Côte d’Ivoire’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH) has issued a public appeal for restraint and respect for the rule of law as political tensions mount ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for October 25.
In a statement signed by CNDH President Namizata Sangaré, the Council expressed deep concern over a series of unauthorized demonstrations and clashes with security forces that have erupted nationwide since the release of the final candidate list on September 8.
The Council cited the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old man in Bonoua on October 13 as the most serious incident to date. While acknowledging that the National Police Directorate has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, the CNDH emphasized that accountability must be applied universally.
Calling for justice and the reinforcement of democratic institutions, the Council urged authorities to investigate all reported human rights violations and abuses linked to the recent unrest. It also pledged to monitor judicial proceedings involving individuals arrested during the demonstrations.
The CNDH condemned political actors who have defied state institutions and legal restrictions, warning that such actions threaten the country’s fragile democratic foundations. It further noted that the protests have disrupted daily life, including the closure of schools in key urban areas such as Cocody and Yopougon, infringing on citizens’ rights to education, peace, and free movement.
While reaffirming the importance of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, the Council stressed that these rights must be exercised responsibly and without compromising public order or the rights of others.
The statement concluded with a call for all stakeholders to pursue lawful avenues for expressing dissent and to prioritize national stability during the electoral process.
