Côte d’Ivoire: Concerns Mount Over Post-Election Detentions and Trial Fairness

Five months after Ivorian authorities banned opposition protests following the October 2025 presidential election, hundreds remain detained, with reports of unfair trials and inadequate medical care, according to Amnesty International. The organization is calling for the immediate release of those held solely for participating in peaceful protests or being in their vicinity.

Crackdown Following Presidential Election

In the lead-up to the October 25, 2025, presidential election, the Ivorian National Security Council banned gatherings and deployed 44,000 security forces personnel nationwide on October 2. The prefect of Abidjan as well prohibited a peaceful rally planned by opposition parties for October 4, intended to protest the exclusion of candidates from the presidential race.

Arbitrary Arrests and Unfair Trials

On October 11, security forces dispersed peaceful gatherings with tear gas, resulting in 237 arrests in Abidjan and 18 in Dabou. By October 16, approximately 700 people had been arrested, with around 50 swiftly sentenced to three years in prison for charges including disturbing public order. Amnesty International reports that some individuals were convicted in trials where they were denied legal representation.

Pregnant Women Detained

Amnesty International has raised serious concerns about the detention of three pregnant women. Two were convicted of ‘disturbing public order,’ ‘participating in an unauthorized demonstration,’ and ‘gathering on public roads’ just days after their arrest. One, a mother of four and street vendor, was arrested on October 11 while selling fruit juice near a protest site and sentenced to three years in prison. Her family has been denied visitation rights. The second, a mother of five who was six months pregnant, was arrested on October 11 for possessing a t-shirt with opposition party colors and received the same sentence.

Their lawyer, Sylvain Tapi, stated, “These women were caught up in raids while going about their daily business. They are in an environment that is not conducive to a healthy pregnancy. They are severely affected both mentally and physically.” Both women have appealed their sentences.

A third woman, seven months pregnant, was arrested on October 20 after witnessing protesters fleeing security forces. She sought refuge in her home, where she was beaten and taken into custody by police, according to relatives.

Concerns Over Prisoner Treatment and Due Process

Amnesty International reports that several detainees have been denied access to family members or legal counsel and are not receiving adequate medical care. The organization emphasizes the need for the Ivorian authorities to adhere to the Nelson Mandela Rules for the treatment of prisoners.

The organization also highlights cases of men arrested near protests who were sentenced to three years in prison after trials conducted without legal representation. One individual was arrested while on his way to work and found to be carrying an opposition party membership card.

Call for Release and Respect for Human Rights

“In cases where offences have not been formally established, charges against prisoners must be dropped and they must be released immediately,” said Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa. “Trials in the first instance and on appeal must be held as quickly as possible and with due regard for the rights of the defence. The Ivorian authorities also have the duty to ensure appropriate medical care for those detained, including prenatal care and facilitate family visits.”

Amnesty International urges the Ivorian authorities to release all prisoners detained solely for participating in peaceful protests and to uphold the rights to liberty, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, in accordance with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Background

Following the October 25 presidential election, Alassane Ouattara was declared the winner in the first round.