The government has initiated an operation to liberate dormitories illegally occupied by students, starting on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University campus in Cocody. This operation was conducted in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as well as representatives from the Regional Center for University Services (CROU).

Phase 1 of the operation targeted specific sites, including the old campus, INSET campus, 2000 A and B campuses, and campus 2000-1B. The four buildings of campus 2000-1A are scheduled to be cleared on Sunday, October 6, before the operation expands to peripheral areas such as Mermoz, Rouge, and Riviera 2 dormitories.

During the operation, illegal constructions, including unauthorized markets, two smoking rooms, and the headquarters of the Student Federation of Côte d'Ivoire (FESCI), were demolished.

"As you know, following the tragic discovery of the body of our fellow citizen, Agui Mars Aubin, the government has taken several measures, including the total liberation of illegally occupied beds in university residences. The operation began today at Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in CROU A1 and will extend across the national territory," explained Daouda Sidibé, Director of University Services, Associations, and Gender Affairs at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

He added, "This operation will last as long as necessary to address all university dormitories. In the end, all statistics will be communicated."

It is worth noting that, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, the government decided to temporarily suspend all activities of student union associations across the country, pending the results of an ongoing investigation led by the National Police.

MC