Former Ivory Coast Defence Minister Moise Lida Kouassi was released on July 7, 2026, after nearly a year in detention on alleged terrorism charges, his political party announced. Kouassi had been detained since August 2025 and charged with "acts of terrorism" alongside 10 others ahead of the October presidential election. He was accused of instigating violence that erupted in early August in Abidjan.

Sebastien Dano Djedje, executive president of the opposition African Peoples' Party (PPA-CI), described Kouassi's release as "a relief" but noted that "his health is not good." Djedje also indicated that other members of the party remain imprisoned.

In the lead-up to the election, several dozen activists from opposition parties, including senior officials, were arrested or jailed. On July 6, digital activist Ibrahim Zigui, a PPA-CI supporter with opposition ties, was released on appeal after serving five years for "incitement to insurrection."

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