April 30, 2009

Reports in today’s Ivorian press said that President Laurent Gbagbo is to address the nation today on the controversy of the date of the long-delayed presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. The case of French-Canadian journalist Guy-Andre Kieffer, who disappeared in April 2004 in Cote d’Ivoire remains in the news. One paper reported on the plans to increase power production in Cote d’Ivoire by December 2009 and another reported on the U.S. government’s donation of medical equipment to Cote d'Ivoire.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A prominent story in this paper said President Gbagbo is to address the nation today. The paper said the presidential message is expected to address the controversy over the date of the  presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper reminded readers that Cote d’Ivoire’s Ambassador to the United Nations announced on Tuesday that the country's long-delayed presidential elections will be held by December 6^th, at the latest. This announcement has sparked different reactions from both the political parties and the New Forces. The report also said that the funding of the peace process, disarmament program, reunification of the country, redeployment of public administration authorities throughout the country, the IMF-sponsored debt relief for Cote d’Ivoire, and the deployment of security forces are the other major issues to be addressed by the president.

2. A few days after Cote d’Ivoire’s Ambassador to the United Nations announced the elections to be held by December 6, L’inter (an independently daily) suggested that it would be difficult to meet this deadline. The paper noted that based on the situation on the ground, it would be difficult to complete the identification and the voter registration processes by June, because there are key obstacles to overcome. The paper further cited the ongoing debate on whether the disarmament of the former fighters should be completed before or after the elections as one of the major stumbling blocks.

3. As the nation awaits the presidential message tonight, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) carried a prominent story, which said that a “huge political manipulation” is unfolding. According to the paper, it is not the prerogative of the President of the Republic to announce the date of the elections, but rather the Independent Electoral Commission. The paper criticized the electoral commission; it said the commission, which is tasked to organize the elections, is not firm enough.

4. Still on the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire, Fraternite Matin quoted the African Union Peace and Security Council, which said: “Cote d’Ivoire has made progress.” According to the paper, this pronouncement was made yesterday in Abidjan by a delegation from the African Union Peace and Security Council that met with Ivorian Prime Minister Soro Guillaume. The delegation is in Cote d’Ivoire as part of a regional tour and was giving its assessment of the peace process.   

5. The fate of French-Canadian journalist Guy-Andre Kieffer, who disappeared in April 2004 in Cote d’Ivoire, was a subject of a front-page report in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party). The report said: “France announces the death of Kieffer.” This is in reference to a statement of an official in the French Foreign Affairs Ministry, who said: “We hope that light will be shed on the circumstances and responsibilities surrounding the death of Guy-Andre Kieffer.” The paper went on to speculate on the  cause of the death of the journalist; it listed several scenarios, including  – suicide, individuals responsible,  the motive behind his death, the whereabouts of the body, and why France has kept silence over his death for so long. 

6. On other issues, a report in Fraternite Matin said that Cote d’Ivoire is to increase its power production by 110 Megawatts beginning in December 2009 through a project called CIPREL III. The multi billion project, which was launched yesterday, seeks to find investments in order to increase power production from 210 Megawatts to 320 Megawatts; representing 50 percent of the total energy consumption in Cote d’Ivoire.

7. On health issues, L’inter reported that the Government of the United States yesterday donated $50,000 worth of medical equipment to Cote d’Ivoire to help curb respiratory disease, the third most common illness in adults and the second most common illness among children in this country. The paper noted that the donation was very timely, as the world is facing swine flu pandemic.   

April 28, 2009

Today, the Ivorian press said that the international community – including the United States and France – has stepped up pressure on poltical stakeholders over the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire. On the swine flu epidemic, a daily said that the Ivorian government has taken preventive measures to counter the disease. The case of Guy-Andre Kieffer, the Franco-Canadian journalist, who disappeared in Cote d’Ivoire in April 2004, continued to be a major issue in the Ivorian press.     

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): Several meetings yesterday in Abidjan between Ivorian authorities and foreign diplomats over the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire were subjects of front-page stories in this paper. It showed a picture of U.S. Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire Wanda L. Nesbitt and President Laurent Gbagbo; in another picture, French Ambassador Andre Janier was featured with the President of the ruling FPI party, Pascal Affi N’Guessan. According to the paper, an IMF-sponsored debt relief program for Cote d’Ivoire and the peace process were high on the agenda for Ambassador Nesbitt’s meeting with President Gbagbo. “We talked about all tasks to be completed before the elections,” Ambassador Nesbitt was quoted as saying after the meeting. The report further said that Ambassador Nesbitt also highlighted the progress made regarding the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, notably the identification process.

2. Reporting on the meeting between Ambassador Janier and the Ivorian political leader, Fraternite Matin quoted the French diplomat as saying “I have informed the president about the anxiety of the French government regarding the delay of the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire; and he [the leader of the FPI party] has reassured me.” Still on the same issue, a prominent story in Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said “The New Forces are under pressure to disarm.” “The international community is impatient and tired,” said another prominent headline in Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition).

3. On the disarmament, L’inter (an independent daily) quoted the leader of a militia group, who said: “We won’t surrender the guns unless we meet President Gbagbo or the Prime Minister.” According to the paper, this was said yesterday when members of a militia group called “Union des Mouvements des Groupes d’Autodefense du Sud” addressed a press conference to reflect on their future. 

4. On health issues, Soir Info (an independent daily) carried a banner headline announcing that the Ivorian authorities have put in place a committee that has been tasked to study the situation on the ground in order to take preventive measures to counter the swine flu disease. According to the report, the committee was put in place yesterday after a meeting chaired by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Fishing Resources.

5. The case of Guy-Andre Kieffer, the Franco-Canadian journalist, who disappeared in Cote d’Ivoire in April 2004, was the major story in Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party). In a front-page story, the paper quoted the brother of the missing journalist, who rejected recent media reports that “the case has no substance”. [NOTE: In the wake of the interrogation of Ivorian First Lady Ehivet Simone Gbagbo and senior minister in charge of Planning and Development Paul Antoine Bohoun Bouabre testified on Thursday before French judges over the disappearance of French-Canadian journalist, some Ivorian newspapers quoted lawyers of the two Ivorian officials as saying that “the case has no substance”.] In a related development, L’inter quoted an official in the French Foreign Affairs Ministry, who said: “We hope that light will be shed on the circumstances and responsibilities surrounding the death of Guy-Andre Kieffer.”   

April 27, 2009

Ivorian press today and in its weekend issues reported on new developments on the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire. The investigation on the disappearance of Franco-Canadian journalist Guy Andre Kieffer remains a major story in the papers. The papers also talked about rumors of a coup d’etat in Cote d’Ivoire; the killing of one student leader of the Federation of Students of Cote d’Ivoire (FESCI); the certification cocoa from Cote d’Ivoire and the continuing campaign against HIV/AIDS.

1. A banner headline in the weekend issue of Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) announced that the date of the long-delayed presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire will be announced within two months. The paper attributed this information President Laurent Gbagbo, who said on Friday: “The elections will take place this year. All steps have taken. All conditions have been fulfilled, little by little. I still need a month and a half to see the Independent Electoral Commission work and then we will set n exact date.”

2. In a related development, Fraternite Matin also reported that the spokesperson of the Independent Electoral Commission said that remedial voter registration exercises are back on track in the entire country as of Saturday and will continue for two weeks. It is expected that the two-week registration process will be conducted in 205 centers that were not covered during the previous exercises.

3. Commenting on the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, the President of the ruling FPI party, Mr. Pascal Affi N’Guessan, said: “We support Soro,” the Ivorian Prime Minister, in his effort to implementing the peace agreement.” 

4. On other issues, a prominent story in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that investigations in the case of Franco-Canadian journalist Guy-Andre Kieffer who disappeared in Cote d’Ivoire in April 2004, sounds like “a vast political conspiracy.” The paper is referring to last week’s interrogation of Ivorian First Lady Ehivet Simone Gbagbo and the Minister of Planning and Development, Paul Antoine Bohoun Bouabre. Fraternite Matin  reported that the wife of the Franco-Canadian journalist confessed that a few days before the  disappearance of her husband, some French businessmen who wanted to cover up an business affair promised him [Guy-Andre Kieffer] 40 million FCFA (about $81,000).

5. In a prominent story, Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) hinted that security has been tightened around the presidential residence in Abidjan following rumors of a coup d’etat. According to the paper, its sources say that the plot is planned to be executed on April 27, 2009 and that the plotters, who were trained by French instructors are from the New Forces’ stronghold of Bouake. The report further said that both President Gbagbo and Prime Minister Guillaume Soro are to be targeted during the attack.  

6. Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) had a picture of mutilated body, believed to be that of a student killed in the central city of Daloa over the weekend. According to the paper, the name of the student is Glao Mathieu alias “Dokis”, who was a leader of FESCI -- the Federation of Students of Cote d’Ivoire (a movement known to be violent). The paper further said that he was killed during a clash that opposed rival factions of FESCI. In a separate story, the paper reported that the Secretary General of FESCI, Augustin Mian, blamed the incident on “settling of scores” between the factions. Mian said: “What happened was contrary to the values of FESCI. For that reason, we’ll work with the police to arrest the perpetrators so that they are punished.”

