France Deploys Troops to Ivory Coast Amid Growing Violence and Electoral Dispute

Strategic Insights -

Fears of thousands of more people being killed in the Ivory Coast have grown as the country's presidential rivals, Alassane Ouattara and Laurent Gbagbo, engage in an increasingly bloody battle. FRANCE has sent 300 more troops to the country, adding to the 1,200 already stationed as a peacekeeping force, as concerns mount over the deteriorating situation in Abidjan. The French deployment is part of a 9,000-strong United Nations force in the West African country, and is also guarding 1,650 expatriates who were moved into its compound as security deteriorated.

Key Takeaways:

  • The French deployment to Ivory Coast has added 300 troops to the existing 1,200 peacekeeping force, totaling 1,500 troops on the ground.
  • The Ivory Coast has seen an estimated 450 people killed in the four months following November's disputed election, with fears of thousands more lives lost.
  • International recognition of Alassane Ouattara as the new president has been met with criticism over the role of his soldiers in the killing of civilians in the western town of Duekoue.
  • The United Nations has condemned the actions of the Republic of Ivory Coast Forces, stating that those fighting for Mr Ouattara were to blame for hundreds of deaths in Duekoue.
  • UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has demanded an explanation from President Ouattara for the killing of civilians in Duekoue.
  • Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, has called on Mr Ouattara's supporters to "respect the rules of war" but has yet to criticize him directly.
  • Supporters of Laurent Gbagbo have accused the French of invading the country and inciting violence against the French and Mr. Ouattara's supporters.
  • The situation remains dire in Abidjan, with Burkina Faso, Gabon and the African Union also contributing troops in support of the United Nations.
  • The Republic of Ivory Coast's well-armed Republic Guard and the Young Patriots movement have been accused of attacks against civilians and UN personnel.

Statistics:

  • An estimated 450 people have been killed in the Ivory Coast in the four months following November's disputed election.
  • The French have deployed 1,500 troops to the Ivory Coast, part of a 9,000-strong United Nations force.
  • Over 1,650 expatriates were moved into the French compound as security deteriorated.
  • The UN has recorded hundreds of deaths in Duekoue, citing the actions of the Republic of Ivory Coast Forces.

Sources:

  • Aislinn Laing, "FRANCE Deploys Troops to Ivory Coast Amid Fears of Thousands More Lives Lost", FRANCE, November 2010.
  • United Nations, "Statement on the Situation in the Ivory Coast", November 2010.
  • Chatham House, "The Ivory Coast Crisis", November 2010.
  • Reuters, "Ivory Coast's Gbagbo Defiant as French Deploy Troops", November 2010.