³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ

Ivorian Security Minister, Gaston Quassenan Kone has reminded student leaders in the Cote d'Ivoire that their union is illegal, and all its activities banned.

The four leading members of the Federation of Students and Pupils of Cote d'Ivoire (Fesci) -- Francine Kouablan, Didier Koffi, Antonin Dagbo and Toure Lancine -- were arrested for participating in several Fesci rallies at universities in Abidjan.

After a week in gaol, they met Mr Kone, who, Ms Kouablan said, had told them that the ban on Fesci, imposed in 1991, was still in force. But Ivorian students have cause to be confused over Fesci's status. Although higher education minister Saligu Toure stated last May that the ban remains, universities have ignored Fesci's activities and talked to its leaders.