Violence Erupts in Abidjan Suburb

On the night of August 1, chaos broke out in Yopougon, a suburb of Abidjan, when masked individuals armed with machetes, firearms, and incendiary devices set a public bus on fire and attacked a police vehicle. Prosecutor Oumar Braman Kone described the incident as an act intended to sow terror.

Arrests Target Opposition Members

Following an investigation, nine individuals were arrested, many of whom are members of the African Peoples' Party – Cote d'Ivoire (PPA-CI), founded by former President Laurent Gbagbo. Despite the arrests, the PPA-CI has strongly denied any involvement in the violence.

Senior Figures Accused of Instigating Unrest

During interrogations, suspects allegedly identified two high-profile individuals — Lida Kouassi Moise, a former defense minister, and Kone Boubakar, a retired ambassador — as masterminds behind the attacks. Both were arrested over the weekend.

Prosecutor: No Political Motive in Arrests

Kone stated that the group aimed to trigger unrest in response to President Alassane Ouattara’s recent announcement that he would run for a controversial fourth term in the upcoming October 25 elections. Charges include terrorist acts, conspiracy, insurrection, and arson.

Tensions Rise Ahead of Election

Political tension continues to escalate in the West African nation. The PPA-CI condemned the charges as “judicial and political harassment.” Meanwhile, thousands of opposition supporters staged peaceful protests in Yopougon, demanding the reinstatement of barred candidates, including Gbagbo, to the electoral roll.