Government Shuts Down Student Unions Amid Allegations of Violence in Ivory Coast

The Ivorian government has declared an emergency shutdown of all student unions after horrifying allegations emerged against the Student and School Federation (Fesci). The move comes in the wake of the murders of two students, linking the union to long-standing criminal activities and violence across campuses.

The government of Ivory Coast has announced the closure of all student unions following severe allegations of murder, rape, and torture tied to the prominent Student and School Federation, known as Fesci. This drastic measure follows the shocking killings of two students, Khalifa Diomandé and Zigui Mars Aubin Déagoué, in August and September, for which several Fesci members have been arrested.

Authorities reported uncovering an underground tunnel purportedly used for torture, alongside a brothel during investigations at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny University in Abidjan. Students have long feared speaking out against the federation, which they claim operated illicit sites without significant interference. One former student, who chose to remain anonymous, described an environment of threats and extortion, recalling her traumatic experiences over the years.

“I was threatened by Fesci many times, they tried to rape me,” she recounted. “I had to pay them to leave me alone.” She remains haunted by the experiences that led her to drop out eight years ago but expressed relief for the victims now coming forward.

Reports of extortion have been rampant among students, with individuals citing instances where Fesci members coerced them into paying more than they could afford for housing. One student shared, “I was supposed to pay $100 per month for my room, but they were forcing me to pay $250.”

The recent government raids in Abidjan and Bouaké yielded an alarming cache of weapons, including more than 100 machetes and grenades, alongside the expulsion of 5,000 undeclared residents from university campuses. It is a move welcomed by many, with one lecturer expressing hope for improving campus safety.

Originally formed in the 1990s as a student body, Fesci later turned into an anti-government protest group, leading to suspicions of organized crime and political maneuvering. Prominent figures, including Guillaume Soro and Charles Blé Goudé, once led the federation before transitioning into significant political roles. The unfolding situation reveals deep-rooted issues within Ivory Coast’s educational institutions, spotlighting a call for reform and justice for the victims.