Côte d’Ivoire: No News of Trade Union Leader

On 26 April, the ITUC learnt of the arrest of Basile Mahan Gahé, general secretary of the ITUC affiliated organisation Dignité in Côte d’Ivoire. After gathering more information, the ITUC wrote to the authorities the following day, expressing its concern regarding the circumstances of the trade union leader’s detention.

After almost a week with no clear signs regarding his situation, the ITUC reiterated its deep concern. The fact that no official response was given to its first letter is all the more worrying given that several media sources have published conflicting reports regarding the whereabouts of Basile Mahan Gahé.

In a second letter to the authorities, the ITUC urged the government to take every measure to ensure that the matter is clarified. It called for Basile Mahan Gahé’s release, if he is indeed still being held, unless specific charges are brought against him.

ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow also appealed to the Ivorian authorities to urgently guarantee the free exercise of trade union rights.

For more information, please contact the ITUC Press Department on: +32 2 224 02 04 or +32 476 621 018