Rising Hostility Against L.G.B.T.Q. Community in Ivory Coast

As Ivory Coast grapples with a series of violent incidents against L.G.B.T.Q. individuals, previously considered a safe haven in West Africa, rights activists raise alarms about increasing hostility fueled by social media.

In recent months, the Ivory Coast has witnessed a disturbing rise in violence against L.G.B.T.Q. individuals, a significant departure from its history as one of West Africa’s more accepting societies. Reported incidents of assaults, beatings, and online intimidation have proliferated, particularly in the bustling metropolis of Abidjan. This surge in aggression appears to be incited by social media influencers who have rallied their followers with calls to “hunt woubis,” a local derogatory term for effeminate gay men.

Witnesses recount graphic accounts of violence, with groups of young men engaging in aggressive anti-gay campaigns during public events, including notable displays of hostility at sports matches. The situation has escalated to the point where political leaders are addressing the issue; the youngest member of the national legislature, affiliated with President Alassane Ouattara’s political faction, has proposed a parliamentary bill aimed at curbing the perceived increase in homosexuality within the nation.

Activists express grave concern over the trajectory of L.G.B.T.Q. rights in the region. Carlos Idibouo, a prominent Ivorian activist, articulated the community's fears, stating, “Ivory Coast was an oasis of peace for the community. Now we wonder, are people safe?” The soaring violence and institutionalized discrimination echo similar oppressive environments present in other West and Central African nations, prompting urgent calls for defense and support within a society once known for its relative acceptance.

Increased attention to this crisis is needed, as rights groups work to provide assistance to the affected communities, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of L.G.B.T.Q. individuals in the face of growing intolerance.