Main content

Why has Ivory Coast banned student unions?

Union accused of murder, prostitution and torture

The Ivorian government has announced the dissolution of all student unions following the killing of two students, a crime attributed to the powerful Student and School Federation (Fesci).

The group has long been accused of terrorising university campuses across the country, operating a cartel-like system and charging extortionate rents to over 5,000 unregistered students for university accommodation.

During their investigation, authorities claim to have uncovered an underground tunnel used for torture and a secret brothel within F茅lix-Houphou毛t-Boigny University in Abidjan, the nation鈥檚 capital.

Multiple senior Fesci members have now been arrested in connection with the murders of students Khalifa Diomand茅 and Zigui Mars Aubin D茅agou茅, which occurred in August and September.

The 成人快手's Nicolas N茅goce reports on the union鈥檚 vice grip on university campuses and students speak out for the first time about the culture of violence and fear.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: William Lee Adams
Producer: Kevyah Cardoso
Editor: Verity Wilde

Available now

13 minutes

Last on

Wed 23 Oct 2024 02:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Tue 22 Oct 2024 17:50GMT
  • Wed 23 Oct 2024 02:50GMT

Podcast