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Côte d'Ivoire Working Towards Reconciliation
August 11, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

On July 28, CNN reported that President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d'Ivoire pledged to make national harmony his top priority while in office. Ouattara was speaking amid criticism that his supporters were targeting backers of his former rival, deposed President Laurent Gbagbo. In the interview, Ouattara said ethnic divisions were already exacerbated before he arrived in office and argued that there has been a "tendency for revenge" that he has been trying to contain. "It will take time to cure," he added.

According to Ouattara, the country’s continued tensions are rooted in economics and disputes over land. He described the current divisions as “people taking back land that had been seized from them.” Ouattara added that his government will address this issue making no "distinction of race, religion or region.” United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said “the crisis has taken a massive toll” and that the international community needs to help the Côte d'Ivoire "get back on its feet," CNN reported.

On August 1, the International Crisis Group published a report titled, “A Critical Period for Ensuring Stability in Côte d’Ivoire.” The report recommends disbanding the New Forces militia that helped Ouattara take power from Gbagbo, whose refusal to accept defeat in the November 2010 elections caused a months-long conflict. The report also suggests that the new Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission “must quickly show it is truly independent and credible.”
Furthermore, it identifies that the justice system needs to investigate crimes by both sides and bring in the International Criminal Court to look into the most serious offences committed since 2002. In conclusion, the report recommends that Ouattara’s government should also engage former members of Gbagbo’s Ivorian Popular Front (PFI) party in dialogue in order to pacify the country.

On August 10, BBC News reported that Michel Gbagbo, the son of the former president, was among 12 people who had been charged over post-election violence which killed an estimated 3,000 people. Other prominent figures charged included the former prime minister and head of Gbagbo's PFI party, Pascal Affi N'Guessan. In response, Michel Gbagbo's lawyer, Herve Gouamane, condemned the charges and stated, “At the same time they talk about reconciliation they go after those who were close to Gbagbo and they're attacked simply for being linked to Gbagbo.” So far, 26 Gbagbo allies have already been charged and international arrest warrants have been issued for those who have fled overseas. In addition, pro-Ouattara forces have also been accused of committing atrocities during the conflict.

Former President Gbagbo remains under house arrest after refusing to accept defeat in the November 2010 presidential elections. Gbagbo was violently ousted from power after forces loyal to Ouattara, the internationally recognized winner of the poll, entered Abidjan and captured him with the backing of UN and French troops.

For previous news on Côte d'Ivoire, please see:
Gbagbo Captured in Côte d'Ivoire Following Military Assault

Sources:
The International Crisis Group – A Critical Period for Ensuring Stability in Côte d’Ivoire

BBC News – Ivory Coast conflict: Laurent Gbagbo's son charged

Voice of America – Ivory Coast Government Pledges Reconciliation

CNN – New Ivory Coast president committed to 'national reconciliation'