The National Human Rights Council requested on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Abidjan that the presumption of innocence, the rights of the defense, and the principle of adversarial proceedings be guaranteed in the cases initiated against several officials of the PDCI-RDA and the PPA-CI.
In a statement concerning summonses, indictments, and judicial supervision measures that took place on October 19 and 23, the CNDH recalls that political affiliation cannot exempt a person from the law. It adds that no arbitrary restriction should be imposed due to a political opinion or commitment.
The institution calls on the judicial authorities to guarantee the right to liberty and security, equality before the law, and all procedural safeguards at every stage. It emphasizes that a summons, an interview, or placement under judicial supervision does not imply guilt, which can only be established by a final decision rendered following due process.
These proceedings involve executives from the two main opposition parties before the anti-terrorism section of the Abidjan Court of First Instance. At least nine officials had been placed under judicial supervision within a week, according to their lawyers cited by RFI on October 24.
The CNDH acknowledges the competent authorities’ power to conduct the necessary investigations to establish the truth and maintain public order. It simultaneously requests that the independence of the judiciary be preserved from any interference and that its decisions not be discredited.
The Council calls on public authorities and political actors to prioritize legal and institutional channels. It also urges the media, civil society organizations, and social media users to handle these matters with rigor, respecting the presumption of innocence and the dignity of individuals.
The institution recommends that the government, the political class, and opinion leaders prioritize dialogue and consultation. It also states that it is available to examine any credible information related to potential human rights violations in the context of these proceedings.
