ABIDJAN, Oct 1 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Ivory Coast has lifted a ban on protests.
The ban on public demonstrations in the country ends Wednesday just as the opposition plans to begin a campaign of civil disobedience against president Alassane Ouattara’s third term bid.
President Ouattara’s candidacy has caused tension in the country and led to protests. At least 10 persons have been killed since riots broke out last month.
The opposition is demanding changes to the constitutional court, the electoral commission, and the withdrawal of Ouattara’s candidacy.
Ouattara has accused the opposition of scaring the public in order to disrupt the electoral process.
Ivory coast authorities have barred political candidates including former president Laurent Gbagbo and former prime minister Guillaume Soro from running because of previous convictions.
Their supporters have condemned the government for excluding them from the presidential election and threatened to hold protests.
International crisis group has urged the Ivorian authorities to allow former president Laurent Gbagbo and exiled ex-speaker Guillaume Soro to return to the country.
The United Nations special envoy for west Africa -Mohamed Ibn Chambas during a visit to Abidjan last week, urged peaceful elections in ivory coast as the nation prepares to head to the poll in October. — NNN-AGENCIES