7. A report in L’inter (an independent daily) said that the third stage of a process leading to the certification the Ivorian cocoa got underway on April 17, 2009. The Follow-up System of Child Labor program is designed to help improve living conditions and revenues of cocoa producers. The paper went on to comment that Cote d’Ivoire, which signed the Harkin-Engel Protocol, is fully committed to implementing the program aimed at eliminating the worst forms of child labor and adult slave labor in the cocoa sector.

8. Regarding anti-HIV/AIDS campaign in Cote d’Ivoire, a story in Fraternite Matin recalled that the Ivorian government launched almost a year ago a program called “Petite Monnaie (small money)”, designed to gather resources in order to support the campaign against the disease in Cote d’Ivoire. To explain mechanisms and conditions for the implementation of this program, the Ivorian Minister in charge of HIV/AIDS recently met with local organizations, said the report. Still on the campaign against HIV/AIDS, a report in L’inter said that Ivorian stakeholders are to institutionalize a national day of voluntary HIV/AIDS test. The paper quoted results of a survey conducted in 2005 saying that only 6-8 per cent of the population in Cote d’Ivoire has been tested. The aim of the national day of voluntary HIV/AIDS test is to bring the figure to 36 per cent by 2010.     

April 24, 2009

Reports in today’s Ivorian press said that Ivorian First Lady Ehivet Simone Gbagbo and senior minister in charge of Planning and Development Paul Antoine Bohoun Bouabre testified on Thursday before French judges over the disappearance of French-Canadian journalist Guy-Andre Kieffer in 2004. The dailies also announced that President Laurent Gbagbo is to address the Nation on the peace process. Rumors of attack on the Ivorian Prime Minister; the case of top Ivorian officials incarcerated in a prison in Abidjan in connection with a scandal in the Ivorian cocoa and coffee industry and a conference on migration were the other major items. 

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): Reporting on the investigation over the disappearance of French-Canadian journalist Guy-Andre Kieffer, the paper quoted lawyers of Ivorian First Lady Ehivet Simone Gbagbo and senior minister in charge of Planning and Development Paul Antoine Bohoun Bouabre as saying that “the case has no substance”. The lawyers were speaking to the press yesterday after the two officials testified before French investigators probing the case of Guy-Andre Kieffer. The interrogation, which was held secret, took place in the Supreme Court buildings in Abidjan, the report said. The paper also reported that the French judges earlier questioned the First Lady’s aide-de-camp, Commander Seka Seka Anselme, and other four security officers in connection with this affair.

2. On the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, Fraternite Matin announced that President Gbagbo will address the Nation in the coming days. According to the paper, this was announced after a Council of Ministers held on Thursday in Abidjan. A statement published at the end of the meeting said that the Head of State has expressed his satisfaction as to the progress of the peace process and will make an important declaration during a State address. The statement further said that he [the president] will use the opportunity to talk about the organization of the presidential elections and programs underway as part of the peace process. 

3. In a related development, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) quoted the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) as saying that the prerogative to fix a date for the presidential elections falls on the Independent Electoral Commission. The report also said that UNOCI urged the electoral body to take all necessary measures to enable the populations in areas that were not covered during the voter registration exercises to be registered.

4. Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported on rumors that New Forces’ military commanders are planning to assassinate Prime Minister Soro Guillaume. The paper carried another report saying that the gendarmerie is on high alert following rumors of attack on a military barrack in Abidjan.

5. On other issues, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) carried a prominent story wondering about the fate of top officials of Ivorian cocoa and coffee industry who have been incarcerated in an Abidjan prison in connection with an anti-corruption investigation ordered by President Laurent Gbagbo. The investigation followed allegations in the local media of the embezzlement of more than 100 billion CFA francs ($236 million) meant to help develop the sector. The paper noted that the officials have been in custody for almost a year now. It quoted their lawyer as saying that the delay of their trial is a violation of Human Rights.

6. “Cote d’Ivoire is a sanctuary of integration and inter-missing of culture,” Notre Voie quoted Ivorian Interior Minister Desire Tagro as saying. The report said the minister was speaking yesterday at the opening of a conference on immigration in Cote d’Ivoire that was co-sponsored by the Ivorian government and International Migration Organization. The conference is to come out with strategies for an efficient management of migration in Cote d’Ivoire. 

April 23, 2009

Reports in today’s Ivorian press talked about the interrogation of Ivorian First Lady Ehivet Simone Gbagbo and a senior minister by French judges, who are currently in Abidjan on the disappearance of French-Canadian journalist Guy-Andre Kieffer in 2004. The dailies also reported on the latest developments on the elections and the disarmament process in Cote d’Ivoire. Other reports were on the publication of Charles Ble Goude’s book, despite United Nations sanctions on him.

1. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) carried pictures of the Ivorian First Lady and the Minister of Planning and Development with a prominent headline reading: “Mrs Gbagbo and Mr. Bohoun to fight Ramael.” Ramael is the French judge investigating the disappearance of the French-Canadian journalist Guy-Andre Kieffer in 2004. [NOTE: Media reports suggested that Kieffer was abducted in the parking lot of a supermarket in the main city, Abidjan. At the time, he was investigating the country's powerful -- and reportedly corrupt -- cocoa industry.] The paper said that the interrogation of the two officials is scheduled for today and that Cote d’Ivoire’s sovereignty will be fully respected in this regard. The paper reminded readers that the Ivorian First Lady and the Minister of Planning and Development Paul Antoine Bohoun Bouabre, who have never refused to be interrogated, have only insisted that the interrogation takes place in Cote d’Ivoire. Specifics of the interrogation are still unclear.  Although many papers are reporting that the interrogation is set to take place in Abidjan, a front-page story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that the First Lady and the French judge are yet to agree on where in Abidjan they should meet. According to the paper, Mrs. Gbagbo wants the interrogation to take place in her residence while the investigators prefer to meet her at the High Court or at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights in Abidjan. The paper further reported that the Minister of Planning and Development also wants to be questioned in his office. According to the paper, this proposal has been rejected by the investigators. The paper also said that an   independent source noted that many issues in this case are still to be clarified.

2. On the electoral process, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) carried a prominent headline announcing that 25,000 transparent ballot boxes and 50,000 voting booths are expected in Abidjan in May 2009 for the coming presidential elections. According to the paper, this announcement was made yesterday by the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission after a meeting with members of Ivorian civic groups. Reporting on the same issue, Fraternite Matin informed readers that discussions between the electoral commissioner and the civic groups focused on the independent observation of the coming elections. The Ivorian civic groups are planning to deploy about 11,000 election observers and the groups have committed to disseminating the code of good conduct signed by Ivorian political leaders. 

3. On the date of the long-delayed presidential elections, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) quoted Ivorian opposition leader Alassane Dramane Ouattara, who said: “The date of October 11, 2009 is not negotiable.” The leader of RDR, who was addressing a rally yesterday in Abidjan, reportedly said that this date was proposed by the Independent Electoral Commission and it is now the responsibility of the President of the Republic to approve it.  

4. The disarmament of the former fighters was the other major item in Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, 500 former rebels and militias as well as youths were yesterday encouraged to join the National Civic Education Program. This program, which is designed by the government of Cote d’Ivoire, seeks among other things to reintegrate former fighters and war-affected young populations into the economy of the country. According to the paper, officials say this program will impact approximately 12,000 youths, almost 2,000 of whom live in Bouake – the stronghold of the former rebels.

5. In a related development, Fraternite Matin said that the com-zones (New Forces military commanders) are demanding 38 billion Francs CFA (about $75 million) as a condition to relinquish control of the central, western and northern regions. The paper culled this information from a story in La Lettre du Continent – a French newspaper.

6. On UN sanctions in Cote d’Ivoire, a report in Fraternite Matin said that yesterday, Frat-Mat’s printing  officials signed a contract with Charles Ble Goude, the  leader of the Young Patriots.  The publishers have agreed to edit his book entitled: “Ivorian Crisis: My Side of the Story.”  The paper said that Ble Goude expressed gratitude to the management of the printing group for refusing to be part of what he called “ploy and intimidation.” Ble Goude was referring to a U.N. sanctions panel that recently said that the publication of the book should be prohibited because Ble Goude is still under U.N. sanctions.

April 22, 2009

The Ivorian press today again focused on the recent developments in the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire. The press also talked about Cote d’Ivoire’s 2009 budget and other economic issues. Other major reports included the presence of French judges in Abidjan to interrogate the Ivorian First Lady and a senior minister about the disappearance of the French-Canadian journalist Guy-Andre Kieffer in 2004; as well as the issue of the suspended newspaper.

1. In a front-page story, L’inter (an independent daily) suggested that recent decisions taken by New Forces’ leadership could endanger the peace process. This suggestion is in reference to the New Forces’ statement earlier this week, when they said that they would pull out of the peace process if presidential elections were not conducted this year. The paper warned that this decision would take the country back to the volatile atmosphere that was prevailing before the signing of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement and subsequently leading to war. The paper referenced parts of a recent United Nations report warning, which said “violence may escalate in Cote d’Ivoire, particularly in the north, as parties are rearming despite a United Nations arms embargo imposed since 2004.” The paper further suggested that any escalation in hostilities in Cote d’Ivoire would dash away hopes of revitalizing the Ivorian economy as prescribed by the IMF-sponsored debt relief program.

