The missing head of state.
Ivory Coast is grappling with reports of a potential military coup, with conflicting reports regarding the whereabouts of the country’s president.
Some unverified claims are suggesting that President Alassane Ouattara could have either been kidnapped, killed, or fled from the country, amid the chaotic developments.
The unrest reportedly began on May 19, 2025, escalating with violent clashes on May 20, during which the Chief of Army Staff was allegedly shot and later died in hospital.
Social media accounts describe intense gun battles, with hundreds of soldiers loyal to Ouattara reportedly killed, leaving the country in disarray.
However, conflicting reports assert no coup has occurred, and the President Ouattara remains in power, preparing for the October 2025 election.
Public sentiment in Ivory Coast reflects deep frustration with Ouattara’s leadership.
An Ivorian refugee in Ghana described widespread suffering, accusing Ouattara of treating the country like “his family property” and neglecting citizens’ welfare.
He highlighted economic instability, stating, “You can start a business, and one day, you will lose everything,” underscoring the challenges driving many to flee amid political turmoil.
Opposition leaders have long criticized Ouattara, accusing him of human rights abuses and manipulating elections, with some labelling his actions a “constitutional and electoral coup d’état” in August 2024.
Ouattara, who has been ruling the country since 2011, has overseen periods of relative stability but faces accusations of authoritarianism and exacerbating ethnic divisions.
The withdrawal of French forces from Ivory Coast, announced in December 2024, has added to the ongoing tensions, with some speculating it weakened the regime’s security apparatus.
The country’s history of violence, including the 2010-2011 crises that resulted in the deaths of over 3,000 people after a disputed election, fuels fears of renewed conflict.
As of May 21, 2025, the situation remains volatile, with no official confirmation of a coup or Ouattara’s whereabouts.
The international community is watching closely as Ivory Coast teeters on the brink of potential chaos, with citizens and observers divided over whether this marks a genuine uprising or politically motivated unrest.