Rising Hostility Against LGBTQ Community in Ivory Coast Alarms Activists

Once known for its progressive stance on LGBTQ rights, Ivory Coast is witnessing a surge in violence and harassment against the community, prompting fears of escalating intolerance and insecurity.

In Ivory Coast, a nation previously recognized for its leniency towards LGBTQ individuals, recent months have highlighted a troubling shift. Over the last two months, reports of violence, harassment, and intimidation against gay men and transgender individuals have surged, particularly in the bustling city of Abidjan. This alarming trend follows calls from social media influencers who incited their followers to "hunt" individuals within the LGBTQ community, specifically targeting those referred to as “woubis,” a derogatory term applied to effeminate gay men.

Instances of mob violence have proliferated, with groups of young men engaging in anti-gay rampages. Such hostility was also evident during a recent soccer match, where fans displayed a banner featuring a homophobic slur, eliciting cheers from the crowd. This atmosphere of increased aggression has sparked fear among LGBTQ advocates, who worry that the pervasive intolerance seen in other West and Central African nations is now permeating Ivory Coast.

Additionally, political reactions have compounded these fears. The youngest member of the national parliament, aligned with President Alassane Ouattara’s party, has vowed to propose legislation aimed at countering the perceived rise of homosexuality, further fueling anti-LGBTQ sentiments. Activists like Carlos Idibouo express deep concern, noting that Ivory Coast, once hailed as a sanctuary for LGBTQ rights, now feels perilous. He raises an alarming question for many in the community: “Now we wonder, are people safe?”