Authorities in Ivory Coast have arrested six members of the powerful Ivory Coast Student and School Federation (Fesci) as part of a murder investigation.
This move comes after the bodies of two individuals, including a prominent rival of Fesci’s leader, were discovered.
Police launched the operation following the death of Zigui Mars Aubin Deagoue, a student who opposed Fesci leader Sie Kambou.
Deagoue was reportedly abducted by individuals identified as Fesci members before his body was found late on September 30.
The government has now halted all activities of Fesci amid rising hopes that this could mark the end of the impunity the organization has long enjoyed.
Authorities have charged the arrested individuals with murder and criminal conspiracy.
In addition to Deagoue’s death, the suspects are also being investigated for their connection to the murder of Khalifa Diomande, another student and Fesci member, who was killed at the end of August.
This escalation of violence has raised alarms in a country where Fesci has reigned unchallenged over university campuses for years.
“The federation has reigned as an absolute master on campuses,” said Wonbegue Silue, general secretary of the Ivory Coast’s General Association of Pupils and Students.
Students have reported harassment and intimidation, with some forced to pay for using toilets on campus.
A security officer from Cocody University described instances of torture allegedly conducted by Fesci members.
He recalled horrifying scenes of students held captive, bearing severe injuries, and experiencing abuse in basements.
Many fear reprisals and refuse to report such incidents to the police.
