The Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire – African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA) has spoken out against what it describes as the “arbitrary arrests and detentions” of several of its leaders and members, which occurred between September 30 and October 4, 2025, in Abidjan.

In a statement signed by Executive Secretary Dr. Sylvestre Emmou and reviewed by Abidjan.net on Sunday, October 5, the decades-old party expressed “strong indignation” over the arrests, allegedly carried out by the Research and Intervention Brigade (BRI) of the Plateau Gendarmerie and the Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DST). According to the PDCI-RDA, these actions were conducted “in circumstances that violate fundamental rights and freedoms.”

The party cited several local leaders among the arrested, including Kouakou Yao Clément, president of the Yopougon grassroots committee, detained at the DST; Ouattara Kinjilman, general secretary of Abobo 5 section; Allo Pacôme Didier, communal delegate at Attécoubé 1; N’cho Gnangoran, general secretary of Attécoubé 1 section; Mabo Koffi Jean, general secretary at Adjamé; Kouléon Mani, president of Cocody 1 grassroots committee; Brou Denis, general secretary of Cocody 1 section; and Niangoran Édouard, general secretary of Cocody 2 section.

This list adds to previously detained young leaders, including Innocent Yao, president of the Rural JPDCI, and Henri Joël N’dri Kouadio, president of the Student JPDCI.

For the PDCI-RDA, these arrests occur in a politically sensitive context, just weeks ahead of the presidential election. The party sees them as “a strategy to intimidate and silence the opposition,” aimed at discouraging popular mobilization in favor of inclusive political dialogue and credible electoral guarantees.

The statement denounces procedural violations, including the lack of access to legal counsel and insufficient information provided to the families of detainees. “These methods constitute serious infringements on individual freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution,” the party affirms.

The PDCI-RDA demands the immediate and unconditional release of its members and calls on the government to ensure strict respect for the fundamental rights of all citizens, including the right to defense and due process.

The party also seeks the attention of the international community and human rights organizations regarding what it calls “serious abuses” by the current government.

Finally, the political formation founded by the late Félix Houphouët-Boigny urges its members to “remain united and vigilant” while reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law. “No intimidation can weaken our determination to play our role as a responsible and determined opposition party for a Côte d’Ivoire of justice and prosperity,” concludes the statement signed by Dr. Sylvestre Emmou.