Soldiers mutiny in 3 Ivory Coast cities over pay
ABIDJAN, Cote d’Ivoire — Soldiers launched mutinies in three cities across Ivory Coast on Friday, authorities said, demanding higher pay and bringing the threat of unrest back to Africa’s fastest-growing economy.
Gunfire rang out across Bouake, the second-largest city in this West African nation, starting around 1 a.m., according to residents. Similar mutinies erupted later in Daloa, in the central region, and Korhogo in the north.
“They are heavily armed and parading through the city of Daloa,” said Karim Sanogo, a student who lives there. “Security forces have abandoned their posts. Everyone has returned home to seek shelter.”
Defence Minister Alain Donwahi said discussions were under way with the soldiers, and he called on all troops to return to their barracks.