Ivorian journalists’ union faces political interference amid legal dispute

The Ivorian Union of Journalists (UNJCI) encountered a significant hurdle on February 20 when an emergency court order halted its planned ordinary congress, intended for leadership renewal. A group claiming adherence to regulatory compliance had filed the motion, prompting the judge to suspend the event. In response, the UNJCI promptly filed an appeal to contest this decision.

With the customary congress deadline looming—mandates were set to expire on February 26 at midnight—a hastily organized extraordinary congress took place on February 25. To prevent an institutional void, delegates voted to extend current mandates until the ordinary congress could proceed as originally scheduled. This decision, made with the required majority, underscored the union’s commitment to continuity.

However, the proceedings were marred by violent clashes in the aftermath of the vote, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the situation.

voices of concern from pan-african press

Jean Claude Coulibaly, President of the UNJCI, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating: “We acknowledged the court’s ruling while pursuing our appeal, but allowing a statutory vacuum would have severely weakened our organization. The mandate extension approved in the extraordinary congress is a responsible measure to ensure institutional stability. The UNJCI is the collective home of Ivorian journalists; it cannot be weakened or placed under provisional administration.”

Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), condemned the interference, remarking: “Preventing a union from convening to renew its leadership and then attempting to exploit the situation to create an institutional gap is a grave violation of trade union freedom. This runs counter to Côte d’Ivoire’s African and international commitments. No political authority can dictate or influence the leadership of a journalists’ organization.”

Anthony Bellanger, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Journalists (FIJ), reinforced the call for accountability, declaring: “This constitutes a serious breach of the freedom of association and blatant interference in the internal affairs of a union. Alongside the FAJ, we will pursue formal complaints with relevant international and African bodies, including the International Labour Organization, against the Ivorian government for these abuses. The autonomy of unions is safeguarded by international law and is non-negotiable.”

The FIJ and FAJ jointly urged Ivorian authorities to uphold the UNJCI’s independence, ensure the safety of its members, and facilitate the timely and transparent convening of the ordinary congress under peaceful conditions.