Political crisis in Côte d’Ivoire increased political secularization

What the study found: The study finds that political crises in Côte d’Ivoire were associated with secularist dynamics at the political level. It says that, especially after the 2002 rebel near-overthrow, many politicians increasingly thought Christian and Muslim religious leaders should step back from political involvement.

Why the authors say this matters: The authors suggest that Côte d’Ivoire shows how political crises can shape political secularization in sub-Saharan Africa. They conclude that this secularization is politically important, while also remaining confined to politics rather than spreading into wider society and culture.

What the researchers tested: The paper uses fieldwork and data collected in Côte d’Ivoire between 2017 and 2020. Its sources include interviews, archival material from political parties, major newspapers, and religious organizations, as well as resources from the Pew Research Center.

What worked and what didn't: The abstract reports that the crisis-driven move toward limiting religious leaders’ political involvement became more apparent from the early 1990s through the 2020s. It also says this secularization was driven by politicians and remained confined to the political sphere.

What to keep in mind: The abstract does not describe detailed limitations of the study. It also does not claim that the political secularization described has spread beyond politics into broader society or culture.

Key points

• Political crises in Côte d’Ivoire were linked to secularist dynamics in politics.
• After the 2002 rebel near-overthrow, many politicians wanted Christian and Muslim leaders to step back from politics.
• The study says this secularization was driven by politicians.
• The abstract says the change remained confined to the political sphere and did not spread to broader society and culture.
• The research draws on fieldwork, interviews, archival material, newspapers, religious organizations, and Pew Research Center resources.