Panic has engulfed Ivory Coast’s economic capital, Abidjan, amid reports of gunfire and violent clashes that suggest the early stages of a military coup or a large-scale uprising. Over the past 48 hours, at least 33 people are feared dead as unrest spreads through key parts of the city, with government communications largely silenced due to an alleged nationwide internet blackout and media shutdown.
The crisis follows mounting dissatisfaction with President Alassane Ouattara’s administration, which faces accusations of human rights abuses, worsening poverty, and close ties to French military and political interests—a source of nationalist resentment. Social media posts, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), have fueled speculation that President Ouattara may be missing, detained, or even deceased, though no official confirmation has been made.
This turmoil echoes Ivory Coast’s turbulent past, including coups and civil wars since 1999, raising fears of a return to widespread conflict in one of West Africa’s most important economies. Protesters accuse the government of being a puppet of foreign powers, especially France and the United States, criticizing the expanded presence of AFRICOM forces in the region.
With national broadcasts down and no verified updates from state authorities, international organizations and embassies have urged citizens to stay indoors. The situation remains fluid and highly volatile, with the country’s future uncertain as the world watches closely.
This developing crisis underscores the fragile political climate ahead of Ivory Coast’s October 2025 presidential election, highlighting deep divisions and the potential for further instability in the region.
