Blé Goudé sues after death threats: Security in the election campaign is at risk!

Blé Goudé sues after death threats: Security in the election campaign is at risk!

There is currently a tense climate in Ivory Coast, particularly in view of the upcoming 2025 presidential elections. The President of the Congrès panafricain pour la justice et l'égalité des peoples (COJEP), Charles Blé Goudé, has recently faced a worrying situation. How news.abidjan.net reported, Blé Goudé filed a criminal complaint with the prosecutor of the Court of Abidjan-Plateau on October 9, 2025. The complaint refers to “threats to life” and “public insults” directed at him via social media.

His lawyer, Maître Ouraga Serge, emphasizes the urgency of this action, given that threats have increased in recent weeks. There are posts circulating on Facebook in particular that announce his death by the end of 2025 and even suggest that his death is a prerequisite for the author's happiness. These statements are not only disturbing but also highly dangerous, especially in the context of an election campaign. Maître Ouraga emphasizes that such statements often precede tragic actions and recalls previous political assassinations.

Role of social media

The spiral of violence and the increase in hate speech are always the focus of discussion. Social media, including platforms such as Facebook, are often venues for radical expressions and calls for violence. According to an analysis by tagesschau.de, social media has the potential to spread radical views and influence opinion formation, but the actual influence on voting decisions remains rather small. However, it is clear that in sensitive election times such as these, the impact of such statements is amplified.

Maître Ouraga responds to the current threats with a clear call to mobilize against the spread of hatred on social media. He not only calls for strict punishment for the perpetrators, but also for increased security measures for Blé Goudé, who wants to travel through the country as part of the election campaign. “We need to make the public aware of the seriousness of the situation,” he explains. He also has great confidence in the judicial response and hopes that the lawsuit will be processed quickly.

A serious problem for democracy

The situation represents a serious test for democracy in Côte d'Ivoire. Experts warn that the climate of discourse on social networks is trending more and more to the right, thus leading to one-sided opinion formation. This has a direct impact on political dialogue and could jeopardize the inclusive nature of the upcoming election. Maître Ouraga emphasizes that a respectful political debate is of the utmost importance in this crucial phase.

In a country where political tensions continue to erupt, it is crucial to hold those responsible accountable and ensure a safe and fair election. Public awareness of the seriousness of threats and hate postings must be raised to make democracy safer and more stable.