Ivory Coast Court Seeks 20-Year Sentence for Ex-Aide of Guillaume Soro in Terrorism Trial

High-Stakes Retrial Concludes with Prosecution Demanding Maximum Penalty

The Abidjan Criminal Court heard closing arguments on Monday, July 21, in the high-profile retrial of former military aide Abdoulaye Fofana, once a close associate of exiled Ivorian politician Guillaume Soro. Prosecutors have demanded a 20-year prison sentence for Fofana and ten co-defendants on charges including terrorism, conspiracy against state authority, and alleged involvement in deadly election violence.

Charges Stem from 2020 Election Crisis That Left 80 Dead

The case centers on events surrounding Ivory Coast’s contentious 2020 presidential election, when political tensions erupted into violence claiming over 80 lives. Fofana, a former commandant in Soro’s security detail, stands accused of orchestrating attacks against state institutions during the crisis.

“The prosecution has presented compelling evidence showing the defendant’s central role in planning and executing acts of terror,” state attorney Amadou Coulibaly told the court. “These crimes against national security warrant the maximum penalty under law.”

Second Trial Brings New Allegations

This marks Fofana’s second prosecution, with the current trial introducing more severe terrorism-related charges absent from initial proceedings. Legal analysts note the upgraded accusations reflect the government’s hardened stance against perceived threats to constitutional order.

Defense counsel Mamadou Touré maintains his client’s innocence: “This prosecution is politically motivated. My client was performing legitimate security functions during a period of national emergency. We will appeal any conviction.”

Broader Implications for Ivorian Politics

The case has drawn international attention as it intersects with the ongoing political exile of Guillaume Soro, former rebel leader turned prime minister and parliamentary speaker. Human rights groups have raised concerns about judicial independence in cases involving Soro associates.

A verdict is expected within weeks. If convicted, Fofana would join several other Soro allies currently serving lengthy prison terms, continuing a pattern that critics describe as the criminalization of political opposition.

The court’s decision may influence Ivory Coast’s fragile political reconciliation process ahead of 2025 elections, with potential ramifications for stability in West Africa’s economic powerhouse.

Source: RFI