The African Peoples’ Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI), led by former President Laurent Gbagbo, is demanding the immediate release of two senior officials arrested in connection with recent unrest in Yopougon. Former Defense Minister Moïse Lida Kouassi and Ambassador Koné Boubacar were detained on August 8, following violence on August 1.

PPA-CI leaders say the arrests, along with the earlier detention of six other party members, are politically motivated. At a press conference on August 10, Executive President Prof. Sébastien Dano Djédjé denounced what he called “political repression” and accused the government of silencing dissent.

The party estimates nearly 100 of its members are in custody and is urging electoral reforms, including a voter roll audit and the reinstatement of Gbagbo’s candidacy ahead of the October presidential election. It has also reiterated its opposition to President Alassane Ouattara’s potential bid for a fourth term.