Fri Oct 24 13:20:11 UTC 2025: Ivory Coast on Edge as Opposition Calls for Shutdown Ahead of Contested Elections

Abidjan, Ivory Coast – As Ivory Coast prepares for presidential elections this weekend, tensions are soaring amid opposition calls for nationwide shutdowns and boycotts. The opposition parties are protesting President Alassane Ouattara’s bid for a controversial fourth term. Civil society leaders warn of potential violence and a further slide toward authoritarianism.

The atmosphere in Abidjan, the economic capital, is fraught with anxiety. Residents describe living in fear, with many rushing home before dark due to the heavy police presence and memories of past electoral violence. At least 44,000 security personnel have been deployed across the country.

The upcoming election is particularly contentious. Key opposition figures have been barred from running, and Ouattara’s decision to seek a fourth term, made possible by a constitutional change, has sparked widespread anger. The two main opposition parties have been calling for dialogue with the government. Instead they have faced a crackdown, with hundreds arrested and some sentenced on “terrorism” charges. Rights groups like Amnesty International have condemned the arrests and called for the release of peaceful protesters.

Facing arrests and fearing repression, some leaders are calling for more drastic actions. Civil society leader Pulcherie Gbalet has urged Ivorians to “stop everything,” block roads, and paralyze the country to force the government to cancel the elections.

Political analysts warn that Ivory Coast’s history of electoral violence, which claimed thousands of lives in previous elections, could be repeated. Critics accuse Ouattara of governing with an “iron fist” and restricting public freedoms. The justice ministry defends its actions. They say restrictions are necessary for national security and public order during the election period.

While some Ivorians have fled to neighboring Ghana and others are stockpiling supplies, many are urging political leaders to return to the negotiating table. Despite calls for a total shutdown, the government seems determined to proceed with the elections, raising fears of further unrest and bloodshed.

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