Former Ivory Coast Defence Minister Moise Lida Kouassi Released from Detention

Opposition Party Welcomes Release but Raises Health Concerns

Former Ivory Coast defence minister Moise Lida Kouassi has been released from detention after spending nearly a year in custody over allegations of terrorism and political violence.

Kouassi, who served under former President Laurent Gbagbo, was released on Tuesday, according to officials from the opposition African Peoples’ Party of Ivory Coast (PPA-CI).

The veteran politician had been in detention since August 2025 after being charged with several offences, including alleged acts of terrorism. He was among 11 people arrested ahead of the country’s presidential election in October.

Party Expresses Relief

Sebastien Dano Djedje, executive president of the PPA-CI, welcomed the release, describing it as a significant relief for the party and Kouassi’s supporters.

“The release of Moise Lida Kouassi is a relief,” Djedje told AFP, while adding that the former minister’s health had deteriorated during his detention.

“But his health is not good,” he said.

The opposition leader did not provide further details about Kouassi’s medical condition.

Arrest Linked to Political Tensions

Kouassi was accused of being one of the instigators of violence that erupted in the commercial capital, Abidjan, in early August.

The unrest occurred during a politically sensitive period ahead of the presidential election and led to the arrest of several opposition figures and activists.

Authorities charged Kouassi and others with terrorism-related offences and placed them in pre-trial detention.

The arrests drew criticism from opposition groups, which accused the government of targeting political opponents ahead of the election.

Opposition Members Remain Behind Bars

Despite Kouassi’s release, Djedje said several members of the PPA-CI and other opposition parties remain in prison.

In the months leading up to the presidential vote, dozens of opposition activists and senior party officials were reportedly arrested or detained.

The crackdown heightened concerns over political freedoms and the treatment of opposition figures in the West African nation.

Another Opposition Supporter Freed

Kouassi’s release came just one day after digital activist Ibrahim Zigui, a supporter of the PPA-CI and a prominent opposition figure, was also freed.

Zigui had been sentenced to five years in prison for “incitement to insurrection” but was released on appeal on Monday.

The back-to-back releases have been welcomed by opposition supporters, although concerns remain about the continued detention of other activists and party officials.

Uncertain Political Climate

The release of Moise Lida Kouassi is likely to reignite discussions about political freedoms, judicial independence and reconciliation in Ivory Coast.

As the country moves forward after a tense election period, opposition parties continue to call for the release of all political detainees and greater respect for democratic rights.

For now, Kouassi’s supporters are celebrating his freedom while expressing concern about his health and the future of other detained opposition members.