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Rallies by the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) and other opposition groups were banned or dispersed by security forces, raising tensions ahead of the presidential election.

Abidjan, October 12, 2025 – The launch of the Ivorian opposition's campaign for the October 25 presidential election was met with a forceful police response this weekend. Authorities, citing public security concerns, banned several planned gatherings, while clashes broke out between security forces and supporters, creating a tense atmosphere at the start of the critical electoral period.

The situation was particularly volatile in Yopougon, a populous district of Abidjan and a stronghold of former President Laurent Gbagbo. A rally in support of his party's candidate, former minister Affi N'Guessan, was dispersed with tear gas. Similar scenes unfolded in other cities, including Gagnoa in the country's central-west, where a campaign event was blocked.

Opposition parties, united within a coalition, have denounced the actions as a strategy by the ruling power to hinder their campaign and stifle their freedom of expression. They accuse President Alassane Ouattara's camp of creating a climate of intimidation to favor his bid for a new term.

"These arbitrary bans and the disproportionate use of force demonstrate that the government is afraid of a pluralistic campaign," a spokesperson for the FPI stated. "We are a nation of law, and the Ivorian people have the right to hear the proposals of all political voices."

For its part, the Ministry of the Interior justified the measures by pointing to "confirmed risks to public order." Authorities claim that organizers did not always comply with legal procedures for prior notification or failed to provide sufficient guarantees for the safety of participants and property.

This crackdown on opposition activities occurs in a political context already marked by controversy. The candidacy of Alassane Ouattara, despite a two-term limit in the constitution, was validated by the Constitutional Council—a decision his opponents contest. Furthermore, Pascal Affi N'Guessan, seen as the main challenger, looms over the election, although observers note the opposition's struggle to present a united front.

The international community, particularly Ivory Coast's partners, is watching the campaign's developments closely. The weekend's incidents are likely to raise concerns about the fairness of the electoral process and the ability of all candidates to compete on a level playing field.

As the presidential campaign moves into full swing, the question of fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of assembly, has become a central issue. How the authorities manage future protests will be a decisive test for the credibility of the upcoming election.