In a troubling shift for Ivory Coast, a country previously celebrated for its relative tolerance towards L.G.B.T.Q. individuals, a surge of violence and intimidation has emerged, shaking the community’s sense of security. Over the past two months, numerous gay men and transgender individuals in Abidjan, the largest city, have reported being victims of assaults, beatings, and mob violence, spurred on by provocative social media posts from influencers urging their followers to “hunt woubis,” a derogatory term for effeminate gay men.
The atmosphere has been further poisoned by incidents at public events, such as soccer matches, where homophobic slogans have been chanted and banners displayed. Additionally, legislative moves have been made by a young lawmaker affiliated with President Alassane Ouattara, who intends to propose a bill to curb what he refers to as the “expansion” of homosexuality, increasing fears that anti-L.G.B.T.Q. sentiment is gaining traction.
Carlos Idibouo, a prominent Ivorian L.G.B.T.Q. activist, expressed his distress at this alarming turn of events, stating, “Ivory Coast was an oasis of peace for the community. Now we wonder, are people safe?” This sentiment resonates deeply among activists and advocates, who worry that the increasing hostility and violence toward L.G.B.T.Q. individuals in other regions of West and Central Africa is now manifesting in a country that was once regarded as a safe haven. The crisis underscored the urgent need for protective measures and advocacy efforts to restore safety and dignity to the community in this troubled time.
