posted 21st May 2025
Unconfirmed Reports of Coup Attempt in Ivory Coast Amid Political Tensions
Abidjan, Ivory Coast – 21 May 2025
Unverified posts on X have sparked alarm with claims of a possible coup attempt in Ivory Coast, alleging significant violence, internet disruptions, and the potential fleeing of President Alassane Ouattara. These posts, circulating since 20 May 2025, report over 33 deaths between 19 and 20 May, a media blackout, and widespread unrest that could escalate into civil war. However, no major news outlets, including Reuters, BBC, or France24, have corroborated these claims as of 21 May 2025, and the situation remains unconfirmed.
The lack of verification from established sources urges caution. Ivory Coast has a history of political volatility, with post-election violence in 2010-2011 claiming around 3,000 lives, but the country has enjoyed relative stability in recent years, bolstered by strong economic growth and its status as the world’s top cocoa producer. The current claims of a coup and the president’s disappearance—some posts even suggesting he may be dead or detained—have not been substantiated by official statements or credible reports. Internet outages and a media blackout mentioned on X could indicate disruptions, but without confirmation, these remain speculative.
Meanwhile, verified developments in Ivory Coast point to heightened political activity ahead of the October 2025 presidential election. On 14 May 2025, Tidjane Thiam, former CEO of Credit Suisse, was re-elected as leader of the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI), the main opposition party. Thiam, a prominent figure with ties to Ivory Coast’s founding president Félix Houphouët-Boigny, resigned temporarily to address legal challenges over his dual French-Ivorian citizenship, which had previously led to his removal from the electoral roll in April 2025. His re-election keeps him in contention for the presidency, though legal disputes persist, with Thiam arguing the nationality ruling was politically motivated to block his candidacy.
Thiam’s exclusion had already stirred tensions, with protests in Abidjan and Bouaké drawing limited crowds on 24 April 2025, met with police blockades. Political analysts warn that barring high-profile candidates like Thiam risks deepening public disillusionment, particularly among younger Ivorians, in a region where anti-establishment sentiment has fuelled coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Thiam has vowed to continue his fight, potentially through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) court, stating, “It’s me or no one” for the PDCI’s candidacy.
On the economic front, Ivory Coast continues to position itself as a regional hub. On 14 May 2025, Africa Global Logistics announced a €60 million investment in inland logistics to strengthen the country’s transport infrastructure. This move aligns with Ivory Coast’s robust economic growth, averaging over 6% annually in recent years, and its ambition to enhance connectivity across West Africa.
The unconfirmed reports of a coup, while concerning, must be weighed against the absence of evidence from reliable sources. Ivory Coast’s political landscape is undoubtedly tense, with the upcoming election and Thiam’s legal battles highlighting divisions. However, the country’s recent stability and economic progress suggest a complex situation rather than an immediate descent into chaos. Authorities have not commented on the alleged coup, and until credible evidence emerges, the claims on X remain speculative. Observers are urged to monitor developments closely as Ivory Coast navigates this critical period.
