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The government of Ivory Coast has banned all student union activities following the tragic deaths of two students, Khalifa Diomandé and Zigui Mars Aubin Déagoué.
The National Security Council (CNS), chaired by President Alassane Ouattara, announced the decision on Thursday, citing a proposal from the minister of higher education. The ban, which dissolves student unions formed since the 1990s, is part of the government’s effort to curb violence on university campuses.
Members of the Student and School Federation of Côte d’Ivoire (FESCI), believed to be connected to the killings in August and September 2024, have been arrested. In addition to launching a judicial investigation, authorities have cleared out individuals living illegally on campuses, leading to the arrest of 17 students, including FESCI’s general secretary.
As part of a broader crackdown, around 5,000 individuals residing unlawfully in university towns, including Abidjan, Bouaké, and Daloa, were removed. Over 100 machetes and grenades were confiscated, and illegal businesses were shut down during raids. The government reported that these operations have brought back order and calm, ensuring the smooth continuation of academic activities.
The government pledged to sustain and intensify these sanitation measures to eliminate illegal practices across university campuses.
An investigation at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny University in Abidjan uncovered disturbing conditions, including a brothel and a tunnel where victims were allegedly tortured. Students, aware of these sites controlled by FESCI, said they remain silent out of fear. One former student shared her harrowing experience with the BBC, stating that FESCI members had threatened and attempted to assault her, forcing her to drop out eight years ago. She recounted how her boyfriend was attacked for trying to defend her and admitted to paying FESCI members to avoid further harassment.
FESCI, which started as an anti-government protest group, has been accused of criminal activities, with some members reportedly involved in politics. Despite its influence, the government’s recent actions have offered a sense of relief to victims who have long endured FESCI’s intimidation.
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