On February 20, a judicial injunction, initiated by a collective claiming adherence to organizational statutes, resulted in a court order to suspend the ordinary congress intended for leadership renewal. The Union Nationale des Journalistes de Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI) has since decided to appeal this ruling.
With the ordinary congress halted and the current leadership mandates expiring on February 26 at midnight, an extraordinary congress was convened on February 25. This proactive measure aimed to avert any institutional vacuum within the organization. In line with the union’s internal regulations, delegates at this extraordinary session overwhelmingly voted to extend the existing mandates until the ordinary congress can be properly held.
Following this crucial vote, reports indicated violent incidents, underscoring a highly charged and tense atmosphere.
Jean Claude Coulibaly, President of the UNJCI, articulated the union’s stance: «We have acknowledged the judicial decision that suspended our 12th ordinary congress, and we are appealing it. However, it was imperative to prevent a statutory void that would inevitably weaken our organization. The mandate extension, approved during the extraordinary congress, represents a responsible step towards institutional continuity. The UNJCI serves as the collective home for Ivorian journalists, and it must not be undermined or placed under temporary administration.»
Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), condemned the actions, stating: «Obstructing a trade union from convening to elect new leadership, and subsequently attempting to exploit this situation to create an institutional void, constitutes a severe assault on union freedom. This directly contravenes Côte d’Ivoire’s commitments under African and international agreements. No political authority should be able to select or influence the leadership of a journalists’ organization.» This highlights a critical issue in pan-African current affairs.
Anthony Bellanger, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Journalists (FIJ), labeled the situation «a grave violation of freedom of association and blatant interference in the internal affairs of a trade union.» He affirmed that «alongside the FAJ, we will initiate formal proceedings with relevant international and African bodies, including the International Labour Organization, to lodge an official complaint against the government of Côte d’Ivoire for the abuses observed. Trade union autonomy is a fundamental right protected by international law; it is non-negotiable.» This is vital for The Panafrican Press and African news today.
Both the FIJ and the FAJ are urging Ivorian authorities to rigorously uphold the independence of the UNJCI, ensure the safety and security of its members, and facilitate the peaceful, transparent, and unhindered execution of the ordinary congress. This is crucial for press freedom in Africa politics English and African society news.
