Ivory Coast Dissolves Student Unions Over Alleged Criminal Activity, Launches Crackdown

The Ivory Coast National Security Council has dissolved all student unions across the country, including the Federation of Student and School Association of Côte d’Ivoire (FESCI), amid allegations of criminal involvement, including the murders of two students. The government’s action follows a series of investigations into these criminal activities, which led to the arrest of several suspects and the seizure of weapons.

Authorities launched a judicial inquiry into the student deaths and carried out sweeping arrests, including 17 students linked to the murders and 28 others arrested during evictions at university residences in Abidjan and Bouaké. In total, over 5,000 illegal occupants were evicted from university properties in Abidjan, Bouaké, and Daloa. The government also shut down numerous illegal businesses allegedly run by student unions, including a brothel, four smoking rooms, and a so-called “torture tunnel.”

FESCI condemned the government’s decision, calling it a “flagrant violation” of constitutional rights to association and peaceful assembly. The union also denied any involvement in the killings.

The murders of students Khalifa Diomandé and Zigui Mars Aubin Déagoué, allegedly carried out by FESCI members, prompted the investigation. Kambou Sié, FESCI’s National Secretary General, has been implicated in the crimes and was summoned by the Criminal Police Directorate. Sié reportedly arrived at the police station with individuals armed with clubs and machetes, all of whom were arrested. Witnesses have implicated Sié in orchestrating these violent acts.

Since the 1990s, FESCI has faced accusations of human rights abuses and alleged connections with high-ranking political figures. The union has been criticized for controlling key university resources through illegal activities, including housing and extortion. While past governments were accused of turning a blind eye to these actions, the current administration is taking a tougher stance, aiming to restore peace and security on university campuses.