Six prominent local leaders from Côte d’Ivoire’s main opposition party, the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI), walked free on Monday after spending nine months in detention. Their release follows a judicial hearing at the country’s anti-terrorism court and was confirmed by their legal representative.
Political detentions during a tense election year
The freed PDCI officials were among dozens of opposition members arrested in 2025, a year marked by a highly contentious presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire. Their lawyer confirmed their release on social media, stating: “Following today’s hearing at the anti-terrorism chamber, my clients and PDCI activists—Allo Pacôme Didier, Kouleon Manhenin, N’Cho Gnangoran, Mabo Koffi Jean Marc, Ouattara Kinjinlman, and Niangoran N’Guessan Edouard—have regained their freedom after nine months behind bars and are finally returning home.”
The detentions occurred between late September and early October 2025, coinciding with the presidential election period. Authorities maintained that arrests were based on legal procedures and unrelated to political affiliation. However, opposition figures such as PDCI leader Tidjane Thiam and former President Laurent Gbagbo faced judicial exclusion during the same period.
The crackdown extended beyond local leaders. Hundreds of opposition supporters were arrested or imprisoned, with some accused of participating in prohibited protests during the campaign. At least ten people lost their lives in clashes, and dozens more were sentenced to prison terms.
Wave of releases continues
Monday’s release follows earlier judicial decisions in July, when Moïse Lida Kouassi, a former Defense Minister under Laurent Gbagbo and a member of his party, was freed after nearly a year in detention. Another ally, cyberactivist Ibrahim Zigui, was also released around the same time.
The sequence of releases suggests a gradual easing of tensions following the election, though the reasons behind these decisions remain undisclosed by officials.
