APRIL 30, 2007

1. Monday’s press reports say the relationship between the New Forces and their allies from the opposition the G7 has "deteriorated", as the new Ivoirian Prime Minister’s supporters denounce the "press campaign against them which is sponsored by members of the opposition group." The upcoming elections in Cote d’Ivoire are also front-page items in some papers.

2. A front-page story in Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, says "The upcoming elections are under threat, as the presidential camp has violated the Ouagadougou Agreement." The paper alleges that during a seminar organized by the government to explore ways to implement the accord, "The presidential delegation denied the Independent Electoral Commission’s prerogatives re: the preparation, organization, and supervision of the forthcoming elections, hence reducing the powers of that body."

3. The paper asks, "Will there be another disastrous election in Cote d’Ivoire?" It suggests, "Any electoral hold-up could plunge the country into chaos again, because the people -- weary after five years of war -- may not exercise toleration in the face of fraud by either of the two ex-belligerents (FPI and the New Forces), who seem to have taken the country hostage." To conclude, the paper wonders about "The positions to be taken by the RHDP and the United Nations."

4. "Annoyed by continuous attacks in the press against the Ivoirian Prime Minister, Soro Guillaume, the New Forces have issued a warning," says a banner headline that runs across the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. The paper publishes a statement issued by the New Forces, "calling upon all Ivoirians -- and particularly peace-loving Ivorians -- to continue to trust Soro."

5. "We need to support Soro so he can succeed in his mission," Soir Info a privately-owned daily, quotes a leading member of the ruling FPI party as saying. Nevertheless, a leading opposition member denounces "the duplicity of the FPI, as the party is not sincere when it talks about peace."

6. Soro explained to Muslim leaders during the weekend why "he has chosen to work with Gbagbo," reports 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition.

7. In another development, L’inter, a privately-owned daily announces "A World Bank and IMF delegation is expected in Cote d’Ivoire on May 2 to carry out an audit on how the government is managing the revenue drawn from the petrol, cocoa, and coffee sectors."

APRIL 27, 2007

1. The new political situation in Cote d’Ivoire, almost a month after the conclusion of the Ouagadougou Agreement; and movement towards the implementation of the peace deal sealed between President Laurent Gbagbo and the New Forces’ leader turned Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro; and the recurrent issue of the disarmament of the militia groups operating in the west of Cote d’Ivoire, are the major news items in Friday’s papers.

2. A front-page story in Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, quotes one of the leaders of the militia groups in the west of the country as saying, "We’re ready." According to the paper, "The ex-combatants are now prepared to back the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire." "The former combatants welcome the national civic education scheme, which is designed to alleviate poverty," Mao Glofiei is reported as saying.

3. Still on the disarmament scheme, Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, explains, "Why the militia groups are not yet dismantled." The paper writes, "Those who are eager to know the date on which the program will start, will have to wait until the government’s seminar -- designed to explore means of implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement – is over." According to the paper, "The chronogram of the disarmament program as recommended by the accord turns out to be unrealistic… There is therefore a need to come out with a new plan, a new and a more coherent calendar."

4. Regarding the government’s efforts to restore security in Western Cote d’Ivoire, L’inter, a privately-owned daily, says, "The Integrated Command Center will start deploying joint military forces in the region from next Monday."

5. A banner headline that runs across Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, says, "The UN Mission in Cote d’Ivoire is to help the Ivoirian government in its efforts to establish the Integrated Command Center."

6. 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, says, "The disarmament process is a still-born program." The paper also labels the cities of Bangolo and Duekoue in the west of the country as "a den of insecurity."

7. "Whoever tries to tamper with the peace process will have to do it over my dead body," the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin quotes a New Forces former warlord as saying. Ouattara Issiaka told the paper that, "The war is over… Today, we’ve accepted that signing the Ouagadougou Agreement is something that everybody has to respect. As a military, our role is to protect Cote d’Ivoire from any external attack."

8. Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, tells readers a different story. According to the paper, "Ouattara Issiaka and some other former New Forces warlords have turned down an offer to integrate themselves into a new Ivorian army."

9. In a separate development, the paper reports that, "An American human rights group was received yesterday by the President of the Independent Electoral Commission." "Discussion between the fact-finding mission and the commissioner focused on the composition of the Ivoirian electoral commission, and how it functions."

10. A banner headline carried by La Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, announces what the paper calls, "an imminent uprising in the New Forces-controlled zones against Soro." The paper allegedly accuses the Ivoirian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, "of being behind the move."

11. According to Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, the RDR, the party of Ouattara, is "torn apart," as result of what the paper calls, "Ouattara’s extremism." Commenting on a meeting of an American human rights group with the Independent Electoral Commission, the paper writes, "The United States has thrown its weight behind the commission."

APRIL 26, 2007

1. The implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement and political activities ahead of the upcoming elections in Cote d’Ivoire are the dominant news in today’s papers. Dailies also report that, barely a week after the removal of the confidence zone, there has been a resurgence of violence in this part of the country.

2. "Confidence zone: There is a renewed violence in the west," says a front-page story in L’inter, a privately-owned daily. Citing sources close to the French international humanitarian organization – Medecins Sans Frontieres --, the paper says, "There have been increasing attacks against the population since the removal of the confidence zone."

3. "Since April 16, when the buffer zone was dismantled, aid workers based in Bangolo – 500 km in western Cote d’Ivoire – have noted a wave of violence," writes the paper. "These include attacks against travelers, assassinations, rapes…," the paper quotes Medecins Sans Frontieres as saying.

