A gendarme was killed in southern Ivory Coast ahead of Saturday’s election amid tensions over the disqualification of key opposition candidates. President Ouattara, seeking a fourth term, has banned protests, though opposition rallies continue. Critics cite rising inequality and his close ties to France.
Gendarme Killed Amid Rising Tensions Ahead of Ivory Coast Election





Tensions in Ivory Coast are intensifying as the nation approaches its presidential election scheduled for Saturday. In a troubling development, a gendarme was shot and killed while on patrol in the southern region of the country. The attackers have not been identified, but the area has long been considered a stronghold of opposition support and has recently seen a series of protests. These demonstrations followed the decision to bar two leading opposition figures, Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, from participating in the upcoming election, a move that has fueled widespread anger and unrest among their supporters.
In response to the rising unrest, the government of President Alassane Ouattara, who is pursuing a fourth term in office, has outlawed all forms of protest. Despite this ban, rallies organized by the remaining opposition candidates—Simone Gbagbo, Ahoua Don Mello, Jean-Louis Billon, and Henriette Lagou—have continued to take place, indicating that the candidates are still able to engage directly with their supporters under the new restrictions.
Since taking office in 2011, Ouattara has focused heavily on major infrastructure projects, investing in roads, bridges, energy facilities, and urban development initiatives throughout the country. While these projects have contributed to economic growth, critics argue that the benefits have not been evenly distributed, citing rising inequality and the increasing cost of living as pressing issues for ordinary Ivorians. Opponents have also accused Ouattara of maintaining excessively close ties with France, the country’s former colonial ruler, raising concerns about external influence on domestic political affairs.
As the election draws nearer, security forces remain on high alert amid concerns that tensions could further escalate. Observers warn that the exclusion of prominent opposition candidates may deepen political polarization and spark additional unrest despite the government’s ban on protests. Meanwhile, the international community continues to monitor developments closely, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a peaceful and transparent electoral process. The coming days are likely to be critical in determining the stability of the country and the fairness of the election outcome.