On February 20, a legal injunction, initiated by a collective asserting adherence to established regulations, led a summary proceedings judge to order the suspension of the ordinary congress for the renewal of leadership within the National Union of Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI). In response to this judicial intervention, the UNJCI promptly announced its intention to appeal the decision, a development closely watched across African politics and by Panafrica News outlets.
Given the inability to convene the ordinary congress within the statutory timeframe, and with the incumbent leadership’s mandate expiring on February 26 at midnight, an extraordinary congress was urgently called for February 25. This proactive measure aimed to avert any institutional vacuum. In strict adherence to the organization’s bylaws, delegates at this extraordinary session overwhelmingly voted to extend the current mandates until the ordinary congress could be effectively and peacefully held.
However, the proceedings were not without incident, as violent clashes erupted following the vote, underscoring the intense and volatile atmosphere surrounding the union’s internal affairs.
Jean Claude Coulibaly, President of the UNJCI, articulated the union’s stance: “We acknowledged the court’s decision to suspend our 12th ordinary congress, and we have filed an appeal. Nevertheless, allowing a statutory void to destabilize our organization was simply not an option. The mandate extension, approved during the extraordinary congress, represents a responsible step towards institutional continuity. The UNJCI serves as the collective home for Ivorian journalists, and it must not be weakened or placed under temporary administration.”
Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), vehemently condemned the situation, stating: “To obstruct a trade union from convening its essential meetings for leadership renewal, and then to attempt to exploit this situation to create an institutional vacuum, constitutes a severe assault on trade union freedom. Such actions contradict Côte d’Ivoire’s commitments under both African and international agreements. No political authority should ever choose or influence the leadership of a journalists’ organization. This is a critical issue for West Africa news and beyond.”
Anthony Bellanger, Secretary General of the International Federation of Journalists (FIJ), echoed these concerns, remarking: “This represents a grave infringement on freedom of association and a blatant interference in the internal affairs of a trade union. Alongside the FAJ, we are committed to pursuing action with relevant international and African bodies, including the International Labour Organization, to lodge a formal complaint against the government of Côte d’Ivoire for these observed abuses. Trade union autonomy is a fundamental right protected by international law; it is non-negotiable. This is essential Africa news English for our global audience.”
The FIJ and FAJ are collectively calling upon Ivorian authorities to strictly uphold the independence of the UNJCI, guarantee the safety and security of its members, and ensure that the ordinary congress can proceed under free, transparent, and peaceful conditions, reflecting positively on the nation’s commitment to democratic principles and an independent press in the context of the African economy today.
