Lagos, Nigeria — The former Ivory Coast Defence Minister, Moise Lida Kouassi, was released from detention on Tuesday, following his arrest in August 2025 on terrorism-related charges. Kouassi, who served under former president Laurent Gbagbo, was among 10 others charged for acts of terrorism ahead of the October 2025 presidential election, with allegations of instigating violence in Abidjan.
The executive president of the opposition African Peoples’Party (PPA-CI), Sébastien Dano Djedje, expressed relief at Kouassi’s release but also concern over his health. Other party members and opposition activists have also faced detention in the lead-up to the election. Digital activist Ibrahim Zigui, who has ties to the opposition and is a PPA-CI supporter, was released on Monday after being jailed for five years on charges of inciting rebellion.
His release on appeal follows Kouassi’s, signaling a broader trend of political arrests and releases in Ivory Coast. These events have raised questions about the state of political freedom and the rule of law in Ivory Coast.
The release of Kouassi and Zigui suggests a potential shift in the country’s approach to handling political dissent, though the long-term implications remain unclear.
As Ivory Coast navigates its complex political landscape, the fate of these former officials will likely continue to be a point of interest for domestic and international observers.
The release could indicate a new era of political dialogue or simply be a temporary reprieve in a volatile situation.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africanews
Source: Rédaction Africanews
