In Côte d’Ivoire, the public prosecutor on Monday, March 30, 2026, requested life imprisonment for five of the 45 defendants standing trial in connection with the 2020 attack on a checkpoint in Kafolo. They are being prosecuted for acts of terrorism. During the attack, which was claimed by the Katiba Macina group, 14 Ivorian soldiers were killed.

For the public prosecutor, this trial over the Kafolo jihadist attack symbolizes “the resilience of the rule of law and the memory of the defense and security forces.” Among the 45 defendants, the prosecution distinguishes three categories.

First, there are 14 defendants who, according to the prosecutor, became involved in the case “inopportunely.” Among them are relatives of a suspected terrorist who remains at large. The prosecutor has requested their acquittal.

Some lawyers are already considering seeking compensation, such as Me Sylvain Touali, counsel for Sihita Sangaré, a herder who has been detained since July 2020: “If there are reparations to be requested, it will be done later. It is at the end of the trial that we will request compensation.”

Life imprisonment sought for five defendants, 20-year sentences requested for 26 others

Secondly, among the 45 defendants, the prosecutor identified five as direct perpetrators of the Kafolo attack and is seeking life imprisonment for them. According to the prosecution, they were part of a commando group of around 30 individuals who attacked the Kafolo checkpoint on the night of June 10 to 11, 2020. The attack was led by Abdourahmane Sidibé, known as “Hamza,” but several fighters remain at large and have not appeared in court.

Finally, the prosecution has requested 20-year prison sentences for 26 other individuals accused of providing logistical support, shelter, or information to the attackers.

The defense will now take the floor and is preparing its strategy for the continuation of the trial. Lawyers intend to challenge the prosecution’s arguments. “I believe there is room for discussion. We will respond to these submissions because the court acts as an arbitrator. It listens to both parties before delivering its decision,” said Me Mohamed Lamine Koné.

Defense lawyers are scheduled to present their arguments on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The civil parties are seeking compensation amounting to 10 billion CFA francs, to be paid jointly by all defendants found guilty.