4. According to the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin, "The government needs 22 billions FCFA to redeploy 12,000 workers throughout the country." The Interior Minister, Desire Tagro, meeting with the government workers yesterday, said: "The redeployment will definitely help restore the country’s social fiber that was destroyed as a result of the crisis and create an atmosphere conducive for upcoming elections."

5. In a related development, the paper reports that the president of the Independent Electoral Commission, Robert Mambe, met yesterday with 23 regional commissioners to brief them on "the importance of their duty." "You’ve to bear in mind that Cote d’Ivoire is coming out from a difficult situation. You’re soldiers of reconciliation."

6. The paper also devotes its front page to a human interest story saying, "Five people were killed as a result of food intoxication." The victims are all adolescents whose ages range from 10 to 15.

7. "Presidential elections: Division within the opposition groups will favor Gbagbo’s re-election," says a front-page story in L’evenement, a daily close to the former Prime Minister. The paper suggests that "the opposition parties have no strategy and are divided over leadership."

8. "France is not the problem, but rather the solution to the Ivoirian crisis," Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party quotes the former UN Secretary General’s Representative in Cote d’Ivoire as saying. Addressing issues such as "identification, elections, state-owned media, direct dialogue, and the role of France in the Ivoirian peace process," the paper says, "Pierre Schori didn’t mince his words." Regarding state-owned media, the former UN diplomat is quoted as saying, "There is a need to appoint a neutral management at the national broadcasting network."

9. Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling party, denounces what it calls "judiciary harassment of the press." According to the paper, "Denis Kah Zion – the publisher of Le Nouveau Reveil – and Silvere Konan – a journalist with the same paper – are once again summoned to appear before the Attorney General."

10. "Lawmakers are prepared to back the Ouagadougou Agreement," reports Le Matin d’Abidjan. "The parliamentarians -- who were meeting yesterday – unanimously, approved the accord."

APRIL 25, 2007

1. Today’s Ivoirian papers say militia groups refuse to lay down their arms as recommended by the Ouagadougou Agreement. Papers also say parties in Cote d’Ivoire have embarked on political campaigns ahead of the upcoming elections.

2. A front-page story in 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, says, "Leaders of the militia groups operating in Western Cote d’Ivoire refuse to hand over their guns." The paper culled a story from the French newspaper Humanite, saying, "the militia groups are threatening to block the peace process unless their grievances have been taken into account."

3. "The western region of Cote d’Ivoire is reputed to be the stronghold of major armed groups that are close to President Laurent Gbagbo," indicates the paper. "To lay down their arms, our men just need a small piece of land and financial support in order to go into farming," one militiaman is quoted as saying.

4. "2007 presidential elections: Gbagbo is seeking the votes of the Baoule to secure his power," says a front-page story in L’inter, a privately-owned daily. "It’s no longer a secret; the Head of State and his partisans are using every means possible to get the votes of the PDCI-RDA’s electorate."

5. "Don’t listen to those who are sowing the seeds of division," Fraternite Matin quotes Gbagbo as saying. The state-owned daily says Gbagbo was speaking yesterday when supporters from Yamoussoukro called on him at the Presidential Palace.

6. According to the paper, "The 2007 ordinary session of the Ivoirian National Assembly is due to open today." "This session comes at a special time, as the Ouagadougou Agreement has been concluded," comments the paper. The big question, the paper goes on to say, is "What attitude Prime Minister Guillaume Kigbafori Soro will have vis-à-vis the parliament."

7. The paper recalls a speech by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mamadou Koulibaly, a few days ago when he said: "Banny [the former premier] failed because he refused to do business with the Parliament and the Young Patriots [a movement close to Gbagbo]." In the face of this situation, the paper concludes: "The success of the new premier depends on his good relationships with lawmakers and not on any backing from the international community."

8. Le Front, a daily close to New Forces, denounces what it calls "the serious drifts of Mamadou Koulibaly," and exhorts the New Forces "to be on their guard."

9. In a bid to takeover power from Gbagbo, "Alassane Dramane Ouattara has put up a strong campaign team," says Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. Meanwhile, an Ivoirian opposition figure is calling upon his colleagues to come out with "a single candidate in order to defeat Gbagbo in the upcoming elections."

APRIL 24, 2007

1. France’s presidential elections, an Ivoirian government seminar to explore possibilities for the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement and the dismantlement of the militia groups in Cote d’Ivoire are the major issues in today’s Ivoirian press.

2. "The Ouagadougou Agreement won’t be renegotiated," the privately-owned daily L’inter quotes Ivoirian Interior Minister, Desire Tagro, as saying. Tagro, reports the paper, was speaking at the government seminar on the implementation of the accord yesterday. Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Ivoirian Interior Minister said: "The meeting is aimed at elaborating a clear roadmap to support the implementation of the other recommendations contained in the accord."

3. Soir Info, another privately-owned daily, accuses the Ivoirian opposition leader Alassane Dramane Ouattara of "thwarting the Ouagadougou Agreement." According to the paper, the leader of the RDR party "refuses to accept the agreement and continues to defend UN Resolution 1721."

4. In a related development, Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, claims that, "the upcoming elections are not the priority of the Prime Minister." The paper notes that, "The identification process and the dismantlement of the militia groups are all delayed." The paper also notes that, "The New Forces have radically changed their posture," prompting the paper to wonder "whether Soro has not succumbed to Gbagbo." The paper predicts "a two or three-month transition."

