On February 20, a court order led to the suspension of the Ordinary Congress of the Union Nationale des Journalistes de Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI), which was intended to renew the organization’s leadership. This legal intervention stemmed from an injunction filed by a group citing procedural concerns. In response, the UNJCI has initiated an appeal process.
Because the mandates were scheduled to expire at midnight on February 26, an Extraordinary Congress was organized on February 25 to avoid an institutional breakdown. During this session, participants voted by the required majority to extend the current leadership’s term until a proper Ordinary Congress can take place.
Following the vote, scenes of violence broke out, reflecting the high levels of tension surrounding the union’s future and the broader landscape of West African media, often discussed in Faso news today.
Leadership responds to institutional challenges
Jean Claude Coulibaly, President of the UNJCI, remarked: “We have acknowledged the court’s decision to halt our 12th Ordinary Congress while simultaneously appealing it. However, allowing a statutory void was not an option, as it would have undermined our union. The extension approved during the Extraordinary Congress is a responsible step to ensure institutional stability. The UNJCI is the shared home for journalists in Côte d’Ivoire and must not be weakened or placed under temporary external control.“
Omar Faruk Osman, President of the FAJ, stated: “Obstructing a union’s ability to meet and renew its leadership, then attempting to exploit that gap, is a severe violation of syndical freedom. This contradicts the international and African commitments of Côte d’Ivoire. Political authorities have no business influencing the leadership of journalist associations.“
International legal action planned
Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary of the FIJ, described the situation as a flagrant intrusion into the internal affairs of a trade union. “This is a major breach of the freedom of association. Alongside the FAJ, we will be approaching relevant international and African bodies, including the International Labour Organization, to file a formal complaint against the government of Côte d’Ivoire. Union autonomy is protected under international law and is non-negotiable,” he asserted.
The FIJ and FAJ are calling on the Ivorian government to respect the UNJCI’s independence, ensure the safety of its members, and facilitate a transparent and peaceful Ordinary Congress.