Share

2017: Ivory Coast's year of the mutiny

Abidjan  - Ivory Coast, which is recovering from more than a decade of conflict, has since January been in the grip of a series of revolts by disgruntled solders and paramilitary gendarmes.

Here is an outline of the main developments:

 Rebellion erupts in Bouake 

On January 6, 2017, former rebels integrated into the army's ranks seize control of Ivory Coast's second city Bouake, terrifying residents by firing in the air with rifles and rocket launchers.

Defence Minister Alain-Richard Donwahi urges troops "to remain calm and return to their barracks" saying the soldiers are demanding salary hikes, bonuses and faster promotion.

A day later, troops fire Kalashnikov rifles and heavy weapons outside the local government offices in Bouake, with the unrest spreading to Abidjan, the economic capital, and several other towns.

Shots ring out at a military base in Abidjan as soldiers put up barricades in the city.

President Alassane Ouattara says the government and the mutineers have reached an arrangement, confirming his "agreement to take into account the (soldiers') demands relating to bonuses and improving the living conditions."

A day later, the soldiers end their mutiny, with Ouattara quickly firing the military chief of staff, the senior commander of the national gendarmerie and the director-general of the police.

On January 13, they reach a final deal at talks in Bouake, on a tense day involving outbreaks of gunfire at barracks across the country.

 Bloodshed in the capital 

On January 17, four soldiers are killed in the administrative capital Yamoussoukro as new protests erupt, led by troops and paramilitary gendarmes who were not part of the deal.

The unrest sees them firing shots in the air in six towns and cities, with the protest continuing into the next day and drawing in prison guards and customs officers.

 Elite unit mutiny 

On February 7, elite troops responsible for Ouattara's security also stage armed protests demanding bonuses and firing into the air in their barracks town of Adiake, 90km east of Abidjan. They end their protests two days later.

 Apology sparks fresh protests 

On May 11, a spokesperson allegedly representing the 8 400 troops who mutinied in January apologises to Ouattara in an orchestrated ceremony aired on national television.

But within hours fresh protests erupt with troops demanding the balance of payment for bonuses which were partially paid in January.

Demonstrators fire in the air in the streets of Abidjan, Bouake and Korogho.

Two days later, one person is killed in Bouake after being hit by warning shots which were supposed to keep residents inside their homes.

Further gunfire erupts in Abidjan on May 15, including at two military camps in Akouedo in the city's east as well as in Bouake.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
41% - 432 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
59% - 614 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.96
-0.1%
Rand - Pound
23.92
-0.1%
Rand - Euro
20.43
+0.0%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.35
-0.0%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.1%
Platinum
908.05
+1.2%
Palladium
1,014.94
+1.3%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE