Gunfire, Chaos and Coup Rumours: Ivory Coast on the Brink as Uprising Rocks Abidjan

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Panic has gripped Ivory Coast’s capital, Abidjan, as gunfire echoed across the city in what appears to be the early stages of a military coup or large-scale civil uprising.

Reports emerging from the ground and social media suggest a volatile and fast-unfolding crisis, with government visibility fading and internet access reportedly cut off across the nation.

Over the past 48 hours, at least 33 people are feared dead as clashes intensified in key areas of the capital. The unrest follows widespread dissatisfaction with President Alassane Ouattara’s administration, accused of severe human rights abuses, increasing poverty, and maintaining deep ties with French influence—a longstanding source of nationalist resentment.

While official confirmation remains elusive due to an alleged internet blackout and media shutdown, speculation on social platforms—most notably from X (formerly Twitter) user Mehmet Vefa Dag—claims President Ouattara is either missing, arrested, or possibly deceased. No public appearances or official statements have been made since the violence erupted.

This is not Ivory Coast’s first encounter with instability. The nation has previously endured a 1999 coup, civil wars from 2002–2007 and 2010–2011, and a military mutiny in 2017. Today’s events bear an unsettling resemblance to past crises, raising fears of a full-scale civil war erupting in one of West Africa’s key economies.

Protesters accuse the Ouattara-led government of being a puppet of foreign powers, particularly France and the U.S., with growing criticism aimed at the recent expansion of AFRICOM presence in the region. Critics argue these military partnerships mask deeper geopolitical interests that further destabilize the Sahel.

As of this report, national broadcasts are down, and no verified updates have been issued by state authorities. International organizations and embassies are reportedly on high alert, urging their citizens to shelter in place.

Ivory Coast’s future hangs in the balance as the world watches what could be a pivotal moment in the country’s—and Africa’s—political awakening.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.