Côte d’Ivoire - October 2024

In October, LGBTQIA+ individuals in Côte d’Ivoire faced a surge in violence, including assaults, online harassment, and intimidation. Gromo, an Ivorian LGBTQIA+ advocacy group, recorded more than 45 assaults since early September. Previously seen as being home to one of West Africa’s more tolerant societies, the country has recently experienced a wave of homophobia fueled by social media influencers accusing the government of promoting LGBTQIA+ rights through a proposed law that would protect citizens' ‘sexual orientation’ from discrimination. On 15 September, Interior Minister Vagondo Diomandé’s stated that the government does not encourage homosexuality. Additionally, lawmaker Naya Jarvis Zamblé, aligned with President Alassane Ouattara’s party, pledged to introduce a bill in Parliament to ‘counter the expansion’ of homosexuality. Activists have urged authorities to strengthen protections and denounce anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric.

Sources: Abidjan, The New York Times, X