Fact Check: "Thousands of protesters gathered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on April 26, 2023, to demand the reinstatement of Tidjane Thiam on the electoral list for the presidential election scheduled for October 2023."
What We Know
On April 26, 2023, thousands of protesters gathered in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, to demand the reinstatement of Tidjane Thiam, a prominent opposition leader and former CEO of Credit Suisse, on the electoral list for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for October 2023. The protests were organized in response to Thiam's exclusion from the electoral list, which was announced by the independent electoral commission on June 4, 2023. This exclusion was based on a court ruling regarding Thiam's dual Ivorian-French nationality, which the court deemed made him ineligible to run for president. Thiam, who was born in Ivory Coast, had renounced his French nationality earlier in March 2023, but the ruling still barred him from the electoral list (Washington Post, AP News).
Despite adverse weather conditions, the protests were peaceful, with demonstrators dressed in the colors of Thiam's political party, the Democratic Party of Ivory Coast (PDCI). Protesters held signs and chanted slogans in support of Thiam, emphasizing their demand for democracy and fair electoral processes in the country (AP News, Reuters).
Analysis
The claim that thousands of protesters gathered in Abidjan on April 26, 2023, to demand Thiam's reinstatement is supported by multiple credible sources. Both the Washington Post and AP News reported on the event, detailing the large turnout and the specific demands of the protesters. The reports consistently highlight the peaceful nature of the protests and the political context surrounding Thiam's exclusion from the electoral list, including the legal challenges he faces regarding his eligibility.
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are well-established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. The Washington Post and AP News have extensive coverage of international events, particularly in politically sensitive regions like West Africa. Furthermore, the information aligns with reports from other reputable outlets, such as Reuters and RFI, which corroborate the details of the protests and the reasons behind them.
However, it is important to note that while the protests were significant, the exact number of participants can vary based on reporting and estimation methods. Nevertheless, the consensus among the sources indicates a substantial turnout, validating the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that thousands of protesters gathered in Abidjan on April 26, 2023, to demand the reinstatement of Tidjane Thiam on the electoral list for the presidential election is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the occurrence of the protests, the reasons for them, and the political implications surrounding Thiam's exclusion from the electoral process.
Sources
- Thousands protest in Ivory Coast after opposition leader barred from ...
- Thousands protest in Ivory Coast after opposition leader barred from ...
- Ivory Coast's final electoral list excludes opposition leader Thiam
- Thousands protest in Ivory Coast after opposition leader barred from ...
- Thousands protest in Ivory Coast after opposition leader ...
- I.Coast opposition rallies to support barred candidate - MSN
- I.Coast activists protest against presidential candidates' ...
- Four Côte d'Ivoire opposition figures barred from October presidential ...