2. Also reacting  to the New Forces’ statement, a report in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said the ruling FPI’s President Pascal Affi N’Guessan welcomed Ivorian Prime Minister Guillaume Soro’s decision to stay in office, even though some leaders of the former rebel movement asked him to quit. According to the paper, Mr. Affi N’Guessan said he was hopeful that the New Forces are still committed to adhere to the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.

3. On economic issues, a prominent story in Fraternite Matin said that Cote d’Ivoire’s 2009 budget is estimated at 2529 billion FCFA (about $5 billion). According to the paper, the budget announcement, which was made by a government official yesterday, said that this budget was adopted on January 8 by the government, which took into account funding for many projects, including the peace process. The paper also said that approximately, $1.6 million of this budget will be devoted to poverty alleviation projects.  

4. On the probe in the case of French-Canadian journalist Guy-Andre Kieffer, who went missing in Abidjan since 16 April 2004, Soir Info (an independent daily) announced that Ivorian First Lady Ehivet Simone Gbagbo and the senior minister in charge of Planning and Development, Paul Antoine Bohoun Bouabre, will be questioned by French judges on April 23, 2009. Explaining the sensitivities of this case, the paper referenced an AFP report, which said that French judges do not suspect direct implication of the presidential couple, but that there is a cloud of suspicion surrounding some cadres in the current regime, who are linked to certain business interests. A report in Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) said that the French investigators yesterday questioned Mr. Bai Patrice, a lawyer and also an unnamed former boss in security team at the Presidency during the time of the disappearance of the French-Canadian journalist. 

5. On the state of the media in Cote d’Ivoire, Le Nouveau Reveil reported that Mr. Eugene Die Kacou President of Conseil National de la Presse – a state-run watchdog committee – was adamant about the suspension of Le National. According to the paper, during a media interview on the suspension of the Le National, Mr. Kacou said that the paper was suspended for a month beginning April 20, because of what the committee referred to as “poor information treatment” and “serious violations” of the code of ethics. [NOTE: In its decision dated April 15, 2009, the Conseil National de la Presse noted that Le National recently published a series of articles whose contents tarnished the reputation of government officials, political leaders, businessmen and a journalist. The statement also said that the publisher of Le National, though warned by the committee, continued to publish inaccurate information.]

April 21, 2009

The Ivorian press today talked about a United Nations report on the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire. The emergency meeting by the leadership of the New Forces on the peace process was also a major news item. On economic issues, the dailies talked about the government’s commitment to good governance and payment of the country’s domestic debt. The suspension of Le National, a daily newspaper, for “breaching” press code of ethics as well as the investigation into the disappearance of a French-Canadian journalist some five years ago, were  also in the news.

1. The 20^th report of the United Nations on the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire was a subject of a front-page story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily). The paper said that the report underscores the significant progress accomplished by the Ivorian government.  The paper however, noted that some obstacles are delaying the effective implementation of the process. Analyzing the full text of the report, which the paper published, it pointed out that the two major obstacles are “the reunification of the country and the organization of the elections.”

2. In a related development, Fraternite Matin published a statement issued yesterday by the leadership of the New Forces following an emergency meeting on the peace process. The statement said “The New Forces is ready to proceed with the disarmament in conformity with provisions of the 4^th Complementary Ouagadougou Political Agreement.” The paper noted that the former rebels, who promised earlier to come out with “courageous decisions” at the end of this meeting, instead just congratulated Prime Minister Guillaume Soro for his efforts to implementing the peace process. “The New Forces have pulled back,” wrote L’inter (an independent daily); while Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party)carried a prominent headline that said “After calling on the Prime Minister to resign, the New Forces have reconsidered their position.” Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) reported that after their closed door meeting, the New Forces accused the ruling FPI party of “sabotaging” the peace process and called for sanctions to be imposed on President Gbagbo’s party. Still on the same issue, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) said the New Forces called for elections to be held later in 2009.  

3. Another report in Le Nouveau Reveil said that the remedial sessions of the identification and registration operations scheduled to begin this week could be delayed due to lack of funding. In a statement issued a few days ago, the Independent Electoral Commission announced that some 1500 teams will be deployed nationwide to conduct the voter registration program in areas that were not covered during the previous exercise.

4. On economic issues, Fraternite Matin carried a banner headline quoting Ivorian Finance and Economic Minister Charles Koffi Diby, who declared 2009 as the year of “severe good management” in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the report, the government is committed to the IMF –sponsored economic and financial reforms designed to create conditions for economic revival in Cote d’Ivoire.  Mr. Diby was speaking yesterday in Abidjan at a 2008-2009 Economic planning seminar.

5. In a related development, Fraternite Matin reported that the Ivorian government has paid five billion FCFA (about $9.8 million) to SAGEM – a French group in charge of voter registration for the coming Ivorian elections. According to the paper, the payment is part of the government’s paid off domestic debt.

6. On media-related issues, Fraternite Matin reported that the National Press Council (CNP) – a state-run media watchdog committee - has suspended the privately owned Le National, effective April 20 till May 19, 2009 for what the committee referred to as “poor information treatment” and “serious violations” of the code of ethics.

7. A report in L’intelligent d’Abidjan (a privately-owned daily) said that a French judge, probing the disappearance of a French-Canadian journalist, Guy-Andre Kieffer, met with the State Prosecutor Raymond Tchimou. The report said that the French investigator is currently in Abidjan to obtain the testimony of the wife of President Gbagbo and the Minister of Planning and Development, Paul Antoine Bohoun Bouabre.  This visit is part of a long-running investigation into the disappearance of French-Canadian reporter in 2004. 

April 20, 2009

Today’s Ivorian press is dominated by a U.N report that says violence may escalate in Cote d’Ivoire, particularly in the north. Reports also said that leaders of the New Forces are to meet today in Bouake following their recent call on Ivorian Prime Minister Soro Guillaume to resign. The peace process, particularly the voter registration exercise as well as the controversy over the date of the presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire were also in the news. 

1. “Looting of resources in the central, western and northern regions: U.N. accuses the militia groups.” This is what a banner headline in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said. The paper attributed this statement to a report by UN experts responsible for monitoring the UN-imposed sanctions on Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the report, which was presented to the Security Council on April 17, said: “In the north of the country, private militias maintain control over natural resources and continue to extract rents from local businesses and the civilian population.” The report further said: “Despite the arms embargo, the parties to the conflict remain sufficiently heavily armed to engage in sustained armed hostilities.” The report concluded that “The situation may escalate rapidly, should the political situation in the country deteriorate, and the economic interests of some parties be threatened by events.”

2. Fraternite Matin also reported that the New Forces leaders are meeting today in Bouake; however, Prime Minister Soro, who is also the leader of the New Forces, will not take part in the meeting. According to the paper, Mr. Soro will be represented by the Minister of Justice and Human Rights – a member of the New Forces. The paper also speculated that discussions would focus on the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, notably the issues relating to the restoration of the state authority throughout the country.

3. On the date of the long-delayed presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire, Le Quotidien (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported that Stephane Kipre, leader of Union des Nouvelles Generations (a minor party close to the ruling FPI party) said that elections will be held in 2010. Meanwhile, in a prominent headline, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) quoted Ivorian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, who said that “there are no obstacles for the elections to be held in October 2009.” According to the paper, Ouattara stressed that what is now needed is “political willingness.”
4. Still on the date of the presidential elections, a prominent story in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) quoted an official of the Independent Electoral Commission, who said: “It’s not fair to accuse President Laurent Gbagbo for the delay of the electoral process.” Another official was also as saying that “All parties have representatives both in the government and in the electoral body; and they are the ones that take decisions.”         

5. Further on  the voter registration exercise, Fraternite Matin published a statement issued by the Independent Electoral Commission informing the public that the program will be conducted in another 205 centers that were not fully covered during the previous exercise due to difficulties in accessing  the areas. According to the statement, 1,500 registration workers will be deployed throughout the country, with approximately 40 of them based in Abidjan district.

April 17, 2009

Reports in today’s Ivorian press were again dominated by the controversy generated following a call by the New Forces for the resignation of Prime Minister Guillaume Soro. The newspapers also reported on an official ceremony to honor the late Deputy Chief of Staff in the presidency, Mrs. Sarata Ottro-Zirignon. On economic issues, a report in Fraternite Matin said that economists from the Franc Zone are to meet today in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso to discuss solutions to the impacts of the global economic crisis in their countries. The papers also reported on the United Nations program for the empowerment of Ivorian women.  

1. “War of words: UNOCI calls for restraint,” said a front-page story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily). The paper said that the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) has called on the country’s political stakeholders to ensure that calm prevails following the demand for the Prime Minister’s resignation. According to the paper, UNOCI’s spokesperson Hamadoun Toure urged political actors not to confuse the affairs of the State and the problems facing politicians or other groups. He said: “It’s important to stick to the institutional arrangement that has been put in place in connection with the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.”

