On June 9, 2025, Dr. Boga Sako Gervais, President of the International Foundation for the Observation and Monitoring of Human Rights and Political Life (FIDHOP), held a press conference in Abidjan alongside the Platform for Citizen Engagement of Côte d’Ivoire (PEC-CI).
At the event, he and PEC-CI President Rémi Yao Ebrin publicly criticised President Alassane Ouattara’s alleged intention to seek a fourth term and raised alarm over irregularities in the electoral register ahead of the October 2025 elections. The two called for an inclusive national dialogue and warned of political action if the issues were not addressed.
Just days after the event, Dr. Boga fled the country after receiving what he described as threatening messages from high-level officials within state security agencies.
In an interview, he recounted receiving a message from the Director General of the National Police, Youssouf Kouyaté, at 5:21 a.m. on June 13. The message contained a clip of his speech at the press conference and a warning that those who criticised the government would be arrested. Shortly afterwards, the Commissioner of the Abidjan Police Department, Yéo Kollo, called him with what was described as a “friendly invitation” to his office without a formal summons.
Having previously lived in political exile from 2011 to 2021, Dr. Boga was wary and declined the invitation, informed his contacts, and swiftly left the country. He is currently in the United States, where he says he remains safe but deeply disturbed by how quickly the situation escalated.
Dr. Boga insists that his intention had never been to disrupt public order. He described Côte d’Ivoire’s current political climate as one where civil society is “muzzled,” dissenters are persecuted, and even peaceful speech is criminalised.
Responding to critics who claim he left voluntarily, he said: “They say I went into self-exile because their wish wasn’t granted. They wanted me arrested. I’m right, and that’s what disturbs them. In Côte d’Ivoire today, even speaking out has become a crime.”
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) finds the direct contacting of Dr. Boga by top police officials shortly after the press conference troubling, as it sends a chilling message that can lead to self-censorship among critical voices.
The MFWA calls on the Ivorian authorities to guarantee an environment in which freedom of expression and democratic pluralism are fully respected. It further urges the government to ensure Dr. Boga Sako’s safe return and protection upon his re-entry into the country.
