Victims of Ivory Coast’s post-electoral crisis have taken legal action against President Alassane Ouattara’s 2018 amnesty decree, seeking justice through the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The case, filed by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its Ivorian partners—the Human Rights League (LIDHO) and the Human Rights Movement (MIDH)—aims to have the decree declared unlawful under international law.
The 2018 amnesty, enacted as a step towards societal reconciliation, has faced criticism for denying victims justice by halting prosecutions for crimes committed after the 2010 presidential election. Human rights advocates argue that this perpetuates impunity and disregards victims’ rights to truth, justice, and reparations.
“This amnesty has shattered the hopes of justice for victims who trusted the national legal system,” said Drissa Traoré, Secretary-General of FIDH. “We urge the ECOWAS Court to rule these measures incompatible with regional and international law, as well as Ivory Coast’s human rights obligations.”
The groups contend that the amnesty violates Ivory Coast’s commitments under international treaties, including the Rome Statute, the Geneva Conventions, and the Convention Against Torture, which mandate prosecution for grave crimes like crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Efforts to challenge the decree within Ivory Coast’s legal system have been dismissed, leaving victims without recourse. “The imposed reconciliation process prioritizes political expediency over victims’ fundamental rights,” said Willy Neth, President of LIDHO.
The case also argues that the amnesty contradicts principles outlined in the African Union’s Constitutive Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Advocates reaffirm their commitment to ensuring accountability and delivering justice for the victims of the 2010 crisis.