Opposition leader arrested in Ivory Coast for forming parallel govt

The opposition leader in Ivory Coast has been arrested for announcing the creation of a parallel government after declining to participate in last month’s presidential election.

The arrest of Pascal Affi Nguessan was confirmed on Saturday by local authorities which informed that the former prime minister was detained in the town of Akoupe.

Reports say several opposition leaders also face charges of terrorism and sedition after rejecting President Alassane Ouattara’s re-election.

READ ALSO: Death toll from anti-govt protests in Ivory Coast rises to six

They say he violated the constitution by seeking a third term but President Ouattara has defended his decision, saying a new constitution in 2016 restarted his mandate, meaning he could run again.

Recall that President Quattara won 94% of the votes cast in the 31 October presidential poll.

Focus Keyword (Ivory Coast)

Meta Keywords (Ivory Coast, Opposition leader, Parallel government)

()

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now