The Ivorian National Union of Journalists (UNJCI) faced a critical situation on February 20 when an injunction, filed by a group claiming to uphold legal texts, led to the suspension of its ordinary congress. This gathering was meant to renew the union’s governing bodies. The UNJCI promptly decided to appeal the judge’s ruling.

avoiding institutional breakdown amid legal deadlock

With the original congress unable to proceed within the statutorily required timeframe and the mandates of the governing bodies set to expire on February 26 at midnight, an extraordinary congress was hastily convened on February 25. Following the union’s internal rules, delegates voted by the required majority to extend the mandates until the ordinary congress could be held under proper conditions.

Unfortunately, this decision sparked violent incidents, highlighting the tense atmosphere surrounding the process.

union leaders speak out against infringement of press freedom

Jean Claude Coulibaly, President of the UNJCI, emphasized the union’s commitment to continuity: « We took note of the court’s decision to suspend our 12th ordinary congress, but we are appealing it. However, allowing a statutory void would have weakened our organization. The mandate extension approved at the extraordinary congress was a responsible and necessary step to preserve institutional stability. The UNJCI is the collective home of Ivorian journalists and must not be weakened or placed under provisional administration. »

Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), condemned the interference: « Preventing a journalists’ union from convening to renew its leadership and then attempting to exploit the situation to create an institutional vacuum amounts to a serious violation of trade union freedom. This runs counter to Côte d’Ivoire’s African and international commitments. No political authority has the right to choose or influence the leadership of a journalists’ organization. »

Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (FIJ), also condemned the move: « This is a grave violation of the right to freedom of association and a blatant interference in the internal affairs of a union. Together with the FAJ, we will pursue legal action through international and African bodies, including the International Labour Organization, to file an official complaint against the Ivorian government for these abuses. The autonomy of unions is a fundamental right under international law and is non-negotiable. »

international bodies urge respect for union independence

The FIJ and FAJ have jointly called on Ivorian authorities to uphold the independence of the UNJCI, ensure the safety of its members, and facilitate the organization of a free, transparent, and peaceful ordinary congress.