In the wake of recent unrest in Paris-Léona, a village in Côte d'Ivoire's Guiglo department, local chiefs have appealed for calm and a return to peace. The trouble began after a young man, Guillaume Gyon Gbêh, 24, died during a routine check by gendarmes at the Petit-Guiglo corridor on September 18. The incident sparked clashes between youths and gendarmes on September 19, leading to the temporary closure of shops and disruption of traffic.
A meeting was convened on September 21 by the coordination of traditional chiefs of the Guiglo department, led by Luc Yadé Poho, to ease tensions in the area. The chiefs visited Paris-Léona to help restore calm and assess the situation. According to Yadé Poho, the situation had returned to normal, with shops reopened and traffic flowing freely.
The circumstances surrounding Gbêh's death are still unclear, with locals expressing concerns and questions about the incident. According to eyewitnesses, two youths on a motorcycle were stopped during the routine check, and while the driver escaped, Gbêh attempted to flee and drowned in the Konhi river. Yadé Poho emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to establish the facts.
The chief of Goya village, a retired gendarme, stressed that an inquiry is necessary to determine the exact circumstances of Gbêh's death. He also announced plans to engage with the gendarmerie to gather more information on the incident and the personnel involved in the check. The goal is to ensure that future checks are conducted in a regulated manner.
To maintain peace and provide updates on the situation, the traditional chiefs of the Guiglo department and the Cavally region will hold a meeting. The gathering aims to share information collected and contribute to sustaining peace in the area. The recent clashes had caused temporary disruptions, but the situation has since stabilized.
Paris-Léona, a village in the Guiglo sub-prefecture, has a population of approximately 3,070 inhabitants. The area has been affected by the incident, but the intervention of local chiefs has helped to restore calm. Efforts are being made to ensure that the community returns to normal life.
The Agence ivoirienne de presse (AIP) reported that the situation in Paris-Léona has returned to normal, thanks to the efforts of local authorities and traditional chiefs. The incident highlights the importance of effective communication and collaboration between authorities and local communities to prevent misunderstandings and promote peace.
Key points
- Local chiefs in Côte d'Ivoire's Guiglo department have called for calm after clashes between youths and gendarmes in Paris-Léona village.
- The clashes were sparked by the death of a 24-year-old man during a routine check by gendarmes at the Petit-Guiglo corridor.
- An investigation is needed to establish the circumstances surrounding the young man's death and ensure that future checks are conducted in a regulated manner.
