Escalating Intervention in Ivory Coast: UN and France Attack Gbagbo's Strongholds

Strategic Insights -

The international community launched a significant escalation of the intervention in Ivory Coast's crisis, with the United Nations and France striking targets at President Laurent Gbagbo's residence, offices, and two military bases. The attacks, which came in response to Gbagbo's forces using heavy artillery and armored vehicles against civilians and UN personnel, aimed to neutralize the heavy weapons used against the population and international staff. The UN and French forces have been instrumental in rallying international support for Ouattara, who was recognized as the winner of the 2010 presidential election.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN and France launched a military operation targeting Gbagbo's strongholds, including his residence and presidential offices.
  • The operation aimed to neutralize heavy weapons used against civilians and UN personnel, and to protect the civilian population.
  • Forces loyal to Ouattara have made significant advances in the city of Abidjan, with their prime minister, Guillaume Soro, declaring that Gbagbo's rule is nearing an end.
  • The international community has been instrumental in rallying support for Ouattara, with the UN, France, and other countries recognizing him as the winner of the 2010 presidential election.
  • Gbagbo's forces have used heavy artillery and armored vehicles against civilians and UN personnel, leading to the escalation of the intervention.
  • The operation has been carried out with the intent of neutralizing the heavy weapons used against the civilian population and UN personnel in Abidjan.
  • Gbagbo's rule has been described as unlawful by international officials, with the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, stating that the organization has taken action only because of the use of heavy weapons against civilians.
  • The operation has risked bolstering Gbagbo's propaganda that he is being singled out by foreign forces.

Statistics:

*Approximately 1,500 French troops are stationed in Ivory Coast.

*Over 2,000 fighters supporting Ouattara have entered the city of Abidjan.

*Gbagbo's forces have used mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and heavy machine guns against the civilian population.

*Four UN peacekeepers were wounded in the attack on the UN headquarters in Abidjan.

*The operation has marked a notable increase in the international effort to force Gbagbo to step down since losing the election in 2010.

Sources:

  • NY Times: "U.N. and French Forces Attack Gbagbo's Strongholds in Ivory Coast"
  • Reuters: "Ivory Coast forces make advances as international aid to Ouattara grows"
  • United Nations: "United Nations Force Intervention Brigade"
  • France 24: "French military intervention in Ivory Coast: What you need to know"