An Ivory Coast court has sentenced 32 people to three years in prison for taking part in banned protests held earlier this month, just days before the country’s presidential election.
The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, four days before the vote, as tensions rise between the government and opposition supporters. The protests were organized after opposition leaders Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam were barred from running against President Alassane Ouattara, who is seeking a fourth term at age 83.
The defendants were convicted of “disturbing public order” and “assembling on public roadways.” Last week, about 30 other protesters received similar sentences.
Authorities have banned all demonstrations, citing threats to public safety. Public prosecutor Oumar Braman Kone said some protests amounted to “acts of terrorism” and argued that “the freedom to demonstrate cannot be confused with disorder.”
Defence lawyers argued there was no proof of violence or unrest and said all defendants denied taking part in the October 11 protest in Abidjan, which police dispersed using tear gas. The defence team plans to appeal the verdict.
In recent weeks, protests and roadblocks have spread through several southern and western cities, especially in opposition strongholds. At least three people have died—two protesters and one police officer.
On Monday, a building belonging to the Independent Electoral Commission in Yamoussoukro was set on fire, further raising fears of unrest ahead of the upcoming vote.
About the author
Davido wins Best International Act at 2026 LEA
Afrobeats superstar Davido has won the Best International Act award at the 2026 Liberian Entertainment Awards, beating fellow stars Gunna, Rema and Tyla. The event took place at the Lisner Auditorium in Washington DC, where artists and fans gathered to celebrate achievements in music, film, fashion and entertainment. The 33 year old Nigerian singer added the new honour to an already packed list of international awards. Commentators say the win further underlines the global reach of Afrobeats and the strong presence of Nigerian artists on major award stages. Organisers of the Liberian Entertainment Awards praised Davido for his consistency, hit records and influence across Africa and the diaspora. They noted that the Best International Act category was one of the most competitive of the night, featuring some of the biggest names in world music. The award has sparked celebration among […]
Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi dies in his sleep
Veteran Nollywood actor and producer Solomon Akiyesi has died in his sleep in Abuja. His death has thrown the Nigerian film industry into mourning, with colleagues and fans paying tribute to his decades of work on screen. According to the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, Akiyesi went to bed on Sunday and did not wake up. He said the actor’s body has been deposited in a morgue in Abuja while the guild awaits further details from the family. Reports say Akiyesi’s wife first shared the sad news with relatives and close friends before it became public. Since then, tributes have poured in on social media from actors, producers and fans who remembered him as a talented and versatile performer. Akiyesi hailed from Ososo in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State and began his acting […]
Music is warfare, says Bella Shmurda
Afrobeats star Bella Shmurda says music is more than entertainment and should be seen as warfare and a tool to change society for the better. He shared this view in the For Bunmi documentary, where he spoke about how seriously he now takes the messages in his songs. Bella Shmurda explained that music can shape how people think, feel and act, so artists must be responsible with what they put out. According to him, music should help people become more aware of themselves and give them strength to face daily challenges. He described music as a tool for society, a tool of progress and an instrument of goodwill. He said good music can keep people sane, put them in the right state of mind and help them dance away their sorrow while still staying conscious of who they are. The […]
Fernandez crowned Rangers’ best after stunning debut season
Recently capped Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has crowned a brilliant first season at Glasgow Rangers by being named the club’s Men’s Player of the Year. The Nigerian centre back received the award at the club’s 2026 Player of the Year ceremony in Glasgow on Sunday night. Fernandez joined Rangers last summer and quickly became a key figure in the team’s defence. He has made more than 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring crucial goals and helping the side keep numerous clean sheets in the Scottish Premiership. Rangers fans voted him their standout performer of the 2025/2026 campaign, praising his composure, strength and leadership at the back. His performances also earned him a place in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season, a recognition he admitted came as a pleasant surprise. The 23 year old defender made his debut for […]
Fit again Lookman eager to face ‘special’ Arsenal in UCL
Ademola Lookman has declared himself fit and ready to face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano tomorrow. The Atletico Madrid forward missed the club’s last two La Liga matches after suffering an abductor complaint in the Copa del Rey final. Lookman returned to full training with his teammates on Monday, easing fears that he could miss the crucial clash against the Premier League side. He said he feels much better and is focused on helping Atletico reach the Champions League final. The Nigeria international described Arsenal as a “special” team and admitted the tie carries extra emotion for him because of his London roots. He grew up in the city and began his professional career there, making the semi final a meeting of his past and present. Lookman has made a […]
Simeone says Atletico chasing redemption against Arsenal
