. Violators, the communiqué stated, will face legal sanctions.
Support for Peacebuilding Efforts
President Ouattara also commended civil society groups for their role in promoting peace ahead of the vote. He specifically acknowledged the National Chamber of Kings and Traditional Chiefs for their recent outreach tour, as well as religious leaders and other non-governmental actors.
The President concluded by assuring both Ivorian citizens and foreign residents of the government’s commitment to a secure and transparent electoral process.
The official communiqué was signed by Fidèle Sarassoro, Minister and Executive Secretary of the National Security Council.
