On Sunday, March 8, the town of Bangolo, in western Ivory Coast, was the scene of a tragedy that reopened old security wounds. A young farmer, Yao Koffi Jules , lost his life over a paltry sum of money during an altercation with a traditional Dozo hunter.

A fatal altercation over 500 CFA francs

As he was returning to his camp in Langakro, the man his relatives nicknamed "Béhi" was stopped at a makeshift roadblock manned by Dozo hunters. According to eyewitness accounts, the guards demanded a payment of 500 CFA francs to allow him to continue his journey.

Lacking the necessary change, the young man tried to negotiate a deferred payment. The discussion escalated until the fatal gunshot. Yao Koffi Jules died instantly, leaving a community grieving and outraged by the senselessness of the motive.

Fed up with the "Dozo system"

Although the suspected shooter was arrested by the gendarmerie, the incident goes beyond a simple news item. Since the 2011 crisis, these traditional hunters – initially healers and mystics – have transformed into a supplementary security force, often operating completely illegally.

1. Abusive controls: Proliferation of checkpoints and informal taxes.
2. Growing insecurity: A presence perceived by indigenous populations as a threat rather than a protection.
3. Vague legal framework: An exercise of power without an official mandate from the republican authorities.

"Enough is enough": The political class is outraged

Outrage quickly spread to the political arena. Billaud Zéréhoué Daniel , a local leader of the PPA-CI, stepped forward to denounce a "heinous crime".

"While they have the right to practice their culture, they do not have the right to use their weapons against human beings," he insisted, demanding the immediate dismantling of all checkpoints held by these civilian militias.

A palpable tension as everyone awaits a response from the state.

Faced with this tragedy, the silence of the government and administrative authorities is beginning to weigh heavily. Community leaders fear that the lack of firm measures will drive people towards vigilante justice .

The body of Yao Koffi Jules will be repatriated to Souamékro (Bocanda) for burial scheduled for March 20. In Bangolo, the calm is only a facade: mistrust towards the Dozos is at its peak and people are waiting for the State to finally put an end to impunity.