Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire – June 3, 2025

A routine contraband search at Bouaké Prison turned deadly on Tuesday, leaving five inmates dead and at least 29 people injured in a violent confrontation between prisoners and security forces.

According to a statement released by Prosecutor Abel Nangbelé Yeo, the incident unfolded when prison officers began a standard inspection aimed at confiscating banned items. What was expected to be a routine operation quickly spiraled out of control as prisoners reacted with what authorities described as “hostility.”

As officers moved through the prison, they were reportedly attacked by inmates armed with clubs, machetes, and other improvised weapons. The situation escalated, prompting the security personnel to fire warning shots to secure their retreat. The prosecutor’s statement did not clarify the exact circumstances under which the five prisoners were killed.

In the aftermath of the raid, authorities confiscated blocks of cannabis, Tramadol tablets, mobile phones, and even three grenades — a chilling indication of the level of contraband inside the facility.

Among the 29 people injured were six prison officers and 23 prisoners. The identities of the deceased have not yet been released, and their families are expected to be notified as investigations continue.

The Bouaké incident has renewed scrutiny on Côte d’Ivoire’s prison system, which has long faced criticism from both human rights organizations and the United Nations. The UN Committee Against Torture recently raised alarms over the country’s “very high rate” of prison overcrowding, citing inhumane conditions marked by poor hygiene, lack of ventilation, and inadequate food and water. The committee also noted a disturbing level of violence in detention centers.

This is not the first violent episode at Bouaké Prison in recent months. Earlier this year, a prisoner died during an attempted escape, highlighting persistent issues around security and inmate managem