2. Still on the same issue, a front-page story in Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling party) said that the ruling FPI party, opposition groups and the international community, including France and the United States disapprove the call for the Prime Minister’s resignation by some members of the New Forces.  Although the paper said the demand for the Prime Minister to resign is nothing but “a delaying tactic,” it mentioned Ambassador Nesbitt’s comments following her recent meeting with the Prime Minster, in which she said: “The Prime Minister assured me that despite obstacles facing the identification and the voter registration programs, the presidential elections will be held this year.”

3. In a related development, Soir Info (an independent daily) questioned why President Blaise Compaore, who is also the facilitator in the Ivorian peace process, has kept quiet over the recent political developments. The paper opined that his silence could jeopardize the fragile peace process.

4. Fraternite Matin reported on the national ceremony, yesterday, to honor the presidential Deputy Chief of Staff, who died in Paris a few days ago. The report said that the late Sarata Ottro-Zirignon, who will be buried today, epitomized the symbol of a committed and discreet woman.

5. On economic issues, a report in Fraternite Matin said that economists from the Franc Zone met yesterday in Ouagadougou in a bid to find ways to bail their countries’ economies from the impacts of the global economic crisis. The Franc Zone is the economic and monetary institution that links France and 14 of its former colonies. Yesterday’s meeting was the prelude to the conference of finance ministers that is scheduled for today.

6. In another development, Fraternite Matin reported that the United Nations has funded 200 projects to empower women in Cote d’Ivoire. The projects are designed to assist many women’s associations to resume their activities in the western region of Man. The projects seek, among other things, to improve the conditions of women, including young girls, who were victims of the political crisis in Cote d’Ivoire.

April 16, 2009

A meeting on Wednesday between the Ivorian Prime Minister and foreign diplomats, including the U.S. Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Wanda L. Nesbitt on the peace process underway in this country was one of the major stories in today’s Ivorian press. A call by the New Forces demanding the Ivorian Prime Minister to quit the transitional government as well as the latest developments on the electoral process were also subjects of front-page stories.  

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro yesterday held a series of talks with foreign diplomats on various issues relating to the peace process as well as Cote d’Ivoire's commitment to an International Monetary Fund (IMF)-supported economic reform program. According to the report Mr. Soro and Ambassador Nesbitt discussed Cote d’Ivoire's commitment to the IMF’s economic reform program. The report further said that Ambassador Nesbitt noted that the economic reforms as one of the ways Cote d’Ivoire’s peace process can be advanced. The paper also reported that the Prime Minister assured Ambassador Nesbitt that despite obstacles facing the identification and the voter registration programs, the presidential elections will be held this year.

2. In a related development, Fraternite Matin quoted the U.N. Envoy Y.J. Choi, who said “We will prepare the 20^th report to the U.N. Security Council on Cote d’Ivoire.” Mr. Choi, who was speaking after a meeting with the Prime Minister, told reporters that the meeting was “to evaluate the situation on the ground, where peace and stability have been restored.” According to the paper, Mr. Choi said that more than six million people have been registered in connection with the identification and the voter registration programs.  He described this effort as “a strategic and historic achievement.” However, he noted that the electoral process and the implementation of some recommendations contained in the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, including the transfer of power, taxes and revenues collection, and the redeployment of government services in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces, are delayed.

3. Reporting on reactions following the call for the resignation of the Prime Minister by the New Forces, a banner headline in Fraternite Matin said that the New Forces leadership will announce “historic measures” after a meeting on Monday. The paper also quoted a special advisor to the New Forces’ leader, who said “The declaration of Meite Sindou [the Prime Minister’s spokesperson] does not represent the New Forces.” Yesterday, Mr. Sindou said, “There is no reason for the Prime Minister not to continue his mission.”

4. A prominent story in L’intelligent d’Abidjan (a privately-owned daily) said that the New Forces has split over the demand for the Prime Minister’s resignation. According to the paper, the New Forces spokesperson, Alain Lobognon, disapproves of the Prime Minister’s spokesperson. The paper published a statement signed by the Mr. Lobognon indicating that “the Secretary General of the New Forces [Mr. Soro] has noted the call” to quit the government.

5. A front-page story in Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) said that France has called on the key stakeholders in the Ivorian peace process “to live up to their promises in order to make the elections possible this year.” According to the report, the call by the French came following the demand for the Prime Minister’s resignation. A separate story in this paper said that the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP) – an opposition coalition – also urged the presidential camp and the New Forces to respect their commitment for elections. In a statement published by the paper, the coalition demanded the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) to set a date for the presidential elections that should be held by the end of 2009.

6. Regarding the re-establishment of the birth and death registers, L’inter (a privately-owned daily) informed readers that the operation will be completed on May 20, 2009. The paper said this announcement was made yesterday by the Justice and Human Rights Minister, Kone Mamadou during a press conference. According to the paper, the minister said that 143,941 requests have been submitted to the committees as of April 9, 2009.

7. On security issues, Fraternite Matin said that 8,000 policemen and gendarmes are to be deployed throughout the country under the framework of the Center of Integrated Command (CCI) – a joint government and New Forces security unit. The report further said that according to an official announcement yesterday, the unit will be tasked to ensure security during the electoral process.

April 15, 2009

The call from the New Forces demanding the Ivorian Prime Minister to quit the transitional government and reactions from the Primature were the major issues in today’s Ivorian press. A privately-owned newspaper also examined the role of the international community, especially the United States, in continuing the peace process. Other reports said that French troops stationed in Bouake are set to depart.  Efforts by the Ivorian government to pay off the country’s internal debt and the signing of a World Bank-sponsored financial grant were also subjects of front-page items in today’s press.

1. “The Prime Minister is at work,” said a banner headline in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) that carried another prominent headline saying the New Forces yesterday called for the resignation of Prime Minister Guillaume Soro. Meeting in the central city of Bouake – New Forces’ stronghold, some of the Ivorian former rebels demanded their leader-turned Prime Minister to distance himself from the ruling FPI party, which they accused of stalling the electoral process. The paper published the entire text of a statement issued at the end of a meeting during which the former rebels blamed the ruling FPI party of misinforming “the people and the international community that the New Forces are reluctant to implement the last peace accord.” 

2. Meanwhile, Fraternite Matin reported that Meite Sindou, the spokesperson of the Prime Minister responded to the call for the Prime Minister’s resignation. According to the report, Sindou said, “This is neither the position of the political body nor that of the military command of the New Forces. The Prime Minister is at work… He has presided over a cabinet meeting and has held talks with the Chief of Staff of the government army and the commander of the New Forces Armed Forces…; and has met with the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission to evaluate the population identification and the voter registration programs.”

3. In a long interview with Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition), Prime Minister Soro’s spokesperson gave the main reasons why Mr. Soro ignored the call for his resignation. According to Meite Sindou, the Prime Minister could only resign if there was “a disagreement between him and the President… We are not actually in this situation… The Prime Minister could also resign if the New Forces said they don’t trust him any longer; we are not in this situation either.” Sindou concluded that there is no reason for the Prime Minister not to continue his mission. Meanwhile, Le Quotidien (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) described the demand for the Prime Minister’s resignation as “a charade.”

4. In a commentary, L’inter (an independent daily) suggested that the call by former rebels demanding their leader to quit the government could lead to another crisis that would prompt the international community to take control of the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper went on to say that this would also vindicate the ruling party FPI’s hardliners, who were favorable to the use of force, instead of negotiations to resolve the Ivorian crisis. The paper further speculated that the international community is taking the threat seriously and said that the U.N. envoy in Cote d’Ivoire, Y.J. Choi and the U.S. Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Wanda L. Nesbitt are due to hold talks with the Prime Minister today.  The paper also noted that the current situation calls for initiatives like this one to defuse the tension. 

5. In another development, L’inter reported that Licorne, the French Force in Cote d'Ivoire yesterday relinquished a school that they have been using as their base in Bouake. The report also said that the French troops are preparing to withdraw from Bouake in May this year. 

6. Regarding Cote d’Ivoire’s commitment to efficient implementation of economic reforms, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) reported that the Ivorian Economic and Finance Minister, Charles Diby Koffi has warned that  “No embezzlement will be tolerated,” Following the signing a World Bank-sponsored financial grant to Cote d’Ivoire. The $150 million bailout has been provided in connection with the country’s economic reforms. According to the paper, the minister said that government’s priority is to pay off the country’s internal debts.

April 14, 2009

Reports in today’s Ivorian dailies reflected the general political atmosphere in Cote d’Ivoire, as efforts are underway to hold long-delayed presidential elections in this year. Another major report was on the arrests of foreign unauthorized fishing vessels at the port of San Pedro in southern Cote d’Ivoire. Weekend reports were on French judge’s inquiry into the disappearance of a Canadian journalist in Cote d’Ivoire and the heir plans to interrogate Ivorian First Lady, Simone Gbagbo later this month. The conclusion of the tour of Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, an American Zydeco music group, in Cote d’Ivoire was also in the news.

