International Community Urges Firm Support for Peace Process in Côte d'Ivoire

Strategic Insights -

The United Nations Security Council and the international community must remain firm in their support for a democratic transition in Côte d'Ivoire to prevent a return to civil war or partition. Despite steps taken by the Secretary-General and regional organizations recognizing Alassane Ouattara as President-elect, Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to accept the election results poses a significant threat to the peace process. The situation remains dire, with reported attacks on civilians and UN peacekeepers by security and militia forces loyal to Gbagbo, and demands for the UN and French forces to withdraw from the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Security Council is urged to declare Gbagbo's refusal to accept the election results a coup d'etat and recognize it as a threat to the ongoing peace process and unity of the country.
  • The UN mission in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) was first deployed in 2004 to support the ceasefire reached by the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement and has since been mandated to accompany the peace process through subsequent agreements.
  • Any agreement on power-sharing or national unity would only prolong the crisis and reward illegal actions to undermine free and fair elections.
  • The reporting of attacks on civilians and UN peacekeepers by security and militia forces loyal to Gbagbo are unacceptable, and demands for the UN and French forces to withdraw from the country must be found illegitimate and rejected.
  • The Security Council should renew the mandate of the UN mission in Côte d'Ivoire and back ongoing regional efforts to resolve the crisis.
  • The Council should reiterate its commitment to supporting UNOCI's role in the protection of civilians and consider ways to enhance the mission's capacity in this regard.
  • Punitive measures should be put in place to shift the calculations of leaders who are hostile to the peace process.
  • Individual sanctions, including recognition of individual criminal liability, must be updated, enacted, and enforced.
  • Isolating the illegitimate government's access to external resources, including through international and regional organizations, should be urgently pursued.

Statistics:

  • The UN mission in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) was first deployed in 2004.
  • The Security Council is urged to renew the mandate of the UN mission in Côte d'Ivoire.
  • 100% of the international community, including the African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations, recognizes Alassane Ouattara as the President-elect of Côte d'Ivoire.

Sources:

  • International Crisis Group press release
  • Linas-Marcoussis Agreement
  • Ouagadougou Political Agreement
  • UNOCI mandate