Côte d’Ivoire: FIJ and FAJ condemn political interference in UNJCI leadership renewal

The February 20 ruling by the judge presiding over urgent matters suspended the ordinary congress slated to renew the UNJCI’s governing bodies, following a legal challenge filed by a group claiming strict adherence to organizational statutes. In response, the UNJCI filed an appeal against the decision.

With the original deadline for mandate renewal set for February 26 at midnight and no possibility of holding the ordinary congress in time, an extraordinary session was convened on February 25. Members voted, in accordance with the union’s bylaws, to extend the mandates until the ordinary congress could proceed without disruption.

Following the vote, tensions escalated, resulting in violent clashes.

Statements from leadership

Jean Claude Coulibaly, President of the UNJCI, stated: «We acknowledged the court ruling suspending our 12th ordinary congress while pursuing an appeal. However, allowing a statutory void to emerge would have severely weakened our organization. The mandate extension approved in the extraordinary congress is a responsible measure to ensure institutional continuity. The UNJCI is the shared home of Ivorian journalists—it cannot be weakened or placed under provisional administration.»

Omar Faruk Osman, President of the FAJ, added: «Preventing a union from convening to renew its leadership, then attempting to exploit the situation to create an institutional vacuum, constitutes a serious violation of trade union freedom. This runs counter to Côte d’Ivoire’s African and international commitments. No political authority has the right to select or influence the leadership of a journalists’ organization.»

Anthony Bellanger, Secretary-General of the FIJ, emphasized: «This is a grave violation of the right to freedom of association and blatant interference in the internal affairs of a union. Alongside the FAJ, we will pursue formal complaints with relevant international and African bodies, including the International Labour Organization, to address the abuses perpetrated by the Ivorian government. The autonomy of unions is protected under international law—and it is non-negotiable.»

The FIJ and FAJ have called on Ivorian authorities to uphold the independence of the UNJCI, ensure the safety of its members, and facilitate the ordinary congress under fair, transparent, and peaceful conditions.