In Côte d’Ivoire, political campaigns are intensifying ahead of the presidential election scheduled for Saturday, October 25. As parties rally supporters across the country, tensions remain high amid warnings from the government against pre-election unrest.

The opposition, however, has vowed to continue its demonstrations, condemning what it calls an unconstitutional bid by President Alassane Ouattara to seek a fourth term in office. Opposition groups have urged Ivorians to stand firm against what they describe as a democratic backslide.

Meanwhile, the public prosecutor at the Abidjan Court of First Instance, senior magistrate Koné Braman Oumar, has confirmed the arrest of about 700 people following the banned protest organized by the opposition coalition PDCI–PPA–CI on October 11.

With just a week to the polls, observers are urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize peace to ensure a credible and violence-free election.