Ghislain Duggary Assy, Communications Secretary of the Movement of Teachers for Dignity (a dynamic teachers’ union), has been sentenced to two years in prison simply for supporting teachers’ rights.
On the night of April 2, masked men took him from his home. This happened just before a planned teachers’ strike on April 3 and 4. The strike was organized by a coalition of unions calling for better working conditions, including fair quarterly bonuses.
That same night, Ghislain was interrogated at police headquarters—without a lawyer present. The next day, April 4, he was charged with organizing a civil servants’ protest “outside the legal framework” and “disrupting public services.” Just four days later, on April 8, he was sentenced to two years in prison.
Here’s what you can do:
Write to the Minister of Justice and Human Rights urging him to:
- Quash Ghislain Duggary Assy’s conviction and sentencing.
- Immediately and unconditionally release Ghislain Duggary Assy, as he is being detained solely for his peaceful human rights activism.
Write to:
Mr. Jean Sansan Kambilé
Minister of Justice and Human Rights
Plateau immeuble Symphonie, cité administrative
tour B 16e et 17e étage
BP V 107 Abidjan – Côte d’Ivoire
Email: minjusticedroitdelhomme@gmail.com
X: @minjustice_dh
Salutation: Dear Minister,
And copy:
His Excellency Bafetigue Ouattara
Ambassador
Embassy of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
2713 Lancaster Road, 201
Ottawa, ON K1B 5R6
Teachers demand fair compensation
On March 21, 2025, two inter-union organizations in Côte d’Ivoire formally notified the Minister of Education of their plans to strike. The action, which followed legal procedures, was scheduled in primary and secondary schools to demand improvements—especially the upgrading of quarterly bonuses for teachers.
This wasn’t the first time the unions raised these concerns. They had previously protested in October 2024. While the government promised to form a committee to address the teachers’ demands, union members report that the committee has not met since it was created.
Government response escalates
Instead of addressing the core issues, the Ministry of Public Administration declared the April strike illegal in a statement released on April 5. The Ministry also warned that striking teachers would face punishment.
Just three days later, on April 8, about a dozen members of the inter-union leadership were arrested. Fortunately, they were released a few hours later—but the situation remains tense.
Please take action as soon as possible until October 24, 2025. The UA will be duly updated should there be the need for further action.
