Ivory Coast: Executive Dissolves Student Unions After Violence
Radical measure after serious incidents
On Thursday, the Ivorian government announced the dissolution of all student union associations, following the assassination of two men attributed to alleged members of an influential student union. This decision was taken during a meeting of the National Security Council (CNS), chaired by the head of state Alassane Ouattara.
FESCI, the main union targeted by the decision
Campus violence and arrests
At the heart of this decision is the Fédération estudiantine et scolaire de Côte d’Ivoire (FESCI), often accused of sowing violence on university campuses. Some members of this organization are suspected of being involved in the recent student assassinations in late August and late September. As part of the investigations, 17 students, including FESCI leader Sié Kambou, were arrested.
Evictions and seizures during security operations
The government also conducted a large-scale eviction operation targeting illegal residents in university residences in Abidjan, Bouaké and Daloa. Some 5,000 people were evicted and weapons, including 107 machetes and grenades, were seized. This operation marks a turning point in the fight against violent and illegal practices, including the illegal rental of rooms by FESCI.
Reforms planned for the university sector
Infrastructure rehabilitation and new room allocation process
The executive announced a plan for the gradual rehabilitation of universities and university residences, with a new process for allocating rooms. This process will be based on criteria such as academic results, age and social situation of students, in order to ensure fairer management of university accommodation.
FESCI: a controversial historical player
From protest movement to source of violence
Founded in the 1990s, FESCI was initially intended to oppose the single party, the PDCI-RDA, in place at the time. It has become a key organization in the student community, claiming 100,000 members out of the 300,000 students in Côte d’Ivoire. However, over the years, its involvement in acts of violence has tarnished its image.
Conclusion: A blow for FESCI and a new era for Ivorian campuses
The dissolution of student unions marks a decisive step in the management of the violence that is plaguing university campuses in Côte d’Ivoire. By taking these drastic measures, the executive aims to restore order and deeply reform the university sector, while putting an end to the abuses perpetrated by FESCI. These reforms could redefine the student landscape in Côte d’Ivoire, by promoting more transparent and secure management of university infrastructures.