5. A month after the conclusion of the Ouagadougou Agreement, "Gbagbo and Soro are mocking the Ivoirians," says a banner headline that runs across L’evenement, a daily close to the Ivoirian former premier. It says, "The chronogram for the implementation of the agreement has been thrown into the trash bin, as the dismantlement of the militia groups has been adjourned."

6. Commenting on the outcome of the first round of the polls in France, the paper says, "The center-right candidate, Nicolas Sarkozy, shook Gbagbo."

7. A front-page story in Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, says, "French people in Cote d’Ivoire voted massively for Sarkozy."

8. Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, foresees "a clash that will divide Gbagbo against Soro over the identification scheme." The paper quotes the head of a UN fact-finding group in Cote d’Ivoire as saying, "The UN will certify the upcoming elections."

9. On the front page of Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, the New Forces military leadership denies earlier news reports alleging that, "There had been heavy fighting in Seguela, a New Forces-controlled northern city."

APRIL 23, 2007

1. The French went to the polls yesterday to elect their president. As center-right candidate Nicolas Sarkozy and Socialist Segolene Royal are set for a run-off, Ivoirian dailies try to explore what impact the outcome of France’s presidential elections could have in Africa, and particularly in Cote d’Ivoire.

2. "France’s presidential elections: What Africans and Ivoirians will gain," says a front-page story in the privately-owned daily, L’intelligent d’Abidjan. It comments, "In principle, Africa should not expect anything from these elections." However, the paper believes that, "Sarkozy, who will definitely win the run-off, should try to come out with a new political order vis-à-vis the continent."

3. Regarding the impact of Sarkozy’s possible victory, the paper suggests, "Some people in Cote d’Ivoire may be worried, because this man is believed to be a friend of the Ivoirian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara. He’s not close to Gbagbo, and is one of those who are calling for the departure of Licorne [French troops in Cote d’Ivoire]."

4. As the candidates are set for what Le Nouveau Reveil calls "a duel", the paper, close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA, claims that, "Segolene -- Gbagbo’s favorite candidate -- is threatening Sarkozy."

5. "After her qualification for the second round – due to be held on May 6 – Segolene has restored hope amongst the French left wing," writes Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo.

6. The state-owned Fraternite Matin’s political commentator says, "France’s presidential elections are not only the affair of the French, but are also a preoccupation for many people around the world, including Africans." "As intense campaigning has begun for the run-off, Africans, whose fate depends on who holds power in France, will be consulting their gods, and praying in their mosques, churches and temples."

7. The paper goes on, "The two candidates, who are aware that votes of Africans living on French soil determine their victories, will try to re-craft their political programs in a bid to give it an African face."

8. Another commentary in Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, suggests that, "The Afro-Africans have to prevent Sarkozy from winning the elections by voting for Segolene." The commentator believes that, "This man [Sarkozy] is a danger for Africans living in France. At a time when Africans are trying to break their colonial pact with France, this man is not the right interlocutor." It carries on: "Let’s not be masochists: With a ‘mad’ man as the leader of France, this will make the struggle more difficult."

9. Back in Cote d’Ivoire, where a peace process has gained a new momentum after the signature of the Ouagadougou Agreement, L’evenement, a daily close to the former Ivoirian Prime Minister, claims that, "Gbagbo is preparing to rig the upcoming elections." According to the paper, "The Ivoirian leader has asked the UN to withdraw from the process."

10. A banner headline in Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, says, "The UN Secretary General’s Representative in charge of elections in Cote d’Ivoire, Gerard Stoudmann, is set to leave." The paper suggests, "The president’s personal resentments and the new political dispensation in Cote d’Ivoire after the conclusion of the Ouagadougou Agreement have forced Stoudmann to quit."

APRIL 20, 2007

1. What should be the role of the UN in Cote d'Ivoire's upcoming elections? The question is the main subject in today’s Ivoirian press. The subject has come to the fore a day after ex-President Henri Konan Bedie and Ivoirian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, met to evoke the issue.

2. "Ouattara and Bedie want the UN to keep his representative in-charge of elections in Cote d’Ivoire," says a banner headline that runs across the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. "The two opposition leaders, who believe that the role of the UN elections expert could be significant in resolving any election disputes, are to petition to the Security Council to come out with a new resolution," reports the paper.

3. The leader of the opposition RDR, speaking after a meeting with Bedie, is reported as saying, "The meeting between President Bedie and myself is part of our regular consultations. It’s evident that both of us support efforts and offer our advices to enable Cote d’Ivoire to return to peace. The most important is to have democratic elections as soon as possible… We’ve talked about the Ouagadougou Agreement and we hope that measures that have been taken recently would enable the holding of free, fair, and democratic elections at the end of this year. We thought that this was necessary for our country because of its difficult economic situation."

4. "Apparently weakened after the Ouagadougou Agreement, and fearing to be smashed by Gbagbo’s machinery, Bedie and Ouattara are looking for support," writes Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to the president. "The two political leaders, who refuse to die politically," comments the paper, "are working together in a bid to come out with a common strategy."

5. Commenting on another subject, the paper says, Transparency Justice – An Ivoirian Human Rights advocacy group --, speaking yesterday at the US Embassy on: "African justice and terrorism" denounced what the paper calls, "The limits of the Ivoirian judiciary system to fight terrorism."

