Ivory Coast Election Tension: Security Forces Flood Abidjan Ahead of Presidential Vote
Abidjan, Ivory Coast In the working-class neighborhood of Yopougon, the familiar aroma of grilled chicken and fish still fills the air at the busy Sapeurs-Pompiers crossroad. Food vendors shout over each other to attract customers, and the smoky scent of street grills drifts through the humid evening. But the usual crowds that stay out late are thinning earlier than usual. As night falls, residents hurry home, uneasy about potential election-related violence. Two police trucks remain stationed at the intersection, part of the heavy security presence that now defines daily life in the city. Since October 10, when campaigning began for this weekend’s presidential polls, these vehicles have become a permanent fixture in the area. The Ivorian government has deployed about 44,000 police and soldiers across the country, saying the measure is meant to guarantee a safe and peaceful election. Yet […]
