Six Killed In Ivory Coast Over President’s Re-election Bid

By Emmanuel Awosika

No fewer than six people have been killed in clashes that have erupted in Ivory Coast, following President Alassane Outtara’s decision to contest for a third term.

Outtara, whose second term expires soon, announced his decision to run for a third term after his anointed successor, Amadou Gon Coulibaly, died from heart attack recently.

The announcement has sparked fury from both critics and masses alike, and many have taken to the streets to protest.

Many of these protests have turned deadly, with pro-Outtara and anti-Outtara individuals engaging in violent clashes with each other.

According to reports, four people lost their lives in two days of clashes within the central town of Daoukro and and southern town of Bonoua on Wednesday and Thursday. An additional death had occurred in Daoukro late on Thursday as well.

Analysts fear the violent clashes may snowball into full-blown conflicts if the President refuses to accede the wishes of the people.

Ivory Coast is no stranger to election-related trouble, having witnessed a mini Civil War, following former President Laurent Gbagbo’s refusal to hand over power after losing to Alassane Outtara in the presidential election.