Fatshimetrie recently covered a disturbing event in Côte d’Ivoire, where the authorities took the radical decision to dissolve all student associations in the country. This drastic measure follows the death of two members of the Fédération estudiantine et scolaire de Côte d’Ivoire (Fesci), thus raising serious concerns within the student community.
The Ivorian authorities have launched a vast campus clean-up operation, highlighting the abuses observed within certain higher education institutions. The recent arrests and referrals to the public prosecutor of 17 students, as part of criminal investigations, testify to the seriousness of the events that occurred.
At the same time, eviction operations were carried out on campuses, aimed at dislodging illegal occupants, of whom Fesci held a significant portion of the housing informally. The discovery of machetes, grenades and the destruction of a brothel and a “torture tunnel” have highlighted the urgency of intervention by the authorities.
The Ministry of Higher Education has announced the upcoming resumption of the process of reallocation of student housing, focusing on objective criteria such as academic results, age and social situation of students. This measure aims to establish a healthy and secure climate within university campuses, thus promoting an environment conducive to the academic development of students.
This case reveals the multiple challenges faced by students in Côte d’Ivoire, highlighting the need for a thorough reform of the education system and the management of student associations. It is crucial to guarantee the protection and well-being of students, while ensuring that order and security are respected within university campuses.
In light of these events, it is imperative to learn the necessary lessons in order to avoid any form of abuse and to guarantee a healthy educational environment conducive to the development of future executives of the Ivorian nation.