In brief
A troubling surge of violence against the LGBTQ community in Ivory Coast has prompted widespread fear and concern, particularly in its largest city, Abidjan. Although historically regarded as a refuge for LGBTQ individuals in West Africa, recent assaults and online harassment have thrown that safety into disarray.
In the past two months, numerous accounts from gay men and transgender individuals have emerged, detailing violent attacks incited by social media influencers urging their followers to “hunt woubis,” a derogatory term for effeminate men. Public displays of homophobia have escalated, evidenced by a soccer match where fans showcased a banner with an anti-gay slur. This hostility is compounded by political moves, as the nation's youngest lawmaker plans to introduce legislation aimed at curtailing LGBTQ rights, amplifying fears among activists."Once a sanctuary for the community, Ivory Coast now faces an unsettling reality," notes Carlos Idibouo, a local LGBTQ activist. As the situation escalates, many are left questioning their personal safety in a nation they once considered a safe haven. This sudden shift from tolerance to targeted violence reflects broader societal issues and highlights the vulnerability of LGBTQ populations across the region. Rights organizations are mobilizing to respond to this alarming trend, while the once-promising landscape for LGBTQ rights in Ivory Coast hangs in the balance.
