Unverified Reports Of Coup Attempt In Ivory Coast Spark Concern.
Rumours of a possible coup attempt in Ivory Coast have surfaced, prompting widespread concern and speculation across the West African nation. Unverified reports on social media platform X formerly Twitter claim that a coup is underway, with allegations of significant unrest, including protests, government buildings set ablaze, and disruptions to internet and media services. However, no verified outlets, including BBC, Reuters, or Al Jazeera, have confirmed these claims as of 21 May 2025.
According to posts circulating on X, the alleged coup began on 19-20 May 2025, with some users reporting up to 33 deaths and suggesting that President Alassane Ouattara may be missing or detained. One post claimed, “There’s massive jubilation round the country and lots of government buildings are on flame,” while another alleged that the president had fled. A video accompanying these claims featured French-language signs, including one stating, “Alassana Ouattara killed Ivory Coast,” hinting at public discontent. However, these reports remain unconfirmed, and the videos lack clear evidence tying them to a specific event or date.
Ivory Coast, a regional economic powerhouse and the world’s top cocoa producer, is approaching a critical presidential election scheduled for October 2025. The nation has a history of political instability, including a civil war from 2002 to 2011 and a violent post-election crisis in 2010, which resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths when former President Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to Ouattara. Recent political tensions have been exacerbated by the disqualification of opposition leader Tidjane Thiam from the electoral roll, a decision that has sparked accusations of political manoeuvring by the ruling Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP).
The Ivorian government has not issued an official statement addressing the coup allegations. Amadou Coulibaly, a government spokesperson, previously denied similar claims in April 2025, when Burkina Faso’s military junta accused Ivory Coast of harbouring plotters behind a foiled coup attempt against Captain Ibrahim Traoré. These accusations, which pointed to two former Burkinabe army officers based in Ivory Coast, were dismissed by Abidjan, highlighting strained relations between the two nations.
Analysts suggest that the current rumours may stem from heightened political tensions ahead of the 2025 election, compounded by Ivory Coast’s decision to expel French troops in January 2025, a move reflecting growing regional sentiment against former colonial powers. The modernisation of Ivory Coast’s armed forces, as cited by President Ouattara, has bolstered national confidence, but the country remains vigilant against spillover violence from jihadist groups in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Mali.
As the situation develops, international observers and local authorities are urging calm and caution against unverified information. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has not yet commented on the alleged coup but has previously intervened in regional crises to restore stability. Ivory Coast’s government is expected to provide clarity in the coming days, as citizens and the global community await confirmation of the nation’s stability.
For now, Ivory Coast remains on edge, with the world watching closely as the country navigates its complex political landscape. The public is advised to rely on verified sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could fuel unrest.
