Ivory Coast has issued an arrest warrant for former rebel leader and ex-Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, who intends to run in next year's presidential election.
Mr. Soro had been due to return to the country on Monday after several months abroad but instead landed in Ghana.
Public prosecutor, Richard Adou, said on state television that an arrest warrant had been issued for alleged breaches of state security, receiving stolen public resources and money laundering.
Mr. Soro denies the allegations.
Police fired tear gas to disperse his supporters who were protesting on the streets of Abidjan, the main city in the Ivory Coast.
The decision by the 47-year-old to run for president appears to have rattled President Alassane Ouattara who may be seeking re-election himself.
Mr. Soro had long been an ally of the president but they fell out earlier this year.
Many Ivorians will be worried about next year's election because previous political crises in Ivory Coast have descended into civil war.
Latest Stories
-
‘It’s unfortunate we had to protect the public purse from Akufo-Addo’ – Ablakwa on ORAL Team’s mission
25 minutes -
Congo lawyers say Apple’s supply chain statement must be verified
50 minutes -
Stampede in southwestern Nigerian city causes multiple deaths
1 hour -
Tens of thousands without water in Mayotte as curfew brought in
1 hour -
ORAL: We won’t witch-hunt, we’ll focus on transparency, not revenge – Ablakwa
2 hours -
Attempted robbery: Accused claims he carried cutlass for protection
2 hours -
Excavator operator jailed for stealing
2 hours -
African fans age-shame me for putting on some outfits – Tiwa Savage
3 hours -
Tiwa Savage criticised by female fans for stance on cheating in relationships
3 hours -
Bank of England expected to hold interest rates
3 hours -
Congo river boat sinks killing at least 22
3 hours -
Nigeria approves Shell’s $2.4 billion asset sale to Renaissance
3 hours -
Embattled Liberian speaker questioned by police over parliament fire
4 hours -
‘I won’t be a judge in my own court; ORAL is about protecting public purse’ – Ablakwa
5 hours -
Bawumia joins thousands in Kumasi for burial prayers for Ashanti Regional Imam
5 hours