Several CSOs in Cote d’Ivoire are protesting the government’s decision to regulate their activities. This decision, made in the name of combating “transnational crime,” has prompted Ivorian Civil Society Organizations to appeal to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, citing an infringement on the freedom of assembly.

Through an ordinance issued by President Alassane Ouattara to regulate the activities of Civil Society Organizations, the state aims to combat terrorism and money laundering. The Ivorian Ministry of the Interior seeks to ensure that the funding methods of civil society organizations comply with current requirements for combating transnational organized crime.

The new ordinance replaces the 1960 law that previously governed Civil Society Organizations. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the previous law did not address several issues, including money laundering and terrorism financing.

Challenging the new ordinance, five civil society organizations have appealed to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, arguing that it constitutes an infringement on the freedom of assembly.

These organizations plan to undertake several actions to persuade the government to withdraw the ordinance.