Ivory Coast Urged to Release Detained Protesters Amidst Election Protests. Abidjan, Ivory Coast — 2026-03-10 Lead Paragraph: Amnesty International has demanded the immediate release of dozens of individuals detained during protests in Ivory Coast that followed October’s presidential election.
The election, which saw incumbent President Alessane Ouattara win a contentious fourth term, was marred by opposition protests and a robust crackdown by authorities.
The protests stemmed from the exclusion of two leading opposition candidates from the race, leading to widespread demonstrations.
According to Amnesty, some of those detained were held merely for being in the vicinity of the unrest. Among the detainees are three pregnant women, who were reportedly arrested while going about their daily activities.
A lawyer representing the women stated that their detention has had severe physical and mental impacts.
The government, however, maintains that the detained individuals had committed offenses and are being processed under the law.
A government spokesperson emphasized the country’s commitment to building a state governed by the rule of law.
In 2016, Ouattara changed the country’s constitution to allow for presidents to serve more than two terms, a move that has been a point of contention among the opposition and civil society groups.
The situation in Ivory Coast remains tense as the government continues to face criticism over the handling of the protests and the subsequent detentions. Further details are expected as the situation develops.