1. In a front-page story, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) quoted the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, who said, “I am waiting to hear from the electoral commissioner to propose a date for the presidential elections this week.” According to the report, Mr. Soro, who was speaking over the weekend, was committed to organize the polls before the end of this year.

2. Regarding the ongoing debate on whether the disarmament of the former fighters should be completed or not before the polls, Fraternite Matin reported that the Interior and Security Minister said the Ouagadougou Political Agreement recommends that the disarmament program should be completed before the presidential elections. The Minister, who led the delegation of the presidential during the peace negotiations, stressed that the agreement will be implemented. In a related development, one of the Ivorian opposition leaders, Alassane Dramane Ouattara called for the first round of the presidential to be scheduled in October this year.

3. “Without disarmament, there will be no elections,” Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) quoted the Interior and Security Minister as saying in a front-page story. The paper quoted another leading member of the ruling FPI party, who said that “all obstacles should be lifted before the elections are conducted.”

4. L’inter (an independent daily) reported on a clash between opposing New Forces’ rival factions over the weekend in the northern town of Ferkessedougou. According to the paper, activities in the city came to a standstill, as soldiers of the New Forces shot in the air. The report further said that the shooting was the result of rivalry bickering between two New Forces’ commanders in the region.

5. In a front-page story, Fraternite Matin said that seven foreign vessels were grounded at the port of San Pedro in southern Cote d’Ivoire for unauthorized fishing in the Ivorian territorial waters. This was announced by the Ivorian minister of Animal Production and Fisheries Resources, Alphonse Douaty, the report said. The report further said that one of the vessels is suspected to be involved in the missing of four Ivorian navy agents on March 10, 2009.  According to the paper, many national vessels, which have been engaged in illegal fishing in the Ivorian territorial waters, were also impounded. 

6. In its weekend edition, Fraternite Matin told readers that two French judges leading an inquiry into the disappearance of a Canadian journalist in Cote d’Ivoire are expected in Abidjan next week to question Ivorian First Lady Simone Gbagbo. The paper referenced an Associated Press report, which said that the lawyers will also question Ivorian Minister for Planning and Development, Paul Antoine Bohoun Bouabre as part of the probe.

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

Three Ivorian dailies including Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party); Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) and Notre Voie reported on the final activities of Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, an American Zydeco music group, in Cote d’Ivoire. Reporting on the workshop by the group at a school of dance in Abidjan, Notre Heure said it was “a rich cultural exchange.” 

April 10, 2009

Debate over the date of the presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire was the major issue in today’s Ivorian press. The dailies also pondered about the obstacles that are hindering the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. The dailies also talked about efforts by the youth associations to promote non-violence during electoral period. The last performances of Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, an American Zydeco music group, in Cote d’Ivoire were also in the news.  

1. A front-page story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement is hitting roadblocks on military issues. The paper said that the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire is running into difficulties despite efforts being deployed by the presidential camp. According to the paper, the com-zones [New Forces military commanders] have come with new conditions for handing over power to the prefects [presidential appointees]. The report said that the com-zones are using “delaying tactics” including the nomination of some of their members as military prefects. The report further said that in an effort to resolve the stalemate, the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, who is the leader of the New Forces, yesterday held secret talks with the commanders of government forces and the New Forces Armed Forces.

2. Meanwhile in a report in L’inter (an independent daily), the spokesperson of the New Forces told their side of the story. The paper quoted Mr. Alain Lobognon as saying that the peace process is delayed because of financial problems. “The major problem actually is the financial problem… We cannot deploy 8,000 persons in the central, western and northern regions [formerly under the control of the New Forces] without providing them with financial resources… The agreement clearly says that the redeployment of security forces in the central, western and northern regions should be executed by the Center of Integrated Command (CCI). But the CCI is not operational for lack funds,” Mr. Lobognon said.

3. On the ongoing debate over the date of the presidential elections, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) carried a prominent headline reading “Soro responds to Obama and Sarkozy.” The paper quoted the Ivorian Prime Minister saying: “It is not worth going to polls if peace is not restored.” According to the paper, the premier, who was speaking yesterday in the country’s political capital Yamoussoukro, was responding to Presidents Barack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy, who earlier pressed for the presidential elections to be held this year.  

4. A report in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) said the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) demanded the stakeholders in the Ivorian peace process to come out with a timetable for the presidential elections. According to the paper, the demand was made yesterday in Abidjan. “The UNOCI urged all the parties to contribute to the implementation of recommendations contained in the Ouagadougou Political Agreement in a bid to accelerate the peace process,” the paper quoted UNOCI’s spokesperson, Hamadoun Toure as saying.

5. On other issues, a report in Fraternite Matin said that members of Jeunesse Panafricaine Democratique – a youth organization – yesterday organized a conference on non-violence during electoral period. The report said this organization is working on how to promote among the youth a protocol on non-violence that was signed by several youth organizations. The document encourages the signatories to desist from any act of violence during the electoral process. The paper cited youth wings of political parties including PDCI-RDA, FPI RPP, URD, Youth Parliament and an association close to the leader of the Young Patriots, Charles Ble Goude, as those that signed the non-violence protocol. 

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

“Americans and Ivorians share Zydeco,” said a story in Fraternite Matin, which was reporting on the tour of Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, an American Zydeco music group, in Cote d’Ivoire. The report further said that after their brilliant performance at the International University of Grand Bassam, the American group shared their experience with journalists yesterday during a meeting organized by the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan. Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) also reported on this meeting between the press and the group. Soir Info (an independent daily) carried a picture Jeffery, the leader of the group live on a stage playing his accordion. AIP (a state-run news agency) and Top Visages (a cultural weekly tabloid) published pictures and stories on the tour on their web sites: www.aip.ci/ and www.topvisages.net/news.  

April 9, 2009

A statement issued by the United States on Cote d’Ivoire's commitment to an International Monetary Fund-supported economic reform program continued to dominate in the Ivoirian dailies. Concerns about increasing political tension, the death of the President’s Deputy Chief of staff and the performance of Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, an American Zydeco music group, touring Cote d’Ivoire were the other major news items.

1. With pictures of Presidents Barrack Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy on the front-page, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) carried a banner headline reading “2009 Presidential Elections: Pressure is mounting.” The paper told readers that the United States and France are calling for the Ivorian long-delayed presidential elections to be held this year. The daily was referring to a statement issued by the United States on Cote d’Ivoire's commitment to an International Monetary Fund-supported economic reform program. It further highlighted some quotes from this statement - “The United States believes that long-delayed presidential elections are still technically possible in 2009 and calls on all parties to take every step necessary to ensure that credible elections go forward as promised.” It went to comment that this position of the world most powerful State now gets support from France. The paper quoted the spokesperson at the French Foreign Affairs Ministry as saying that organizing of the presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire this year is “unquestionable.” “The organization of free, transparent, just and democratic elections in Cote d’Ivoire in 2009 is a priority for France. With the efforts of all stakeholders, this objective is attainable,” the paper quoted spokesperson as saying.                  

2. Commenting on the same issue, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) carried a photo of Presidents Obama and Sarkozy with a caption reading: “The two presidents are monitoring closely the situation in Cote d’Ivoire.” The paper indicated that there is no reason for Ivorian authorities to delay the polls; and added that they have to live up to their own promises since the Ivorian Prime Minister recently promised that “whatever the situation, the elections will be held this year.”

3. L’inter (an independent daily) suggested that President Gbagbo and his Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro find themselves in a tough situation following calls from the United States and France for the presidential elections to be held this year. The paper insinuated that the wording “long-delayed presidential elections,” used by the United States in their statement showed the level of “exasperation” of this country about the delay of the polls. L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) published the full text of the statement. In a commentary, the paper believed that the pressure from the United States could be justified by activities of “anti-Gbagbo lobbyists” close to the World Bank and the IMF that are pressing the American President to take “seriously” the dossier concerning Cote d’Ivoire. “The move is to bring the Obama Administration to step up pressure in a bid to push forward the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire,” commented the paper.

4. Another prominent story in L’intelligent d’Abidjan announced the death of the President’s Deputy Chief of staff. According to the paper, Mrs Sarata Ottro, who handled several important political and diplomatic missions during the crisis Cote d'Ivoire has faced since 19 September 2002, died on April 8, 2009 in Paris. The paper said the death of Mrs Ottro is a setback for President Gbagbo who, it said, has lost one of his key collaborators close to the American diplomatic circle. Her death, the paper went on, could leave anti-Gbagbo lobbyists with more room to maneuver.        

5. Still on the peace process, a story in L’inter (an independent daily) said the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, the two chiefs of defense of the Ivorian national army and New Forces Armed Forces held “a secret meeting” yesterday in Cote d’Ivoire’s political capital Yamoussoukro. The paper cited sources as saying that the meeting was initiated in an attempt to resolve obstacles that are delaying the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. 

6. Meanwhile, Soir Info (an independent daily) expressed concerns about what it called the increasing tension in the political atmosphere in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper suggested that recent “inflammatory rhetoric” from different political groups were signs of bad omen. It further said   that through such statements, stakeholders are putting together the recipe for violence ahead of the presidential elections.     

