The political movement ADCI has strongly condemned the abrupt denial of exit from Côte d’Ivoire imposed on its president, Assalé Tiémoko Antoine, who was prevented from boarding a flight to Canada on May 11, 2026. In an official statement, the party described the action as an attempt to humiliate a prominent political figure and called for immediate clarification regarding this restriction, which they argue violates both civic rights and human dignity.

Assalé Tiémoko Antoine, leader of the political party ADCI (Aujourd’hui et Demain la Côte d’Ivoire), was set to embark on a high-profile trip to Canada and the United States to expand the party’s outreach within the Ivorian diaspora. The trip, scheduled from May 12 to 26, 2026, was publicly announced during a seminar in Nantes, France, in March 2026, and had been widely communicated across the party’s networks.

Despite completing all standard departure procedures at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan without any prior notice of travel restrictions, Mr. Assalé was stopped just 20 minutes before his flight’s departure. An airport police officer escorted him to the commissioner’s office, where he was informed that the Public Prosecutor’s Office had issued an order barring his travel without prior notice.

Efforts to contact the prosecutor’s office proved unsuccessful. Assalé Tiémoko Antoine remained in police custody until the plane departed at 9:10 PM before returning home. Notably, on April 23, 2026, the Deputy Prosecutor, Mr. Abou Sherif, had officially informed him that the prior temporary detention order had been lifted, restoring his full freedom of movement.

Since April 22, 2026, neither Mr. Assalé nor his legal representatives have received any formal notification regarding travel restrictions. There has been no indictment, judicial supervision, or official communication of any kind. The denial of exit occurred despite the planned trip being part of a legitimate political engagement with the diaspora.

ADCI’s Position and Demands

The ADCI movement expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency and the timing of this measure, which was not officially communicated until the moment of departure. The party emphasized that its president is a committed democrat who has never sought to evade justice and has always respected the country’s institutions.

ADCI insists that in a democratic state governed by the rule of law, public authorities must act with integrity and uphold human dignity. The movement argues that any restriction on a citizen’s freedom of movement—especially a public figure—must be formally and clearly communicated in advance. ADCI calls on its members to remain calm and await further updates on the situation.

In conclusion, the party reaffirms its commitment to democratic principles and calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

For ADCI,
The Executive Secretary,
Roger Youan