6. Back to the upcoming elections in Cote d’Ivoire, Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, says, "Ouattara and Bedie have stepped up pressure on Gbagbo and Soro." To support the political transition underway in this West African country, "The World Bank is committed to disburse 100 millions dollars aimed at financing the demobilization scheme," announces the paper.

7. "Elections should be held before the end of this year," Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, quotes Ouattara as saying after his meeting with Bedie. The paper then wonders: "With Gbagbo in command, is there any guarantee that upcoming elections would be credible?" It also suspects the new Prime Minister, Soro Guillaume, of "helping Gbagbo to confiscate power." It further suggests that the two men may have signed what it calls "a deal between the two belligerents."

8. In the wake of a visit of French businessmen in Cote d’Ivoire, Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, says, "Chirac is now courting Gbagbo." The paper sees a recent visit of President Thabo Mbeki to Paris "as a catalyst that could help revive relations between Cote d’Ivoire and France." Meanwhile, a leading member of the ruling FPI, speaking to the paper, says, "Western countries are now aware that they need to back Gbagbo."

9. Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, devotes its front-page to Colonel Nicolas Kouakou Kouadio, the Ivoirian military officer who has been nominated to take command of the Integrated Center for Command. Citing reliable military sources, the paper says, "The Ivoirian senior officer, who belongs to the National Gendarmerie, is likely to have Colonel Karim Ouattara – from the New Forces -- as his deputy."

10. Profiling the man, whose task is "to see to security in the former buffer zone," the paper says, "Colonel Nicolas Kouakou Kouadio was trained in anti-terrorism in Washington DC, US in October 1999."

APRIL 19, 2007

1. After "major steps" have been taken toward the implementation of a peace deal signed between the government of Cote d’Ivoire and the New Forces last month, today’s dailies look at the general political atmosphere and moves aimed at reviving the Ivoirian economy.

2. A front-page story in the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, says, "Yesterday’s meeting between Gbagbo and French businessmen is a sign of the new climate of economic confidence between Cote d’Ivoire and France." The paper shows a picture of Gbagbo and the leader of French employers shaking hands, with the comment, "French businessmen are back."

3. The paper quotes a member of the French delegation as saying, "The majority of French companies stayed in Cote d’Ivoire. A few left." In a related development, the paper announces that, "French schools, which were vandalized during the November 2004 events, will be renovated by the Ivoirian government."

4. Announcing another sign of the new chapter in France’s relationship with Cote d’Ivoire, the paper reports that, "The Ivoirian Chief of Defense, General Philippe Mangou, and the Commander of the French troops in Cote d’Ivoire, General Antoine Lecerf, joined together Tuesday to celebrate the return of peace to Cote d’Ivoire."

5. "Soro quits the rebellion," says a banner headline that runs across Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party. According to the paper, "Soro, who is expected today in Mauritania to attend the inauguration of the new government in the country – on behalf of President Gbagbo - has now become a statesman."

6. Nevertheless, the paper believes that, "One of the challenges that the new Prime Minister will face is how to stamp out indiscipline in the public administration."

7. To succeed his mission, "Soro is putting together a strong cabinet composed of close associates," reports Nord-Sud Quotidien. The daily, close to the opposition RDR party, also reports that, "Representatives of the Ivoirian National Armed Forces and the military branch of the New Forces have been meeting in Bouake to discuss the Ouagadougou Agreement since yesterday." "Gbagbo and Soro’s security is the main issue on the agenda."

8. "I don’t want to finish like John Garang and Savimbi," says a banner headline of L’evenement, a daily close to Banny. The paper, which is quoting Soro, also tells readers "why the leader of the New Forces has decided to join Gbagbo."

9. Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, unveils what it calls "Gbagbo’s secret agenda to retake the Grand North." "The four-fold plan includes socio-economic development projects on behalf of poverty-stricken inhabitants of this region."

10. Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, says Gbagbo has another "Plan B." The blueprint, suggests the paper, includes, among other things, "The total control of the Ouagadougou Agreement in a bid to present himself as a peace messenger, and adopting a posture that will weaken Soro."

APRIL 18, 2007

1. A day after the celebration that greeted the removal of the 600 km-long-buffer zone that has divided Cote d’Ivoire for five years, Ivoirian dailies say the next task awaiting President Laurent Gbagbo and Prime Minister Guillaume Kigbafori Soro is to lay the groundwork for the upcoming elections in this West African nation.

2. "Gbagbo’s plan for the upcoming elections," is the main subject on the front page of Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. The president’s campaign team includes "not only key members of his ruling party – like Desire Tagro, the Interior Minister in the current administration - but also youth leader Charles Ble Goude," indicates the paper. In a related development, the paper reports that, "Paris has welcomed the dismantlement of the buffer zone." It then quotes French negotiator Pierre Mazeaud as saying, "We’ve wasted four years."

3. A front-page story in Fraternite Matin says, "The Interior Minister is to reinstate public administration in the former occupied territories – including Bouake, Korhogo, Odienne and Man." President Gbagbo made the announcement yesterday at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan, where he met with members of the Supreme Court, reports the paper.

4. The state-owned daily also announces that the new cabinet, which was formed April 7, will hold its first meeting today under the chairmanship of the head of government, Guillaume Soro. "As the armed branch of the New Forces is set to meet today in Bouake," indicates the paper, "General Soumaila Bakayoko, Commander of the New Forces yesterday urged the movement’s military command to accept and study the Ouagadougou Agreement in order to find appropriate means for its implementation."

