Social media activism has its limits, and CONASU (National Coordination of Solidarity with Institutions) has just firmly reiterated this point. Following a post deemed offensive by Mr. Jean-François Kouassi criticizing President Alassane Ouattara's trips abroad, the citizens' movement has taken a stand.

Although the author deleted his post and apologized, CONASU wanted to make a point with an official statement signed by its president, Zanga Coulibaly .

A "regrettable drift" condemned

For CONASU, the remarks made by Jean-François Kouassi are not simply political criticism, but a direct attack on the institutions. The movement denounces, in particular:

1. A risky and inappropriate outing.
2. A speech full of virulence and hatred .
3. A blatant lack of civic education .

Freedom of expression vs. Respect for institutions

While recognizing the right of every Ivorian to question the authorities on matters of national interest, the organization recalls that in a democracy, this freedom stops where the contempt for institutions begins.

"The exercise of this fundamental freedom must imperatively be in accordance with the legal framework and the moral values of the Republic," the statement emphasizes.

An appeal to national civic duty

Beyond Mr. Kouassi's personal case, CONASU is raising the alarm about the dangers of disinformation and disrespect online. For Zanga Coulibaly, a citizen poorly educated in republican values represents a risk to social cohesion .

The movement therefore urges all Ivorians to show restraint and to place the respect due to the Head of State at the top of their civic engagement, in order to preserve a "strong and prosperous" nation.