Cote D’Ivoire in Crisis After Sudden Military Takeover and Death Of Army Chief

Ivory Coast is facing a major political crisis following what appears to be a sudden military coup in its economic hub, Abidjan, on Sunday, May 19, 2025. Eyewitnesses reported hearing heavy gunfire across several parts of the city, as armed soldiers took control of key government sites and blocked major roads.

The coup, described as rapid and well-coordinated, has thrown the country into confusion. With no official statement from the presidency and the whereabouts of the President still unknown, fear and speculation have gripped the nation. Many residents remain indoors as soldiers continue to patrol the streets.

Adding to the tension, General Lassina—the Chief of Army Staff and a close ally of the President—died from multiple gunshot wounds on Monday at a military hospital. His death has raised fresh questions about internal conflicts within the armed forces and the true motives behind the coup.

“This isn’t just a fight for power—it’s a defining moment for the country,” said a West African political analyst, warning that Ivory Coast’s reputation as one of the region’s more stable nations is now at risk.

In response, both the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have taken notice and are expected to act as the situation unfolds.