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says his team are chasing redemption when they face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi final on Wednesday. Atletico recently suffered a painful defeat in the Copa del Rey final and are under pressure to deliver a major trophy for their fans. The Spanish side will host Arsenal at the Civitas Metropolitano, where Simeone wants his players to draw strength from the atmosphere and show courage and character. He said the club owes its supporters a big European night after tens of thousands of them travelled to Seville for the cup final only to return home disappointed. Simeone admitted that Atletico have experienced many painful near misses in recent years, including Champions League final defeats in 2014 and 2016. He believes this semi final offers another chance for the team to […]
Related
Chad deports Nigerians fleeing jihadist violence
Chad has arrested and deported hundreds of Nigerians who fled jihadist violence in the Lake Chad region and sought safety in its territory, Nigerian and humanitarian sources say. Many of those affected are from states in northern Nigeria that have endured years of attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups. According to Nigerian officials in Borno State, the Chadian authorities recently rounded up irregular Nigerian migrants in several towns and transported them to the border for return to Nigeria. Local sources say some of those detained had lived in Chad for years after fleeing earlier waves of insurgent attacks and had been surviving through informal work and begging. Humanitarian agencies report that thousands of Nigerians remain displaced around the Lake Chad Basin because of ongoing insecurity and repeated attacks by jihadist groups. Many crossed into neighbouring Chad, Niger and […]
Ghana pulls out of US aid talks over data demand
Ghana has withdrawn from talks on a new United States health aid deal after objecting to US demands for access to sensitive personal health data. The move is a fresh setback for President Donald Trump’s push to link parts of US foreign aid to wider data sharing agreements with partner countries. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the proposed bilateral agreement would have provided about 109 million dollars in US health assistance to Ghana over five years. In return, Ghana would have been required to grant the US extensive access to its national health data systems, including real time information on disease trends and other patient level records. The government of President John Dramani Mahama decided that the conditions posed serious risks to privacy and national security and could breach Ghana’s data protection and health laws. After months […]
Mali: Fresh clashes erupt between Tuareg rebels, government forces in Kidal
Fresh fighting has broken out in the strategic northern Malian city of Kidal between Tuareg rebels and government forces backed by Russian mercenaries. Tuareg rebels from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) said clashes resumed on Sunday as they tried to “drive out the last Russian fighters” who had taken refuge in a military camp in the city. A local elected official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that residents heard sustained gunfire as Malian troops, Russian personnel and Tuareg fighters exchanged shots. Kidal, a historic Tuareg stronghold, was retaken by the Malian army in November 2023 with support from Russia’s Wagner paramilitary group, ending more than a decade of de facto rebel control. The FLA now claims to have seized the city again and says it has also captured positions in the northern Gao region. The renewed clashes follow a […]
Ghana summons South Africa’s envoy over ‘xenophobic incidents’
Ghana has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner in Accra over what it describes as a series of “xenophobic incidents” targeting Ghanaian nationals. In a statement issued on Thursday, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa raised concerns after videos emerged online showing Ghanaians being harassed in parts of South Africa. The ministry cited an incident in KwaZulu Natal where a Ghanaian legal resident was confronted and told to leave South Africa and “fix his country.” The statement warned of “escalating tensions” and advised Ghanaian citizens in affected areas to remain indoors for their safety where necessary. It noted that recent anti migrant protests and intimidation had heightened fears among foreign nationals. During his meeting with South Africa’s envoy Thando Dalamba, Ablakwa recalled Ghana’s historic support for the anti apartheid struggle and stressed that unprovoked harassment […]
Africa Technology Expo returns to Lagos, expands third edition to two day format
The Africa Technology Expo (ATE) will return to Lagos for its third edition with organisers confirming an expanded two day, enterprise focused format scheduled for June 26 and 27, 2026. Often described by participants as the “CES of Africa,” the event will bring together decision makers, senior executives, regulators and technology professionals to explore opportunities in the continent’s fast evolving digital economy. Organisers say previous editions of the Expo facilitated an estimated 198 million dollars in partnerships, investment discussions and memoranda of understanding across technology and infrastructure projects. The platform was created to connect Africa’s emerging hardware and digital infrastructure ecosystem with global markets and has grown into a meeting point for conversations around robotics, connectivity and enterprise innovation. Speaking ahead of the 2026 edition, ATE convener Nnaemeka Clinton said the decision to expand to two days reflects both the […]
Ibrahim Traoré accueille le président de l’UA Évariste Ndayishimiye à Ouagadougou
Le Président du Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, a accueilli ce lundi 20 avril 2026 au matin, à l’aéroport international de Ouagadougou, le Président en exercice de l’Union africaine, Évariste Ndayishimiye. Cette visite officielle s’inscrit dans le cadre des relations diplomatiques entre les États africains et les institutions continentales. Des échanges avec la Confédération AES Au cours de son séjour, le chef de l’État burundais, également président en exercice de l’UA, aura des échanges avec Ibrahim Traoré en sa qualité de Président de la Confédération des États du Sahel (AES). Ces discussions devraient porter sur des enjeux politiques, sécuritaires et de coopération régionale. Visites d’infrastructures à Ouagadougou Le programme de la visite prévoit également des déplacements sur plusieurs infrastructures socio-économiques dans la capitale, Ouagadougou. Ces visites visent à mettre en lumière les initiatives de développement en cours dans le pays. Une visite […]