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

Reporting on the tour of Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys, an American Zydeco music group, in Cote d’Ivoire, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) quoted the President of the International University of Grand-Bassam, Prof. Saliou Toure, as saying, “There is a good cooperation between Cote d’Ivoire and the United States.” Prof. Toure was speaking on Monday, when Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys offered students and the population of Grand-Bassam a live show of Zydeco music during a program organized by the U.S. Embassy and the university. The concert also featured the university’s choir that sang gospels. Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) carried a picture of Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys performance in Grand-Bassam. The paper quoted PAO, Sharon White, who said “The program was to build strong bridges between the people of Cote d’Ivoire and the people of the United States.”

April 8, 2009

The United States government’s reaction to Cote d’Ivoire's commitment to an International Monetary Fund-supported economic reform program was a subject of front page stories in today’s Ivorian dailies. Ghana’s president, John Atta Mill’s visit to Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire’s political capital was also in the news. The Ivorian peace process; efforts by Ivorian government to pay the country’s internal debt; Ambassador Nesbitt’s public conference on the United States; a musical concert organized by the U.S. Embassy at the International University of Grand-Bassam; and media-related issues were the other major items in the press.

1. “Disarmament, Elections in 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire: Barack Obama puts pressure on the stakeholders,” said a prominent story in Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) with a picture of President Obama, juxtaposed with that of President Gbagbo on the front page. The paper also published the full text of the statement issued by the United States following Cote d’Ivoire's commitment to an International Monetary Fund-supported economic reform program and attainment of the first stage of debt relief under the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC). Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily), Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party), Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) and L’inter (an independent daily) also published the full text of the statement. In a separate story, L’inter highlighted parts of the communique saying “The United States believes that long-delayed presidential elections are still technically possible in 2009 and calls on all parties to take every step necessary to ensure that credible elections go forward as promised.” The paper further noted that the United States urged “the Government of Cote d’Ivoire to re-commit itself to 2009 elections as a further demonstration of its determination to put an end to the difficulties that the country has faced since 2002.” “Washington calls for Cote d’Ivoire’s presidential elections to be held in 2009,” said a story in Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition). Commenting on reactions from Washington on Cote d’Ivoire's commitment to the International Monetary Fund-supported economic reform program, Soir Info (an independent daily) noted that the President of the United States is closely watching the situation in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper said “Washington urged Cote d’Ivoire to fully implement its reform measures, especially those related to fiscal discipline and transparency.” The United States’ reaction following Cote d’Ivoire's commitment to an International Monetary Fund-supported economic reform program was also the major headline in many local radio broadcasts, including UNOCI FM -- the United Nations radio station in Cote d’Ivoire, which read the full text.

2. On the political atmosphere in Cote d’Ivoire, a prominent story in Soir Info said that “the peace process hangs in the balance.” According to the paper, the process has become deadlock following the delay of transfer of power from the com-zones (New Forces military commanders) to the government-appointed prefects (district executives). In addition, parties involved in the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement have hardened their positions, said the paper. In a separate story, the daily quoted a leading member of the ruling FPI party calling on the Young Patriots (a movement close to Gbagbo), who said “stand up in order to free Bouake from the rebellion.”

3. In a related development, a story in L’inter said that the com-zones constitute “the main obstacles” to the restoration of the state authority in the entire country. The paper questioned the sincerity the New Forces’ military commanders, who, the paper said, continue to hold grip on regions that fall under their control. On the other hand, a prominent story in Le Patriote said that the Ivorian Interior and Security Minister cannot drive the New Forces commanders out of their zones. The paper referred to provisions of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement recommending “the creation of a New National Army that should be set up at least one month after the inauguration of the new President of the Republic.” The paper further quoted another article in the accord, which said “Pending their integration into the New National Army, ex-fighters of the New Forces will be regrouped under the commandment of the New Forces’ Chief of Defense.”      
 
4. “I am here to say thanks to Gbagbo,” Fraternite Matin quoted the visiting Ghanaian president as saying on arrival yesterday in Yamoussoukro as part of an official visit to Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, President Mills congratulated President Gbagbo and his Prime Minister for their efforts to achieve peace. The paper published a statement issued at the end of the visit saying that the two leaders reaffirmed their determination to strengthen bilateral ties and called on the private sector to intensify relations to derive maximum benefits from the co-operation. They also agreed to reactivate the Joint Commission for Co-operation that had been inactive since 1997. According to the statement, Presidents Gbagbo and Mills also discussed the situation in Guinea and Guinea Bissau.

5. A front-page story in Fraternite Matin said that the Ivorian government is to spend 212 billion FCFA (about $429 million) to pay the country’s internal debt. According to the paper, this was announced yesterday at a press conference by government officials, who explained that the internal debt servicing would make funds available for companies operating in the country and create an environment conducive for economic revival. 

6. On issue relating cooperation between the United States and Cote d’Ivoire, a report in Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) said that the volume of exports from the United States to Cote d’Ivoire is estimated at 550 billion FCFA (about $1.1 billion). According to the report, this was announced yesterday by Ambassador Nesbitt during a public conference in Abidjan. [NOTE: During her presentation, Ambassador Nesbitt said “The trade balance between the United States and Cote d’Ivoire increased significantly from $ 439 million in 2007 to $837 million in 2008.”] Reporting on this conference, the state-run news agency (AIP) quoted the U.S. Ambassador as saying that “The United States does not have a national education system; and that education is free.” Ambassador Nesbitt reportedly said that “Most of high schools belong to religious institutions and religion plays a leading role in these schools.” [NOTE: During her presentation, Ambassador Nesbitt said “Most of students, who are not enrolled in public schools, attend private schools. Most of these schools (4/5^th) are administrated by religious organizations and religious education is included in the curriculum just like other subjects.”]        

7. On media-related issues, a report in Fraternite Matin said media professionals meeting yesterday in Abidjan called on Ivorian authorities to lift restrictions in order to allow more television networks to start broadcasting from Cote d’Ivoire. They also called for a reform in the nomination of members of the board of directors of the state-run broadcasting corporation (RTI). 

8. L’inter reported that France is engaged in “secret negotiations” for the release of the French freelance journalist Jean-Paul Ney from jail. The photojournalists is being held in custody in MACA – a prison in the commercial city of Abidjan, on charges of “disturbing public order” and “failing to denounce actions likely to undermine national defense.”

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

L’inter reported on a musical concert organized on Monday at the International University of Grand-Bassam. The show featured the choir of the university as well as Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Cowboys that offered the public the tradition of Zydeco, music from the United States. 

April 7, 2009

Reports in the Ivorian press today said that President John Atta Mills of Ghana is expected today in Cote d’Ivoire as part of a maiden two-day state visit. Ivorian dailies critically assessed the obstacles holding back the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire. The papers continue to report on the recent meeting between U.S. Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Wanda L. Nesbitt and the Ivorian Minister of Reconstruction and Reintegration, Mrs. Fatoumata Hamza-Bamba. Training on the promotion of children’s rights; the strike in the cocoa and coffee industry; the fight against HIV/AIDS and the visit of the management of RFI – a French Broadcasting network – to Abidjan were also major news stories, today. 

1. The maiden state visit of President John Atta Mills of Ghana today to Cote d’Ivoire was a prominent headline story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily)-- “Resolution of the Ivorian Crisis: Ghana to Bring its Support.” The report noted that this was President Mills’ first overseas trip since his election in January 2009. The report said that Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, two countries with “a common destiny,” are engaged to consolidate the relationship and to foster regional integration. According to the paper, the Ghanaian leader is expected tomorrow in Ouagadougou, where he will be meeting President Blaise Compaore on the Ivorian peace process. The paper further suggested that after the visit, President Mills may come up with “strong measures aimed at securing the borders between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.”

2. Meanwhile, a report in Soir Info (an independent daily) said that discussions between President Laurent Gbagbo and the New Forces on the implementation of the Ouagadougou political Agreement are deadlocked over sticky issues. These issues include ways to unify taxes and revenues collection; the redeployment of public administration and the transfer of power between the com-zones (New Forces’ military commanders) and the administrators (prefects) in the central, western and northern regions formerly under the control of the ex-rebels. Regarding motives behind the current impasse, the paper indicated that the former rebels are wary about security in their zones after the power transfer. The report also said that the com-zones are concerned about their future after elections are held in Cote d’Ivoire. In a related development, the paper published an article culled from French weekly newspaper Jeune Afrique suggesting that “the ex-rebels are unwilling to lose the north.” “We will surrender our zones to the prefects, but not at any cost,” L’inter (a privately-owned daily) quoted a New Forces’ military commander as saying.  

3. On the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, Fraternite Matin reported that the U.S. Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Wanda L. Nesbitt promised to support initiatives designed in connection with the government’s post-crisis reconstruction and reintegration program. According to the paper, Ambassador Nesbitt recently made the announcement after a meeting with the Minister of Reconstruction and Reintegration, Mrs Fatoumata Hamza-Bamba. L’intelligent d’Abidjan (a privately-owned daily) also reported on this meeting. The paper carried a story entitled: “The United States is committed to back the reconstruction and reintegration process.” 

