Security Advisory: Cote d’Ivoire (15 May 2017)

Security Advisory

Military protests continued in cities across Cote d’Ivoire over the weekend as the revolt over bonuses gathered momentum – now entering its fourth day. Tensions began late last week in Bouake, spreading quickly to other cities and towns and mirroring an uprising that occurred back in January, which paralyzed parts of the country. Gunfire was heard in Bouake, Abidjan and in other cities after a national television broadcast ceremony on Thursday 11 May, in which a soldier presented as a spokesman for 8,400 former rebels said that they wished to apologise to President Alassane Ouattara for the mutiny. As well as apologizing the rebel spokesman, named as Sergeant Fofana, stated that they were giving up all their financial demands. However this has been rejected by about half of the mutineers. Tensions are likely to further continue in the coming days as President Ouattara has announced that the country funds are limited.       

MS Risk continues to advise anyone currently in the country to avoid military barracks, military installations, large crowds and demonstrations. We advise that you remain vigilant at all times, monitor the local media and follow instructions given by local police and security personnel.   In order to prepare for civil disorder in the event that tensions continue, we recommend the following immediate actions:

• Have a weeks supply of life support, including fuel
• Keep vehicles out of site in repair shops and stripped of valuables
• Be prepared to hand over vehicles if forced
• Keep a manifest of all staff members and report daily
• Do not go out before 0900 and be back by 1500 in order to avoid peak traffic and obvious car jacking times.
• Ensure all staff members have emergency numbers and control post numbers to hand
• Establish a Duty Manager roster so that there is always a responder ready
• Email all movements to a central point so that there is a running record
• You should expect to see increased government forces traffic and presence if intensions increase.

MS Risk continues to closely monitor the situation in Cote d’Ivoire and we will issue further bulletins as more information becomes available.

Incident Summary

Abidjan

• The northern road corridor is blocked and the Abobo district is very tense as it is a rebel stronghold.
• Sporadic gunfire was heard around 5 AM (0500 GMT) on Monday 15 May at military camps in Abidjan.
• A march against the ongoing army mutiny was held in the Abidjan on Saturday 13 May.

Bouake

• Gunfire was heard at dawn on Monday 15 May in the city.
• On Sunday 14 May, at least five people were wounded by gunfire during protests against the army mutiny. Heavy gunfire erupted on Sunday as soldiers sought to disperse crowds of residents who were attempting to organize a march against the mutiny.
• On Sunday, mutinous soldiers opened up access to the city, effectively allowing vehicles to move in and out for the first time since Friday 12 May, when they cut off access, defying the army chief who threatened severe punishment if they did not return to barracks.

Daloa

• Heavy shooting was heard in the city on Monday 15 May.
• A march against the ongoing army muting was held on Saturday 13 May in Daloa.

Korhogo

• A march against the ongoing army mutiny was held in the city of Korhogo on Saturday 13 May.
• On Saturday 13 May, mutinous soldiers shot and wounded two residents. According to witnesses, the two young men, who were travelling on a motorcycle, tired to force their way through a roadblock erected near the city’s main military base when the soldiers opened fire, wounding them in the legs.
• Shooting was heard overnight (12 – 13 May) in the town.