Justin Koné Katinan detained in Abidjan following RHDP complaint

Justin Koné Katinan, the 4th Vice-President of the PPA-CI (Parti des peuples africains-Côte d'Ivoire), was taken into police custody at the Abidjan Police Prefecture on September 9, 2026. The action follows a complaint filed on September 7 by the ruling RHDP (Rassemblement des houphouëtistes pour la démocratie et la paix) regarding allegations of defamation, insults, and the dissemination of false news.

The complaint stems from remarks made by Katinan during a PPA-CI event on September 3, where he addressed issues including illegal gold mining and questioned the government's responsibility regarding the phenomenon. Investigators also added a charge related to disturbing public order in connection with the October 2025 presidential election.

The PPA-CI has denounced the proceedings as judicial harassment and an instrumentalization of the justice system against an opposition leader. Party officials and supporters gathered at the police prefecture to show solidarity, expressing hope for a fair judicial process.