Justin Koné Katinan detained in Côte d'Ivoire on terrorism charges

Justin Koné Katinan, the 4th Vice-President of the PPA-CI party and a former minister, has been placed under a detention warrant in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The prosecutor confirmed his incarceration on Friday, September 11, 2026, following an appearance before the anti-terrorism section of the Abidjan Court of First Instance.

Katinan faces 17 counts of indictment, including terrorist acts, attacks against state authority, and participation in an insurrectionary movement. These charges are linked to violent protests and events that occurred during the October 2025 presidential election period. While the initial legal proceedings stemmed from a complaint by the ruling RHDP party regarding allegations of defamation and false news related to illegal gold mining, the case has escalated into an anti-terrorism investigation.

The PPA-CI has condemned the legal action, describing it as an “institutional kidnapping” and demanding Katinan's immediate and unconditional release. His legal counsel, Maître Sylvain Tapi, stated that the charges could carry life imprisonment and noted that Katinan believes his fundamental rights have been violated.