PDCI wise men express support for government

A committee from the ruling Parti Democratique de la Cote d’Ivoire-Rassemblement democratique africain (PDCI-RDA) has expressed support for the government’s action amid criticism of the detention of 19 members of the opposition Rassemblement des Republicains (RDR). The PDCI-RDA Comite des Sages (Committee of Wise Men) said in a statement published on Monday in the official ‘Fraternite Matin’ daily that it “hails the serenity and firmness with which the president and his government are treating the problem” - a reference to the socio-political situation in the country. It expressed confidence that the country’s judiciary and administration would “complete all the legal and administrative procedures that are underway”. The 19 opposition members, including RDR Secretary-General Henriette Diabate and parliamentarian Yaya Fofana, head of a local transporters union, have been in detention since 27 October. They were arrested in connection with an RDR protest that was marred by the destruction of buses and other state property. On 3 November, they appeared before a judge who adjourned their case to 10 November and denied them bail. Fofana’s Syndicat national des transporteurs terrestres de Cote d’Ivoire (SYNTT-CI) has announced a work stoppage for Tuesday and Wednesday to press for his release. A group of trade unions and opposition parties, including the RDR, called at the weekend for the “immediate and unconditional release of the detainees.