5. Regarding the upcoming elections, Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, tells readers about, "The campaign machinery of the ex-Ivoirian President Henri Konan Bedie." It believes that, "Bedie’s chances to win the polls have not changed."

6. On a note of optimism, Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, quotes a leading member of the New Forces as saying, "The relationship between Gbagbo and Soro has started bearing fruit." While South Africa expresses its "satisfaction about the peace process," writes the paper, "France welcomes Ivoirians’ willingness to forge ahead for peace."

7. Le Matin d’Abidjan, another daily close to Gbagbo, announces "the breakdown of relations between France’s President Jacques Chirac and Soro." In a story culled from a French daily, Le Figaro, the paper explains "how France was sidelined during recent negotiations that led to the conclusion of the Ouagadougou Agreement." The paper, however, quotes Cote d’Ivoire’s Ambassador to France as saying, "French authorities strongly believe in the accord."

8. As the implementation of the agreement gets underway, Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, says "The sacred union between Gbagbo and Soro is set for peace." A report carried by the paper says, "A day after the removal of the buffer zone, the Ivoirian national security forces have started patrolling cities located in western Cote d’Ivoire."

9. Telling a different story, Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, says, "Hostilities may resume in the west, as 198 former combatants loyal to Liberian ex-war lords – including Charles Taylor, Sam Bockerie, and Johnny Paul Koroma – have infiltrated the western city of Touleupleu." "The war dogs," alleges the paper, "were sent to the region by Gbagbo’s regime."

10. "The peace process in Cote d’Ivoire is under threat," writes the privately-owned daily Soir Info. According to the paper, "the threat is coming from ex-coup plotter, Sergeant Ibrahim Coulibaly, who vowed to bring down the new Prime Minister." Observers believe that, "Coulibaly is angry at Soro over the leadership of the New Forces." The paper also notes, "Gbagbo wants to implement the Ouagadougou Agreement quickly, while Soro is dragging his feet."

11. Still on the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement, 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, says, "Gbagbo and Soro are running against the clock." "While the agreement has rekindled hope amongst Ivoirians," the paper believes that "they must be prudent."

12. Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, explains in an in-depth story, "How the ruling FPI party has killed the schools in the country during its seven years of rule."

APRIL 17, 2007

1. Pro-government and opposition papers join in today to celebrate "the end of the war in Cote d’Ivoire," as President Laurent Gbagbo and his Prime Minister, Soro Kigbafori Guillaume, presided over yesterday a ceremony to launch the removal of a 600 km-long-buffer zone that has divided this West African country for the past five years.

2. "The war is over," Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, quotes Gbagbo as saying, as the paper carries a picture of a bulldozer knocking down a UN check-point in Tiebissou yesterday. "Together, let’s rebuild Cote d’Ivoire," Soro is reported as saying. French troops’ commander, General Antoine Lecerf, believes that, "The dismantling of the buffer zone is a positive sign."

3. "The Licorne [French troops in Cote d’Ivoire] will leave after the elections," Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, quotes General Lecerf as saying.

4. Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, also quotes Gbagbo as saying, "The war has ended," while Soro has committed himself for "peace." According to the paper, both leaders yesterday inaugurated the Center of Integrated Command that has been tasked "to elaborate a new defense and security plan, to implement the national disarmament scheme, in order to pave the way for free movement of people and goods throughout the country."

5. "Peace is definitively irreversible," says a banner headline that runs across the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. The paper says the inauguration of the Center of Integrated Command marks "the beginning of the reunification of the country, as former belligerents were visibly happy to come together."

6. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily L’inter says, "Former warlords and government troops joined in to celebrate peace, as Cote d’Ivoire has recovered its unity." According to the paper, "Gbagbo and Soro jointly inspected government troops and New Forces’ troops yesterday." "This is a strong signal since the war started 4 years ago," comments the paper.

7. After the removal of a buffer zone yesterday, the privately-owned daily L’intelligent d’Abidjan, says, "Gbagbo and Soro have only 260 days to implement the identification program, to redeploy the administration throughout the country, and to organize general elections in Cote d’Ivoire."

8. In the wake of the dismantlement of the confidence zone, a move described by observers as "the first tangible steps taken toward the reunification of the country," Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, wonders whether, "It was a dream or reality." The paper quotes Gbagbo as telling foreign peacekeepers "Don’t leave. The crisis is not yet over."

APRIL 16, 2007

1. The Ivoirian Prime Minister Soro Guillaume’s first speech last Friday where he asked Ivoirians for forgiveness and vowed to bring peace back to Cote d’Ivoire, the Presidential amnesty for crimes committed in this country since September 2000, and the dismantlement of the confidence zone, are the major stories in today’s Ivoirian papers.

2. "Dismantlement of the confidence zone: The reunification of the country begins today," says a front-page story in the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. The paper publishes "an exclusive document," which it calls "the technical blueprint of the confidence zone." According to the paper, "This zone, which has become ‘the symbol of partition of our country,’ was created in 2003 following a meeting in Tiebissou between the Ivoirian National Armed Forces, the New Forces, and the foreign peacekeepers."

