Ivory Coast in Turmoil: Gunfire, Internet Blackout, and Rumors of Coup Shake Abidjan

Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast, is gripped by chaos as gunfire erupts across the city in what appears to be the beginning of either a military coup or a widespread civil uprising.

Eyewitness accounts and social media reports indicate a rapidly evolving crisis. Access to the internet has reportedly been cut nationwide, while visibility on the ground is limited due to a government-imposed blackout and communication shutdown.

In the past 48 hours, violent clashes have intensified in major parts of the city, with at least 33 people feared dead. The unrest is believed to stem from growing dissatisfaction with President Alassane Ouattara’s leadership. His administration has faced criticism for alleged human rights violations, economic hardship, and maintaining strong ties with France—an issue that has long fueled nationalist sentiment in the country.

Amid the information blackout, speculation is mounting on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). A post by user Mehmet Vefa Dag claims President Ouattara is either missing or possibly dead. The government has yet to release any official statements, and no public sightings of the president have been reported since the violence began.

This marks another chapter in Ivory Coast’s turbulent political history. The country has previously experienced a coup in 1999, multiple civil wars between 2002 and 2011, and a military mutiny in 2017. Current developments echo these past events and have sparked fears of a full-blown civil war in one of West Africa’s most vital economies.

Protesters accuse the Ouattara regime of being heavily influenced by foreign powers, particularly France and the United States. The recent expansion of U.S. military operations under AFRICOM in the region has drawn sharp criticism, with opponents arguing that these alliances may deepen instability across the Sahel.

As of now, national television and radio broadcasts remain off the air, and no new updates have been provided by the authorities. International organizations and foreign embassies have issued urgent advisories, asking citizens to remain indoors and prioritize safety.

The future of Ivory Coast stands at a crossroads. With global attention focused on the crisis, this moment could define not only the country’s political trajectory but also signify a broader shift in West African geopolitics.

This story is developing. Stay tuned for verified updates as they become available.