Côte d’Ivoire: six opposition leaders freed after nine months in detention

Six local leaders of Côte d’Ivoire’s main opposition party, the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), walked free on Monday after spending nine months in detention, their lawyer confirmed.

Political tensions during election year

The release follows months of heightened political scrutiny in 2025, a year marked by a fiercely contested presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire. Dozens of opposition figures were arrested during this period, reflecting the tense climate surrounding the vote.

Lawyer Me Ange Rodrigue Dadje announced the news on social media, stating: «Following today’s hearing before the anti-terrorism chamber, my clients and PDCI activists—Allo Pacôme Didier, Kouleon Manhenin, N’Cho Gnangoran, Mabo Koffi Jean Marc, Ouattara Kinjinlman, and Niangoran N’Guessan Edouard—are finally free after nine months behind bars and returning home.»

Broader context of arrests and releases

Two other PDCI members, Clément Kouakou and Denis Brou, were previously freed in May, bringing the total number of released opposition activists to eight. These individuals, local party officials from several communes in Abidjan, were detained between late September and early October 2025, coinciding with the presidential election period.

High-profile opposition figures, including PDCI leader Tidjane Thiam and former President Laurent Gbagbo, were barred from running due to court rulings. Dozens of opposition members, including some party officials, were arrested or jailed, while hundreds faced charges for participating in banned protest marches during the campaign. At least ten people died in the unrest.

Government officials maintained that the arrests were unrelated to political affiliation and followed standard investigative procedures.

Recent releases of political figures

In early July, Moïse Lida Kouassi, a former Defense Minister under Laurent Gbagbo and a party member, was freed after nearly a year in detention. Another activist, Ibrahim Zigui, with ties to the same political camp, was also released.