3. Almost five years after the confidence zone was established, the paper announces that "Gbagbo and Soro are expected today in Tiebissou for the official suppression of the buffer zone." The Ivoirian new Prime Minister, speaking yesterday to the population of Bouake, after his nation address on Friday, is quoted by the paper as saying, "Gbagbo is expected shortly in Bouake, while I’ll be going to Gagnoa [the president home town]."

4. "A day before the dismantlement of the buffer zone, Soro met with his warlords," says a front-page story in the privately-owned daily L’inter. Although "nothing transpires from the meeting," it was clear that the premier used the opportunity "to reassure his men," indicates the paper.

5. According to Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, "The announcement that the Head of State will visit Bouake does not go down well among the population."

6. A front-page story in L’intelligent d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily, says, "Soro spoiled the show after his first speech." The paper thinks that, "Soro will definitely fail his mission." As evidence of this assertion, the paper suggests, "Since the signature of the Marcoussis Agreement, Soro has been fighting for himself, while holding back efforts that were deployed by his two predecessors to bring peace back to Cote d’Ivoire."

7. L’evenement, a daily close to Banny, outlines "the five big mistakes committed by Soro two weeks after his nominations." The paper notes that, "In his Friday’s speech, Soro didn’t deem to pay tribute to his predecessors for their contributions."

8. "Soro writes to the Head of State to demand his powers," says a banner headline carried by Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party. According to the paper, "Soro, attending last Friday in Abidjan the meeting of the International Working Group, informed the panel that he wrote to Gbagbo to demand his powers, and the latter has not yet responded."

9. According to Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, "Soro has refused to engage any power struggle with the president over his prerogatives."

10. A few days after the Presidential amnesty for crimes committed in this country since September 2000, Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA, says, "Exiled senior military officers have refused to return home." The paper questions the motive behind the amnesty law, which it says, "appears to be designed to exonerate the assassins of two journalists – Jean Helene and Guy Andre Kieffer –, and members of the death squadron."

11. Telling a different story, Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, says, "The senior military officers welcome the Ouagadougou Agreement."

12. Finally, the Ivoirian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, speaking to reporters over the weekend, called for "elections to be organized as soon as possible."

APRIL 13, 2007

1. The decision by Ivoirian military commanders to dismantle the buffer zone that has divided Cote d’Ivoire for the past five years continues to dominate the Ivoirian dailies. The UN’s International Working Group is due to meet today, and papers question the raison d’etre for the panel, charged with overseeing the peace process.

2. “The work of the International Working Group has come to an end, with the signing of the Ouagadougou Agreement,” says a banner headline that runs across Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party. “Officially, the group is meeting today to evaluate the peace process, and to make recommendations,” writes the paper. However, it carries on, “Many observers think the group should no longer exit, because the Ouagadougou Agreement provides Ivorians with other mechanisms to pursue the peace process.”

3. Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, calls today’s meeting of the International Working Group “the last one.” The paper quotes sources close to the UN Mission in Cote d’Ivoire as saying, “The group cannot dissolve itself. Only the UN Security Council, which is scheduled to meet next month, can decide whether the group should continue its mission or not.”

4. “France is trying to distance itself from the new Prime Minister,” says the privately-owned daily L’intelligent d’Abidjan. According to the paper, “No French official will attend today’s meeting of the International Working Group.” The reason, the paper suggests, “is that the former colonial master prefers to leave it to Gbagbo and Soro to do their own job.” “Behind this attitude,” the paper sees the “hands” of Alassane Dramane Ouattara leader of the opposition RDR party, who, it says, “expressed serious reservations after the agreement signed between Gbagbo and Soro.”

5. Still on “France’s move to stay away from the meeting,” Le Patriote, a daily close to the RDR, suggests, “The Ouagadougou Agreement has drastically changed the political landscape that was created by UN Resolution 1721. The agreement has its own mechanism to oversee the peace process. The International Working Group has no justification.”

6. In the wake of an agreement signed by Ivoirian military commanders to end the division of the country, Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, explains to readers, “How the Confidence Zone will be dismantled.” According to the paper, “32 towns and villages will be directly touched by the operation, which will be supervised by a technical committee – made up of representatives of the Ivoirian National Armed Forces, the military branch of the New Forces, and foreign peacekeeping forces.”

7. According to a front-page story in the privately-owned L’inter, “The French and UN troops will have a new role to play after the dismantlement of the Confidence Zone.”

8. “We’re here until the upcoming elections,” Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, quotes the French troops’ commander, General Antoine Lecerf as saying.

9. A banner headline carried by the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, says “Gbagbo has signed an amnesty law,” which will provide amnesty for “all breaches to the state and national security committed from September 17, 2000 to date, by Ivoirians, whether in the country or while in exile.”

10. After the signing of an amnesty law, “150 military officers including General Mathias Doue, ex-commander of the Ivoirian National Armed Forces, will return home soon,” announces Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition.      

APRIL 12, 2007

1. Today’s Ivoirian papers say Gbagbo and Soro made "a giant stride," as representatives of the Ivoirian National Armed Forces and the military branch of the New Forces yesterday signed an agreement with foreign peacekeepers to dismantle the buffer zone dividing this West African country since 2002.

2. A banner headline that runs across Fraternite Matin says, "There is a total atmosphere of détente," as the state-owned daily prominently carries a grip and grin of Gbagbo and his Prime Minister, Soro Kigbafori Guillaume. According to the paper, "An agreement was signed yesterday in Abidjan between the Ivoirian Armed Forces, the New Forces, and commanders of the peacekeeping troops in Cote d’Ivoire ending the partition of the country."