4. On World Bank support, Fraternite Matin said that the NGO, Care International has launched a reintegration project designed for former combatants, youths and persons who were affected by the conflict. The $4 million project is funded by the World Bank and is designed to improve the living conditions of populations living in Bouake, Korhogo, Man and Bondoukou. On a related development, a report in L’inter said the Integrated Center for Command (CCI) – a joint government and New Forces security unit – met yesterday with leaders of a militia group based in southern Cote d’Ivoire over the disbandment of this group.

5. On child protection issues, Fraternite Matin reported that the NGO, Save the Children is training educators on the promotion of children’s rights. The program is part an awareness campaign aimed at stamping out child abuse in schools. The report indicated that sexual harassment, rape, teen pregnancy and female genital mutilation are affecting children in alarming proportions. This, according to the report, constitutes one of the major obstacles for children, especially girls’ education in Cote d’Ivoire. 

6. A report in Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) said that PEPFAR’s partners recently met to evaluate programs designed to fight HIV/AIDS in Cote d’Ivoire. The seminar brought together representatives of NGOs, including Care International and offered the opportunity to put together an action plan aimed at reinforcing the campaign against the disease.

7. On economic issues, a report in Fraternite Matin said that workers at the Coffee and Cocoa Cooperative Guarantee Fund (FGCCC) have embarked on a two-day strike over pay. The role of this organization is, among other things, to ensure funding of the cooperatives in coffee and cocoa sector and to promote a solid and competitive cooperative movement. In a related development, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said that top officials of the Ivorian cocoa and coffee industry, who are jailed following allegations of frauds and corruption, are calling for immediate trial. The report said that the officials including the head of the Coffee and Cocoa Cooperative Guarantee Fund, who were transferred to the main MACA prison in the commercial city of Abidjan almost 10 months ago, are still waiting to be tried, pending investigations into the matter.  

8. A meeting between the Ivorian Communications Minister, Ibrahim Sy Savane and the management of the RFI – a French Broadcasting network – was also a subject of prominent stories in today’s Ivorian press. Speaking on the discussions, the head of the French Broadcasting network described the meeting as “a renewal of ties between France and Cote d’Ivoire.” Reporting on the same issue, L’inter suggested that the meeting between RFI’s management and Ivorian authorities could pave the way for a visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy to Cote d’Ivoire.

[NOTE: RFI and Ivoirian authorities have had an on and off relationship. In October 2003, RFI’s correspondent in Abidjan, Jean Helene, was shot dead by a police officer in Abidjan. The police officer was later sentenced to 17 years in prison. Following this incident, relations between France and Cote d’Ivoire were strained. On July 15, 2005, authorities suspended RFI’s broadcasts claiming that its coverage of Ivorian events was “unprofessional and unbalanced.” On May 12, 2006, the French public broadcaster was allowed to resume broadcasting. On January 31, 2008, Ivorian authorities took RFI off the airwaves again with a demand for an in-country reporter. RFI is now broadcasting in Cote d’Ivoire after the radio appointed a new correspondent.]  

April 6, 2009

The Ivorian press today reported on Cote d’Ivoire’s Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro announcement that the long-delayed presidential elections will be held this year. The dailies also talked about the latest political developments; Cote d’Ivoire-China and Cote d’Ivoire-France relations; the first state’s visit of President John Atta Mills of Ghana to Cote d’Ivoire and the congress of the National Union of Journalists of Cote d’Ivoire (UNJCI).  

1. “The government will do everything possible for the elections to be held this year,” Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) quoted Mr. Soro as saying. The Ivorian Prime Minister, who was speaking over the weekend in the central city of Daoukro, reportedly said: “Some week ago, I asked the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) to submit a timetable including all stages of the electoral process and the date the voter registration exercise will be completed and when the polls will be conducted.”

2. According to Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party), the Ivorian Prime Minister, who was in Daoukro as part of a traditional festival, held talks with the Ivorian ex-President, Henri Konan Bedie over the electoral process. In a related development, the paper published a public statement issued by the Independent Electoral Commission indicating that so far more than six million out of 8.6 million potential voters have been registered. According to the statement this represents 70 per cent of the projected electorate. 

3. Meanwhile, in a front-page story in L’inter (an independent daily), the Chairman of the ruling FPI party, Pascal Affi N’Guessan, noted some stumbling blocks that are holding back the peace process. To address this situation, Mr. N’Guessan said that it is high time for the government to take over the managements of schools as well as other public services in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces. The leader of the ruling party, who was speaking in Belgium at a conference, added: “It’s difficult to take guns from the New Forces that continue to collect taxes…”

4. In another prominent story on the political atmosphere in Cote d’Ivoire, L’inter quoted Charles Ble Goude, the leader of the Young Patriots (a movement close to President Laurent Gbagbo), who said “An uprising is in development.” Addressing supporters over the weekend, Charles Ble Goude called on his supporters to be “vigilant” because “the enemies of Gbagbo are preparing to organize an uprising in the country.”

5. Meanwhile, according to a report in Fraternite Matin, the leader of the opposition Movement of Future Forces, Innocent Anaky Kobena, accused Charles Ble Goude and the ruling FPI party to have caused the March 29 stampede that killed some 19 soccer fans at the Abidjan sports stadium.

6. On bilateral issues, a prominent story in Fraternite Matin said that President Gbagbo is calling for diplomatic relationships based on mutual respect. According to the report, the Ivorian leader was speaking over the weekend at a ceremony at the construction site of a hospital in his hometown Gagnoa (central Cote d’Ivoire.) Funding for this project is from the Chinese government. According to the paper, Gbagbo said “We’ll cooperate with those who do not humiliate us.” Still on bilateral relations, the paper published a long interview with Cote d’Ivoire’s Ambassador to France, who commended the normalization of relations between France and its former colony.

7. Reporting on the pending visit of President John Atta Mills of Ghana to Cote d’Ivoire tomorrow, Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that the visit will offer President Gbagbo and his Ghanaian counterpart the opportunity to strengthen relationships between the two countries. The paper also said that the two leaders are members of International Socialist Organization; hence share a common view on issues pertaining to African development. 

8. The 7^th ordinary congress of the National Union of Journalists of Cote d’Ivoire (UNJCI) was also a subject of major stories in many Ivorian dailies. According to the reports, the congress elected Mr. Criwa Zeli, a journalist with L’inter as the new president of the union. 

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

Islam Info (a weekly Muslim newspaper) recently published the full text of Secretary Clinton’s OP-ED issued in connection with the celebration of the International Women's Day. The paper highlighted parts of the Op-ed saying: “The problems we face today are too big and too complex to be solved without the full participation of women.” 

April 3, 2009

The electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire was the major issue in today’s Ivorian press, as the Independent Electoral Commission has decided to extend the voter registration exercise. The training of youth by the NGO, Search for Common Ground, was also reported on. The newspapers again talked about the  meeting between the U.S. Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Wanda L. Nesbitt, and the Ivorian Minister Reconstruction and Integration. The first official visit of President John Atta Mills of Ghana to Cote d’Ivoire; and the congress of the National Union of Journalists of Cote d’Ivoire (UNJCI) were the other major news.

1. “Identification: The Last Round,” said a banner headline in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily). The paper quoted the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Robert Beugre Mambe, announcing on Thursday that the body will launch the final round of the voter registration and population identification programs on April 15, 2009. The exercise will cover the whole country and will end on April 30, said the report. The paper further quoted the electoral commissioner, who explained that the extension of the enrolment exercise has become necessary because more than 298 registration centers are yet to be covered and other centers that were not fully covered during the previous exercise will be taken into account. This last round of voter registration will also allow potential voters, who have just acquired their identity documents during the program to reestablish birth and death registers, to get registered, Mr. Mambe reportedly said. The commissioner also argued that “The international community would have to certify the electoral process. There are about ten or twenty villages where the registration exercise did not take place; and the voters’ roll will not be certified and this will block the process.” 

2. The United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) announced that as of March 30, about six million potential voters have been registered, according to Fraternite Matin. The report said this figure was announced yesterday by the spokesperson of the UNOCI, Hamadoun Toure, who called upon Ivorian political stakeholders “to pursue efforts in order to cover the 298 out the 11,020 centers.” Regarding the reestablishment of birth and death registers that were destroyed during the crisis, Mr. Toure announced that UNOCI has been informed that so far 40,400 applications have been accepted out of 104,182 that have been registered.

3. In a bid to ensure a violence-free election in Cote d’Ivoire, the NGO, Search for Common Ground, trained 60 youth leaders from different political parties and organizations in Yamoussoukro, the country’s political capital, said another report in Fraternite Matin. The program focused on the responsibility of youths in the electoral process and obstacles that could force potential voters to stay away from the election.  

4. Meanwhile, a front-page story in L’inter (a privately-owned daily) said that commanders of the Ivorian national army and the New Forces Armed Forces disagree over the composition of the Integrated Center for Command (CCI) – a joint security unit – that should be deployed in the central, western, and northern regions of the country under the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. 

