Security Council Condemns Violence in Cote d'Ivoire, Sudan, and Somalia

Strategic Insights -

The members of the Security Council are deeply concerned about the violence in Cote d'Ivoire, particularly against civilians, including reports of gunfire in Abidjan near the Golf Hotel. The Security Council condemned in the strongest terms acts of violence and warned all stakeholders that they will be held accountable for attacks against civilians and brought to justice in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Security Council condemned violence against civilians in Cote d'Ivoire, including reports of gunfire in Abidjan near the Golf Hotel.
  • The Council warned all stakeholders that they will be held accountable for attacks against civilians and brought to justice in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.
  • The Security Council urged all Ivorian stakeholders to exercise maximum restraint, remain calm, resist provocative actions, refrain from violence, and work together to restore sustainable peace.
  • The Council reiterates its support for the constructive role of the Secretary-General in Cote d'Ivoire and stresses the important role that the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) continues to play under its existing mandate.
  • The Council welcomed efforts by the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and countries in the region to assist in preserving peace and stability in Cote d'Ivoire.
  • The Security Council recalled its last statement on Cote d'Ivoire on December 8 and urged all parties to respect the will of the people and the outcome of the elections.
  • The Council heard a briefing by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy on the situation in Sudan and discussions in consultations among members of the Council.
  • The Council issued a presidential statement underscoring their agreement with the perspective conveyed by President Mkapa that the registration process in Sudan had concluded peacefully and creditors a strong foundation for the upcoming referenda to be peaceful and credible.

Statistics:

  • The Security Council warned that they will be held accountable for attacks against civilians in Cote d'Ivoire.
  • The Council urged all Ivorian stakeholders to refrain from violence.
  • The Security Council has 10,000 UN troops in Cote d'Ivoire.
  • The Council has recently augmented UNOCI with additional helicopters and personnel from Liberia.
  • The Council welcomed efforts by the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and countries in the region to assist in preserving peace and stability in Cote d'Ivoire.

Sources:

  • The United States Mission to the United Nations
  • [AS RELEASED BY THE UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS]