Ivorian opposition leader summoned by investigating judge

Abidjan — Assalé Tiémoko Antoine, president of the Ivorian political movement Aujourd’hui et Demain (Adci), has been summoned to appear before the presiding investigating judge at the Court of First Instance in Abidjan. The summons comes amid an ongoing legal case involving the opposition leader.

The announcement was made through an official statement from Adci’s national executive bureau, signed by the executive secretary, Roger Youan. According to the document, the Abidjan Police Prefecture notified the lawyers of Assalé Tiémoko Antoine on May 12, 2026, that their client had been formally summoned. Upon learning of the situation, the deputy mayor personally visited the Police Prefecture’s premises, where the summons was officially handed to him against receipt of a verification record.

Upcoming court appearance

The summons instructs the Adci leader to present himself before the presiding investigating judge of the 8th instruction chamber at the Abidjan Court of First Instance on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 8:00 AM.

Context of the judicial procedure

The summons follows an incident that occurred on the evening of May 11, 2026, when Assalé Tiémoko Antoine was reportedly prevented from boarding a flight to Canada “without any official explanation,” according to the political movement. The Adci has called on its supporters to remain calm, maintain serenity, and continue mobilizing while expanding the party’s presence across Côte d’Ivoire and abroad.

Legal steps ahead of the hearing

Before even being informed of the summons, Assalé Tiémoko Antoine had already sent a formal letter to the Public Prosecutor’s Office requesting clarification regarding his legal status. This judicial development takes place against a backdrop of heightened public visibility for the Adci leader, who was recently declared a candidate for the 2028 municipal elections in the Cocody district.