PPA-CI party denounces judicial summons against senior officials in Côte d'Ivoire

The PPA-CI party in Côte d'Ivoire has denounced a series of judicial summons issued to five of its senior officials, describing the actions as “manœuvres d’étouffement” (suffocation maneuvers) intended to weaken the political opposition.

The summons, issued by the 8th cabinet of the antiterrorist section in Abidjan, target several high-ranking members, including Deputy Secretary-General Daniel Billaud Zéréhoué, Chief of Staff Emmanuel Ackah, and others. Some officials are already facing legal restrictions; Koua Justin is under judicial supervision, while Dahi Nestor Douhouré remains incarcerated.

The PPA-CI, the party associated with Laurent Gbagbo, claims that more than 1,600 people have been detained since the October 2025 presidential election. The party is calling for the immediate release of what it terms “political detainees” and is demanding the opening of an inclusive political dialogue.

In response, government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly stated that the judiciary is acting independently, noting that only investigating judges can determine responsibility in ongoing legal proceedings.