ABIDJAN-(MaraviPost)-At least three people have died following mass protests against President Alassane Ouattara’s decision to stand for a third term.
Police spokesperson Bleu Charlemagne confirmed the news in a statement.
Reports revealed that the protest was sparked by president Alassane Ouattara’s controversial decision to seek a third term in the October. 31 2020, in Abidjan challenging the two-term presidential law.
According to Reuters report, Ouattara disclosed his decision last week claiming the new constitution adopted in 2016 offset any barriers preventing him from running again which angered the opposition accusing him of violating term limits.
Police said at least one protester was killed in Abidjan’s Yopougon district as police chased down protesters without explaining how the others died.
Police spokesperson also said 58 people across the country have been arrested so far after protesters in the southeastern town of Bonoua set ablaze a police station following the death of the young man during the protests on Thursday.
Commenting on the ongoing demonstrations, the he executive director of Ouattara’s party, Adama Bictogo said Ouattara’s decision to run again is final and there is no second thought about it.
Ouattara is expected to face several other candidates, including former president Henri Konan Bedie in the election which most people think will be a major test of the country’s stability since a civil war 10 years ago.