Ivory Coast Clashes Kill 11 In Pre-election Violence
Faizan Hashmi Published October 24, 2020 | 01:30 AM
Abidjan, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Oct, 2020 ) :At least 11 people died in intercommunal clashes in an Ivory Coast port town this week, local officials said on Friday, as tensions rise before an October election with President Alassane Ouattara seeking a contested third term.
The killings in and around Dabou, west of Abidjan, have fuelled worries Ivory Coast may again slide into the kind of post-election violence that left 3,000 dead in a 2010-2011 crisis.
Local officials had reported at least seven dead and 40 others injured this week, but on Friday said that toll had increased.
"We have found another body," local mayor Jean-Claude Yede Niangne told AFP. "That brings the total number of dead to 11." "Things are calm this morning. Trucks are circulating again. Most of the shops have reopened," he added.
More than 50 people have been arrested, many with guns, machetes, axes, knives and other weapons in their possession, according to a statement from the gendarmerie.
Locals say tensions erupted on Monday with clashes between local Adjoukrou tribesmen, seen as close to the opposition, and Dioula people from northern Ivory Coast who back Ouattara.
Witnesses said the violence involved gunmen using Kalashnikov automatic weapons.
A nighttime curfew has been ordered in the area until Sunday.
The EU on Friday condemned the violence and expressed concern over the lack of consensus over the electoral process just over a week before the October 31 vote.
"The European Union once again calls on political actors to accelerate dialogue on their disagreements, and urges the various political and militant groups to explicitly reject any recourse to violence," EU chief diplomat Josep Borrell said in a statement.
Around 30 people have died since August in clashes over the presidential election where Ouattara is seeking another term and several opposition candidates have been barred from running.
The regional Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is urging opposition parties to reconsider their call to boycott the electoral process, and for their supporters to engage in civil disobedience.
The opposition has allowed doubts to linger over whether it will reject the vote, urging supporters to boycott the electoral process and campaigning, while stopping short of withdrawing three candidacies.
The calls for a boycott came after Ouattara, who has governed the world's top cocoa producer for two terms, said he would stand again in defiance of a constitutional limit.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Tennis: ATP Barcelona Open results - 1st update
Swiatek's perfect 10 in Stuttgart as Vondrousova stuns Sabalenka
Arandu's roads closed due to flooding
Oil tanker catches fire in Islamabad’s Blue Area
Pakistan committed to ensure safety of foreign nationals: FO
Tennis: WTA Stuttgart results - 1st update
Four passengers injured as train hit an empty vehicle
Over- speeding bus crushed to death two bike riders
Turkey's Freedom Flotilla ready to set sail for Gaza
French teen dies from heart failure after knife attack near school
Iranians appear unfazed by Isfahan blasts
UAF celebrates Int'l Chinese Language Day
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
20 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
5 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
6 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
9 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
11 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
13 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
13 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
13 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
13 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
15 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
15 days ago