5. A front-page story in Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) announced that President Blaise Compaore is expected in Yamoussoukro on April 11, 2009 to attend a meeting of the CPC – a committee overseeing the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. Facilitator in the Ivorian crisis, the Burkinabe president and Ivorian political stakeholders will evaluate the peace process in an attempt to find ways to advance the process.

6. Le Temps (a daily close to ruling FPI party) reported on a recent meeting between the U.S. Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Wanda L. Nesbitt and Minister of reconstruction and reintegration, Mrs. Hamza Bamba over the government’s reconstruction and reintegration program. According to the report, Ambassador Nesbitt promised to support this program.  

7. On sub regional relationship, Notre Voie (a daily close to ruling FPI party) published a statement issued by the Presidency announcing a two-day friendly visit of President John Atta Mills of Ghana to Cote d’Ivoire. According to the statement, the Ghanaian leader is expected in Yamoussoukro on April 7-8, 2009. 

8. Finally, a report in Fraternite Matin said that about 500 Ivorian journalists are due to attend the 7^th congress of the National Union of Journalists of Cote d’Ivoire (UNJCI) on Saturday and Sunday in Abidjan. The congress will see the election of a new president of the association. The congress has been delayed for several times over who is qualified to contest this position. The competition will finally oppose Mr. Criwa Zeli, a journalist with L’inter and Mr. Inza Kigbafori of Le Patriote.

April 2, 2009

The Sunday stampede that killed at least 19 people and wounded about 132 at the Abidjan sports stadium was again a major issue in today’s Ivorian press; as the whole nation mourned the football fans. Still on the same issue, most of the Ivorian newspapers published a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan to express condolences to Cote d’Ivoire. Other major reports said that the electoral commission is to meet Ivorian political parties over the electoral process. The newspapers also talked about a meeting between the U.S. Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Wanda L. Nesbitt, and the Ivorian Minister Reconstruction and Integration; women political participation; the IMF $3 billion debt relief to Cote d’Ivoire; and the media-related issues. 

1. Reporting on a ceremony held yesterday to mourn those who were killed shortly before a World Cup qualifier on Sunday at the Abidjan sport stadium, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) showed a front-page picture of a grieved President Laurent Gbagbo. The report said that the Ivorian leader, who was attending the ceremony, was deeply touched by the solidarity showed to Cote d’Ivoire, as government officials, diplomats, bereaved families and soccer fans gathered at the gate of the Abidjan sport stadium to honor fans that were killed on Sunday. The report also said that the World football governing body FIFA called for a minute's silence to be held at World Cup qualifying games played on Wednesday. Dailies including L’inter (a privately-owned daily), Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) and Le Quotidien (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) published a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan to express condolences to the people of Cote d’Ivoire.   

2. On matters concerning the peace process, Fraternite Matin announced that the Independent Electoral Commission is set to meet political parties on Friday. The paper was not able to elaborate on the agenda of the meeting; but speculated that the electoral process -- notably problems relating to the population identification process -- will be high on the agenda.

3. On other political issue, Fraternite Matin informed readers today that its yesterday’s report saying that the former ruling PDCI-RDA party had decided to pull out of the transitional government was an April fool.

4. In a different story, Fraternite Matin reported on a conference on women political participation in Cote d’Ivoire. The conference was organized by the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Cote d’Ivoire (CEFCI). Other issues; such as the role of the United Nations in the promotion of women leadership in politics; political parties and mechanisms for promoting women in Cote d’Ivoire were the other major topics addressed during the conference. Participants called upon President Gbagbo to confirm by decree his solemn declaration to allow a 30 per cent of women participation in politics and government.  

5. Four Ivorian newspapers today reported that the plan for the implementation of the post-crisis reconstruction and reintegration program in Cote d’Ivoire was high on the agenda when Ambassador Nesbitt met with the Minister of reconstruction and reintegration, Mrs. Hamza Bamba, on March 30 in Abidjan. “The U.S promise to support Cote d’Ivoire,” said a story in Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition). Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA), Le Quotidien (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) and Soir Info (an independent daily) also carried positive reports on this meeting.    

6. In a front-page story, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) quoted the Ivorian Minister of Finance and Economy, Charles Koffi Diby, saying that the funds will be used to build facilities in order to solve water and power problems in Cote d’Ivoire. Mr. Diby made the statement in the wake of Cote d’Ivoire’s qualification for a $3 billion debt relief under an International Monetary Fund program that assists the world’s poorest countries. The minister, who was speaking during a conference here in Abidjan, assured the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund that the money will be properly used. “There will be no salary increase,” Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) quoted Mr. Diby as saying during the conference. 

7. On media issues, Fraternite Matin quoted the Minister of Communication, Ibrahim Sy Savane, who indicated that religious media organizations represent 30 to 40 per cent of the media environment in Cote d’Ivoire. The minister said this when he met with directors of religious media organizations. The report said the religious news outlets, which play an important social role in the country, are working to form an association.

April 1, 2009

President Laurent Gbagbo’s televised address on Tuesday was one of the major stories in today’s Ivorian press. Reports also said that the government of Cote d’Ivoire has opened probe into the Sunday stampede that killed at least 19 people and wounded about 132 at the Abidjan sports stadium. Latest developments in the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire; a training on how resolve electoral dispute sponsored by the National Democratic Institute for Ivorian political leaders; reactions to a recent calls from an Ivorian opposition leader demanding the withdrawal of the opposition parties from the current government and the ruling by a court in Abidjan to release a journalist charged with defaming the President of the Republic were the other major items.

1. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party): In a prominent story, the paper quoted President Laurent Gbagbo assuring that “I’ll see to the good management of these funds.” The Ivorian leader, who was speaking yesterday during a nation address broadcast by the national television, was referring to the bailout that Cote d’Ivoire has just received from the IMF. [The IMF agreed to forgive $3 billion of Cote d’Ivoire’s $12.8 billion national debt in an effort prompted by the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative.] President Gbagbo, reported the paper, said that the IMF’s decision will help sort Cote d’Ivoire out of the current crisis and enable the country to engage in a lasting development.

2. On how the funds will be used, Fraternite Matin quoted President Gbagbo as saying that “there is a need to give priority to expenditures that will help create job… and pay off internal debts.” The paper published the full text of President Gbagbo’s address where he said: “Through the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, signed on March 4, 2007, we have again created conditions of trust.” The President also indicated that “the success of Cote d’Ivoire’s economic revival depends on peace and stability in the country.” 

3. Now on the Sunday stampede that killed at least 19 people and wounded about 132 at the Abidjan sports stadium, a front-page story in L’inter (an independent daily) said that the government of Cote d’Ivoire has decided to open probe into the event. According to the paper, the decision was taken yesterday after a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro. The government also decided to put in place a committee to check security and how tickets are managed at the stadium.

4. In a front-page story, Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) accused the Interior and Security Minister; the Minister of Sports and the President of Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) for being responsible for the drama that occurred last Sunday at the stadium. In a related development, Soir Info (an independent daily) reported that the government is to take important measures including a cabinet reshuffle.

5. On the electoral process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition) suggested that it is possible to hold elections in September or October 2009 in this West African country. The paper recalled that the Independent Electoral Commission recently proposed September 2009 for the elections; and added that this proposal was however subject to some conditions including the functioning of the Center of Integrated Command (CCI) — a joint government and New Forces security unit. The paper believes that through this proposal, the electoral body was calling on the responsibility of President Gbagbo and his Prime Minister to speed up the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.

6. In a related development, L’inter noted the restoration of state authority throughout the country has been delayed because com-zones (the New Forces’ military commanders) refuse to relinquish power. “The com-zones continue to be the strongmen in their zones… and they are using every means possible to shift from warlord to development agent in a bid to win the sympathy of the populations.” The paper said. 

7. As the electoral process is underway, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) reported that representatives from Ivorian political parties as well as magistrates and lawyers received training on how to manage electoral disputes. The training was organized by the National Democratic Institution (NDI). According to the country Director of NDI, Charles Yaovi Djrekpo, the aim of this program was to pre-empt conflict during the electoral process.

8. A report in Fraternite Matin said that the former ruling PDCI-RDA party has decided to back an Ivorian opposition leader who recently demanded the opposition parties to quit the current government. The report said that the party of Ivorian ex-President, Henri Konan Bedie, has decided to withdraw its five ministers from the government to protest the brief detention of Mr. Innocent Anaky Kobena, leader of the Movement of Future Forces, who called on Ivorians to follow the example of Madagascar whose president was forced out. The decision, the paper said, was taken following a meeting of cadres of the PDCI-RDA. [Note: Four parties including the Movement of Future Forces, PDCI-RDA, RDR and UDPCI form the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace – an opposition coalition]. Meanwhile, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) reported that the leader of the RDR party, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, has rejected Mr. Kobena’s call to quit the government.

9. On media issue, a prominent story in Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the PDCI-RDA party) said that a court in Abidjan yesterday ruled that Mr. Nanankoua Gnamanteh, a journalist with this paper, should be released. The court also fined the paper to pay 40 million FCFA (about $81,300) and ordered for the suspension of the daily newspaper for eight publications.