A new power struggle is underway between the government and the opposition. Just as Laurent Gbagbo's party was preparing to pay a final tribute to Konan Kacou Paul and N'Guessan Kouassi Constant , a last-minute court decision has disrupted the funeral arrangements.

A priority judicial investigation

The public prosecutor at the Toumodi court, Ahmed Diomandé , officially ordered the postponement of the removal of the bodies and the burial of the two activists. The reason given: the need to fully investigate the circumstances of their disappearance, which occurred on October 21st.

1. Konan Kacou Paul: Died during public demonstrations.
2. N'Guessan Kouassi Constant: Died at his home in the village of Kami.

The requisition, dated November 7, stipulates that the bodies must remain "at the disposal of investigators" until the investigation is concluded. Law enforcement agencies (the Gendarmerie and the Police) have been tasked with ensuring the strict application of this measure.

Politically sensitive timing

This suspension comes at the very moment when the PPA-CI had abandoned its protest march in Abidjan to transform this day of November 8 into a large gathering of remembrance in Yamoussoukro.

Initially, the program planned to:

1. A body was taken from the CHR and Ivosep Assabou.
2. A ceremony of militant tribute.
3. The burial at the Kami cemetery.

A climate of persistent tension

This blockade is taking place within a tightly controlled security context. The prefect of Abidjan had already reiterated the ban on demonstrations in the economic capital, where the PPA-CI planned to protest against a possible fourth term for Alassane Ouattara and demand the release of its detained members.

Current status: For the time being, the leadership of the PPA-CI is maintaining a prudent silence. The party has indicated that it is closely monitoring the situation and is waiting to speak with the bereaved families before issuing an official response to this court order.