The political movement ADCI has strongly criticized the travel restriction imposed on its president, Assalé Tiémoko Antoine, who was prevented from boarding a flight to Canada on May 11, 2026. In an official statement, the party described the measure as an attempt to humiliate a citizen without prior notice and demanded urgent clarifications regarding this restriction, which it considers a violation of fundamental rights and dignity.
a planned trip disrupted at the last moment
On the morning of May 11, 2026, Assalé Tiémoko Antoine, leader of the ADCI (Aujourd’hui et Demain la Côte d’Ivoire) movement, was preparing to board a flight to Canada for a political outreach tour targeting the Ivorian diaspora in North America. This tour, announced during a seminar in Nantes, France, in March 2026, was scheduled from May 12 to 26, with his return to Abidjan set for May 27.
A few days earlier, on April 23, 2026, the Deputy Prosecutor, Mr. Abou Sherif, had officially informed Assalé Tiémoko Antoine that the brief detention imposed on him on April 22 had been lifted, restoring his full freedom of movement. Following his release from the cardiology institute in Abidjan on April 25, the ADCI leader resumed his activities after a week of medical rest.
no prior notification of travel restriction
Despite completing all departure formalities at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport, the ADCI president was summoned to the police commissioner’s office just 20 minutes before his scheduled departure. There, he was informed that the Prosecutor’s Office had issued an instruction prohibiting his travel, though no official document had been provided to him or his legal team.
Unable to reach the Prosecutor’s Office for clarification, Assalé Tiémoko Antoine was forced to watch his flight depart at 9:10 PM before being allowed to return home. This incident has raised serious concerns about due process and the respect for citizen rights in Côte d’Ivoire.
ADCI’s stance and demands
The political movement ADCI has expressed its outrage over this opaque and humiliating measure, which was implemented without any prior notice to the concerned party or his lawyers. According to ADCI, this incident suggests a deliberate attempt to trap and discredit its leader, who has always demonstrated a commitment to republican values and respect for the rule of law.
The party emphasizes that any restriction on a citizen’s freedom of movement—especially for an elected official—must be formally communicated with clear legal justification. ADCI has called on its members to remain calm and await further updates on this matter.
In a statement signed by the Executive Secretary, Roger Youan, the movement reiterated its position: “In a democracy, public action must be conducted with dignity and respect for human rights. We demand transparency and accountability from the relevant authorities.”
key dates and events
- April 22, 2026: Assalé Tiémoko Antoine placed under brief detention.
- April 23, 2026: Deputy Prosecutor lifts the detention order.
- April 25, 2026: Released from hospital; resumes activities.
- May 11, 2026: Prevented from boarding flight to Canada.
- May 12, 2026: ADCI issues official statement condemning the travel ban.