3. General Fernand Marcel Amoussou, Commander of the UN troops in Cote d’Ivoire, speaking at the agreement’s signing said: "This marks a glorious day for Cote d’Ivoire… Go across the country and announce the good news that peace is here." General Amoussou congratulated the commanders of Ivoirian National Armed Forces and the New Forces for their "major common commitment to bringing peace back to Cote d’Ivoire, and to the whole world."

4. In a related development, the paper announces that, "Gbagbo is expected in the north of the country [the stronghold of the New Forces] later this month." Gbagbo told supporters yesterday in Abidjan, "Soro is preparing my journey to the north."

5. "After forming his new government, Soro is to address the nation tomorrow," says a banner headline carried by Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces. "In his first address, Soro will reassure partners of Cote d’Ivoire -- particularly international financial institutions -- of his government’s commitment to establish good governance." The paper also believes that after the signature of the Ouagadougou Agreement, Gbagbo and Soro are set for what it calls "a pragmatic relationship."

6. A day after the signature of the agreement to dismantle a buffer zone dividing Cote d’Ivoire, Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, quotes the French troops’ commander in Cote d’Ivoire, warning, "The French army won’t move just yet." "The foreign peacekeepers, who are monitoring the situation in the demilitarized zone, will withdraw gradually. The total withdrawal of French troops is not the order of the day," General Antoine Lecerf is reported as saying.

7. "Who’ll manage the Confidence Zone?" asks Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party. Citing military sources, the paper says, "The Integrated Command Center will be tasked with the surveillance of the zone."

8. Five days after the announcement of a new transitional government, Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, says, "Their first clash between Gbagbo and Soro was over the latter’s powers."

9. 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, publishes "an exclusive document," saying, "since April 3, Soro has laid before the Head of State a bill delegating powers to the new Prime Minister." According to the paper, the "bill seeks to confer on the premier powers to nominate government officials – including military commanders."

APRIL 11, 2007

1. Cote d’Ivoire’s new political landscape following the formation of a transitional government, the new cabinet’s chances for success or failure, the Prime Minister’s challenges, Gbagbo’s political strategy to win the upcoming elections, plans on reducing the number of peacekeeping troops, and doing away with the "Confidence Zone" that has split this West African country into two for the past five years, are the major issues in the Ivoirian press today.

2. "Inhabitants in western Cote d’Ivoire, and in the Confidence Zone, are panic stricken as the Licorne [French troops] plans to leave Cote d’Ivoire," says a banner headline running across 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition. The paper indicates that, "As requested by Gbagbo, and endorsed by the Ouagadougou Agreement, Licorne troops will start withdrawing from their positions on April 16. Residents living in the government-controlled western territory are already worried about their future security, fearful that murders and killings will increase in number."

3. In a related development, the paper announces that, "Representatives of the Ivoirian National Armed Forces and the military branch of the New Forces, are set to meet today to discuss how the Confidence Zone will be managed."

4. Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, calls the Confidence Zone, "An area experiencing barbaric actions." To support its assertion, the paper carries a three-page in-depth report explaining "how the Confidence Zone, created by the international community to reassure Ivoirian belligerents and local populations, has instead become an area experiencing mass killings."

5. Calling the Confidence Zone, "A hell on earth," the paper says, "A general insecurity exists in the area." It also alleges that, "The "impartial" foreign troops and the rebels have looted natural resources in the Confidence Zone, making it a place for any kind of illicit business."

6. A front-page story in Le Courrier d’Abidjan, another daily close to Gbagbo, says, "Licorne is to pull out of Western towns – including Man, Duekoue and Daloa -- as part of a plan to downsize the international troops in Cote d’Ivoire."

7. A UN fact-finding mission is in town and meeting with Ivoirian authorities, Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, reports. "The Foreign Affairs Minister used the occasion to ask the UN to lift the arms embargo that was imposed on Cote d’Ivoire in November 2004." "The UN delegation, which arrived yesterday in the country to evaluate the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement," reports the paper, "is due to meet the Prime Minister today… A meeting between the delegation and Gbagbo is scheduled for tomorrow."

8. Following the announcement of the new Ivoirian transitional government, a front-page story in Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, explains "How Soro can succeed in his mission." To accomplish this, writes the paper, "The new premier must consider those obstacles that prevented his predecessors from carrying out successfully their duty."

9. After the formation of the new government, "Soro is now facing a hard time," writes the privately-owned daily Soir Info. The paper ponders "the fate of the rebellion." It suggests, "Despite the willingness of the New Forces’ leadership to work for peace, things appear to be different on the ground where the ex-combatants are still armed and expressing grievances."

10. "Now that the government has surrended to Gbagbo, who between Soro and the RHDP [an opposition alliance] will be blamed for this defeat?" asks Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. "For the sake of peace," suggests the paper, "Soro has to assume responsibility for these mistakes."

11. Regarding the upcoming the elections, Nord-Sud Quotidien unveils what it calls, "Gbagbo’s secret strategy." After a thorough analysis of the make up of the new government, the paper close to the opposition concludes that, "The Ivoirian leader has taken full control of the elections."

12. "Gbagbo is maneuvering about in a bid to win the general elections," writes L’evenement, a daily close to the former Ivoirian Prime Minister.

13. "As Gbagbo is preparing to organize the next elections," Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, calls on "Soro and the Independent Electoral Commission to be firm."

