The political climate in Ivory Coast has become even more tense following the announcement of the death of Marius Monnet , an activist with the Party of African Peoples – Ivory Coast (PPA-CI), who died in prison. His death has brought the issue of prison conditions and the treatment of opposition members back to the forefront of the debate as elections approach.

The facts: A wait without judgment

Marius Monnet, originally from Diapé (Adzopé department), had been deprived of his liberty since October 17, 2025. His arrest was part of the wave of protests against President Alassane Ouattara's candidacy for a fourth term.

His death was confirmed on Thursday, April 16, 2026, by Justin Koné Katinan , vice-president of the PPA-CI, during the party's 43rd annual meeting. He emphasized that the young activist passed away while still in pretrial detention, without having been brought to trial.

An alert regarding the health of prisoners

Beyond this tragedy, the leadership of the PPA-CI is raising the alarm about the fate of Laurent Gbagbo's other supporters. According to Justin Koné Katinan:

1. Five other activists currently imprisoned are reportedly in critical condition.
2. The party estimates that more than 1,600 of its members have been detained as a result of the 2025 tensions.
3. Among those arrested are reportedly pregnant women, further fueling the outrage of opposition leaders.

"Prison must not be used as an instrument of political pressure," insisted the vice-president of the PPA-CI, denouncing inhumane treatment.

The Executive's response: Criminal or political prosecution?

The Ivorian government maintains a firm stance and formally rejects the term "political prisoners".

During a statement on March 4th, government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly provided the following details:

1. Nature of the prosecution: The individuals arrested are being prosecuted for common law offenses (violence, destruction of public property) committed during the 2025 crisis.
2. Legality: For the State, these procedures aim to punish acts of vandalism and not political opinions.

Conclusion

This tragic death comes amid a climate of intense polarization. While the PPA-CI denounces an authoritarian drift and precarious prison conditions, the government reaffirms the primacy of public order and the judicial response to the unrest of the past year.