Côte d’Ivoire’s two main opposition parties have called for daily nationwide protests less than two weeks before the presidential election, after their leaders, Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, were barred from contesting against incumbent President Alassane Ouattara.

Security forces dispersed a banned march in Abidjan with tear gas, arresting 237 people and injuring several others. Opposition leaders accused the government of repression and said they would not be intimidated, demanding political dialogue and fair participation in the 25 October vote. Authorities defended the protest ban as necessary for maintaining order, while journalists reported assaults and equipment seizures by security forces.

Meanwhile, Ouattara launched his re-election campaign in Daloa, calling for unity and stability as supporters cheered despite heavy rain. The 83-year-old president is seeking a fourth term against several lesser-known candidates amid growing political tension.