SIGNIFICANT THREATS CONFRONT CÔTE D’IVOIRE DESPITE PROGRESS TOWARDS STABILITY, UN REPORTS

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From: UNNews <UNNews@un.org>
Date: 16 Apr 2013 15:00:01 -0400
Subject: SIGNIFICANT THREATS CONFRONT CÔTE D'IVOIRE DESPITE PROGRESS
TOWARDS STABILITY, UN REPORTS
To: news11@ny-mail-p-lb-028.ptc.un.org

SIGNIFICANT THREATS CONFRONT CÔTE D'IVOIRE DESPITE PROGRESS TOWARDS
STABILITY, UN REPORTS
New York, Apr 16 2013 3:00PM
Despite considerable progress since the end of the violent
post-election crisis two years ago, Côte d'Ivoire still faces
significant threats to its long-term stability, including the presence
of armed elements, transnational crime, terrorism, piracy, and a
security sector in need of reform, a top United Nations peacekeeping
official said today.

"Some of the major threats identified include political dynamics and
remaining deep divisions, the continued existence of networks
affiliated with the former regime aimed at destabilizing the
Government [and] the reported presence of mercenaries, former
combatants and other armed elements along the border with Liberia,"
Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Edmond Mulet,
told the Security Council.

He was presenting Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's latest report on the
West African country, where a 2010 presidential election, meant to be
the culminating point in a long-running UN peace process, resulted in
months of violence when former President Laurent Gbagbo refused to
step down after losing to Alassane Ouattara. Mr. Gbagbo finally
surrendered in April, 2011.

Summarizing the report, Mr. Mulet stressed the need for the UN
Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) to remain in the country – where it
was first mandated nine years ago to support reunification and
stabilization after the nation was split by civil war in 2002 – but
with various reductions and adjustments.

In his report Mr. Ban recommended that UNOCI, whose military strength
was 9,552 personnel in March, be reduced by at least one battalion as
of 31 July to 8,837, comprising 8,645 troops and staff officers and
192 military observers, with a further gradual reduction of two more
battalions by mid-2015, depending on the situation on the ground.

Other threats that Mr. Mulet enumerated included the uncontrolled
circulation of weapons, slow progress in reconciliation and security
sector reform, halting progress in disarmament, demobilization and
reintegration, divisions within and among the security agencies,
continued human rights violations by formal and informal security
agencies with impunity, intercommunity violence, land conflicts and
poverty.

"The incidence of sexual and gender-based violence remains of
particular concern," he added, noting UNOCI's core priorities would
include the protection of civilians, support for security sector
reform and the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former
combatants, and help in addressing border security challenges.

He noted that Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia had taken further steps to
enhance cross-border cooperation after an attack last month by armed
elements in Petit Guiglo, in Côte d'Ivoire's western region, where UN
peacekeepers are supporting Ivorian forces and protecting civilians
through ground and air patrols. Security is a primary concern as
Ivorians prepare for the local elections this Sunday.

In his report, Mr. Ban welcomed improvements in security in the border
area and the enhanced cooperation between the national authorities,
but stressed that preserving stability along the border cannot be
achieved by security measures alone, but must be accompanied by
tackling the root causes of the Ivorian conflict, as well as new
grievances including land-related issues.

He commended Mr. Ouattara's leadership and personal engagement in
addressing security challenges, accelerating economic recovery, and
advancing other processes critical to achieving peace and long-term
stability.

"The Government's gestures towards the opposition and its engagement
in direct discussions with the former ruling party are encouraging. I
urge both parties to intensify these discussions with a view to paving
the way for political reconciliation," Mr. Ban wrote.

"It will be important that all political parties occupy their
legitimate political space and participate constructively in the
political life of the country, including by ensuring conditions
conducive to the widest possible participation in the upcoming local
elections."
Apr 16 2013 3:00PM
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