Opposition leader in need of medical care

Guillaume Soro, a former ally of President Alassane Ouattara, is the leader of the Generations and People in Solidarity (GPS, Générations et peuples solidaires in French) political party. He had announced his candidacy for the 2020 October’s presidential election and was returning to Abidjan when the Prosecutor issued a statement announcing an arrest warrant against him on 23 December 2019. He was charged with attempts to undermine the authority of the state and territorial integrity. In a separate case, he was also charged with misappropriation of public funds, concealment of misappropriated public funds and money laundering.

Ivorian authorities gave Soro permission for his private jet to land. But on his way from Le Bourget airport in France to Abidjan on 23 December he rerouted his flight towards Ghana. 

Alain Lobognon, founder member of Generations and People in Solidarity (GPS) party, had told reporters on 24 December 2019 that the candidate's plane had been diverted "against his will" to the Ghanaian capital, Accra, preventing him from returning to "take part in the electoral process".

Security forces stormed the GPS headquarters shortly after Lobognon made his statement. 

He was arrested with 16 other people related to the opposition during a wave of arrests which took place in Abidjan between 23 and 31 December 2019. Thirteen have been charged with ‘publishing false news, undermining public order and the authority of the State.

Amnesty International considers that the timing of the legal proceedings against Guillaume Soro and the arrests of his supporters and relatives are highly suspicious. The charges appear politically motivated.