Côte d’Ivoire: unions denounce political interference in journalist syndicate

The Union Nationale des Journalistes de Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI) faced a critical juncture on February 20 when a judge issued an emergency injunction to halt its regular Congress, intended for leadership renewal. A collective claiming adherence to organizational statutes had filed the motion, prompting the UNJCI to appeal the decision.

With the statutory deadline for mandate renewal looming on February 26 and no prospect of holding the Congress in time, an extraordinary session was hastily convened on February 25. Delegates, adhering to the union’s regulations, voted overwhelmingly to extend existing mandates until the regular Congress could proceed without disruption. Post-vote disturbances erupted, underscoring the escalating tensions within the organization.

Jean Claude Coulibaly, President of the UNJCI, emphasized the necessity of the extension: « We acknowledged the court’s decision while pursuing an appeal, but allowing a statutory void would have severely weakened our union. The extraordinary Congress’s decision ensures institutional continuity. The UNJCI stands as the collective voice of Ivorian journalists and must remain autonomous, not subjected to provisional administration.»

Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), condemned the interference: « Preventing a union from convening to renew its leadership—then exploiting the situation to create an institutional vacuum—is a brazen violation of trade union freedom. This contradicts Côte d’Ivoire’s African and international commitments. No political entity has the right to dictate the leadership of a journalists’ organization.»

Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (FIJ), labeled the situation a grave breach: « This is a blatant infringement of association rights and a direct interference in the internal affairs of a union. Alongside the FAJ, we will escalate this matter to relevant international bodies, including the International Labour Organization, to formally condemn the Côte d’Ivoire government’s actions. The autonomy of unions is a non-negotiable principle under international law.»

The FIJ and FAJ have urged Ivorian authorities to safeguard the UNJCI’s independence, ensure the safety of its members, and facilitate the unhindered, transparent, and peaceful convening of its regular Congress.