Cote d'Ivoire
In early 2026, Côte d’Ivoire is navigating the tense aftermath of the October 25, 2025, presidential election. While the country remains an economic powerhouse in West Africa, the recent consolidation of power by President Alassane Ouattara—now serving his fourth term—has deepened concerns regarding democratic backsliding and the restriction of civic space.
1. Political Consolidation and Electoral Rights
The October 2025 election, in which the 84-year-old Ouattara secured nearly 90% of the vote, has left the political landscape highly polarized.
Exclusion of Major Rivals: Popular opposition figures, including former President Laurent Gbagbo and banker Tidjane Thiam, were barred from running. This led to a sense of "managed competition" and a historically low turnout in urban centers like Abidjan.
Post-Election Clampdown: Hundreds of protesters were arrested in late 2025 for defying bans on public gatherings. In early 2026, several opposition activists remain in pretrial detention on charges of "disturbing public order" or "threatening national security."
2. Restrictions on Civic Space and Expression
New legal frameworks introduced in 2024 and 2025 have significantly curtailed the ability of civil society to operate freely.
Dissolution of NGOs: A 2024 ordinance grants the government broad powers to dissolve NGOs by decree without a judicial appeal process. Rights groups fear this will be used to silence organizations documenting government corruption or security force abuses.
Targeting Unionists: In late 2025, the conviction of union leader Ghislain Duggary Assy (sentenced to two years for strike-related activities) highlighted a growing intolerance for labor activism.
Digital Repression: The Penal Code remains a tool for censorship; individuals can face up to three years in prison for disseminating "fake news," a term often applied to online criticism of the President.
3. Forced Evictions and Housing Rights
One of the most visible human rights issues in 2026 is the government's aggressive urban "sanitization" program in Abidjan.
Mass Demolitions: Thousands of families have been displaced as the state demolishes informal settlements (slums) deemed to be in flood-prone areas.
Lack of Due Process: Amnesty International and other monitors reported in early 2026 that many families were evicted with minimal notice and no compensation, leaving thousands homeless and without access to basic services or schooling for their children.
4. Child Labor in the Cocoa Sector
As the world’s leading cocoa producer, Côte d’Ivoire continues to struggle with systemic labor exploitation.
Persistent Numbers: Despite government efforts like the SOSTECI monitoring system, an estimated 790,000 children continue to work in cocoa production. Roughly 95% of these children perform hazardous tasks, such as using sharp tools or being exposed to agrochemicals.
The Poverty Link: While cocoa prices reached record highs in 2025, the average farmer still lives below the extreme poverty line ($2.15/day). In early 2026, NGOs are pushing for "living income" reforms, arguing that child labor cannot be eradicated as long as farming families remain in systemic poverty.
5. Rights of LGBTQ+ Persons
In late 2024 and throughout 2025, Côte d’Ivoire saw a sharp increase in violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Mob Violence: Social media campaigns led to dozens of physical assaults and "corrective" actions in Abidjan.
State Inaction: Human rights observers in 2026 note that authorities have been slow to prosecute these hate crimes, often choosing to ignore the violence to avoid upsetting conservative religious and social blocs.