Abidjan, Ivory Coast – Prominent Ivorian opposition figure Soumaila Bredoumy, a Member of Parliament and spokesperson for the Democratic Party, has been placed in pre-trial detention, sparking controversy within political and legal circles. Bredoumy’s arrest occurred in Abidjan on Wednesday, November 26th.
Bredoumy had recently returned to the country after several months abroad. Shortly after his return, he was summoned by the police. Despite appearing with his lawyer and asserting parliamentary immunity, prosecutors argued that the charges against him fell under the category of “flagrant delicto,” justifying his detention.
The Ivorian constitution stipulates that members of parliament cannot be arrested or prosecuted during parliamentary sessions without the assembly’s permission, except in cases of flagrant crimes. Bredoumy’s defense team vehemently disputes this classification, calling the arrest a “blatant violation of the rule of law.”
According to his legal representatives, Bredoumy faces a range of serious accusations, including “terrorist acts,” incitement to murder, conspiracy against state authority, and undermining state security and public order. The charges also include inciting rebellion, hatred, and discrimination, as well as theft, arson, incitement to public disobedience, violation of a judicial order, and false reporting.
This development unfolds amid a tense political climate following the recent presidential elections won by President Alassane Ouattara. While the election process was generally described as peaceful, it was marred by violence, resulting in casualties and the arrest of prominent opposition figures. Furthermore, the African People’s Party of Côte d’Ivoire, led by former President Laurent Gbagbo, has announced a boycott of the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for December 27th, reflecting the continuing polarization between the government and the opposition.
Observers suggest that Bredoumy’s detention, as a candidate for the upcoming legislative elections, represents another episode in the ongoing confrontation between the government and the opposition, further casting doubt on the integrity of the upcoming electoral process. This situation reflects a continuing crisis of confidence between state institutions and political parties.
