Ivory Coast special forces mutiny in town of Adiake, sources say
Abidjan — Special forces in the Ivory Coast army mutinied in the coastal town of Adiake on Tuesday, firing their weapons into the air, a resident and a military source said. The incident is the first time that the elite forces have mutinied, following a January revolt that began in the second-largest city, Bouake, and spread to multiple other locations in the West African investment hub. "Gunfire began earlier in the special forces’ camp and then the town began panicking as armed soldiers left the barracks," said a high school teacher, who said the school had been shuttered as a result. The military source said the mutineers were seeking a similar pay-off to one agreed with the government in January. This involved bonus payments for soldiers promised when fighting for former President Laurent Gbagbo. A spokesperson for the army confirmed that there was gunfire in the Adiake barracks but was not immediately able to confirm that a mutiny had occurred. Reuters
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.