APRIL 10, 2007

1. Four days after Cote d’Ivoire’s new transitional government was announced, most Ivoirian papers – those both close to the government and the opposition – salute what they call "Gbagbo’s victory." Other dailies ponder the chances of the new cabinet to get Cote d’Ivoire out of its current political stalemate, emphasizing challenges that the new Prime Minister, Soro Kigbafori Guillaume, is likely to face.

2. With a portrait of the Ivoirian leader on its front page, Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, salutes what it calls, "The triumph of Gbagbo," after the successful completion of his direct talks initiative. Commenting on the new cabinet, the paper says, "The ruling FPI has snatched all the major portfolios." As a result, "Gbagbo has consolidated his power, and is now preparing for the upcoming elections," suggests the paper.

3. "It’s no more a secret," it goes on, "Gbagbo will now maneuver about to take advantage of the situation, and to impose his strategy." "Virtually brought down by the past peace accords and UN Resolutions," writes the paper, "Gbagbo has successfully made a breakthrough, and his ruling FPI will definitely take control of the 2008 elections."

4. "Soro hands over all powers to Gbagbo," says a banner headline that runs across Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. The paper, which calls the new cabinet, "FPI’s campaign team," says, "The military, administration, and finance portfolios are in the hands of the ruling FPI." The paper then explains "how Soro has been marginalized, with Gbagbo recovering his lost powers."

5. Regarding the "real powers of the new Prime Minister," Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, explains "how Soro will rule, despite losing the defense and security portfolios."

6. Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, calls the new government "La Renaissance." Gbagbo, speaking over the weekend at rally to mark the Easter festivities, promised to address the nation "from Bouake," reports the paper.

7. "No act of defiance will be tolerated," Gbagbo and Soro told the new ministers, reports the state-owned Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, "The atmosphere was good when the 33-member cabinet held its first meeting on Saturday." The paper also publishes a document co-signed by Gbagbo, Soro, and the Burkinabe leader, Blaise Compaore, outlining "the major tasks of the new government." "From April 16, Cote d’Ivoire will no longer be divided," Gbagbo told supporters.

8. Regarding the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement, the privately-owned daily, L’intelligent d’Abidjan, says, "Gbagbo and Soro have 267 days to succeed in their mission, or to be doomed in trying."

9. Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, calls the new cabinet, "a no-winner and a no-looser government," which is made up of "33 commandos, whose task is to work for the reconstruction of the country." The paper also quotes Gbagbo as saying, "Very soon, I’ll fix the date for the elections."

10. "Give us peace," says a banner headline carried by Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, as the paper publishes a group picture of the new government.

11. Finally, a front-page story in the privately-owned daily L’inter announces that, "A UN fact-finding mission is expected in Abidjan." Citing sources close to the UN Mission in Cote d’Ivoire, the paper says, "The mission will meet with Ivoirian authorities – including the Prime Minister and the Head of State – as well as leaders of political parties." The agenda of the UN delegation, reports the paper, also includes "a meeting with Compaore, the mediator in the Ivoirian crisis."

APRIL 6, 2007

1. Headlines in all Ivoirian dailies deal with the formation of a new government, which Prime Minister Soro will announce tomorrow.

2. A banner headline running across the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin says the new government’s makeup is completed. The Prime Minister has ironed out difficulties with the Head of State. The paper also reports that the Prime Minister walked from his office to the Presidency, a gesture meant to lessen tension between them.

3. In another development regarding the government, the privately-owned daily Soir Info reports: "At long last, Gbagbo and Soro have agreed. After meeting nearly an hour, they have agreed on the division of portfolios.

The paper also reports that the President of the National Assembly, Mamadou Koulibaly, speaking about an ongoing law suit against a PDCI National Assembly member for insulting the Head of State, said "when I read the Constitution, I don’t see any national institution can stop legal proceedings against somebody. Though a delegate cannot be sued or arrested while he holds office, once his mandate ends, he can be sued."

4. "Integrated Command Center: Gbagbo sends emissaries to see the New Forces' Defense Chiefs" says a banner headline in the privately-owned daily L’inter. According to the paper, the military portion of the Ouagadougou Agreement is the most crucial to ending the crisis. Gbagbo sent an envoy to meet with the New Forces' military leaders to discuss how their soldiers can be demobilized or integrated back into the official Ivorian armed forces. The paper says that most New Force’s personnel want either to remain soldiers at the rank and grade they acquired during the war or, if that is not possible, to be given some financial compensation to demobilize after the general elections.

5. "Formation of the new government, can Soro do new things with old timers?" questions a banner headline in Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the New Forces. The paper wonders if Guillaume Soro will form his government with holdovers from the previous one. According to sources in the PM’s office, Soro has been forced by his political allies to discard his initial idea of having a government of young technocrats. Realism has trumped novelty and, following his last talks with the Head of State, the new government will be composed of 32 members.

6. "After his departure from the Prime Minister’s Office, this is what Banny will do" reads a banner headline in the privately-owned daily close to Banny, L’evenement. According to the paper, Banny will go to Yamoussoukro, and spend time evaluating his tenure as PM over the last 15 months. He will not return to the Central Bank of West African States as he has reached its retirement age.

7. "Two key Ministries were divided-up yesterday: Defense going to Gbagbo, Security to Soro" writes Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. The paper also asks questions about the political future of Bédié and Ouattara.

The paper carries an interview with the Mayor of Lakota, a small town in central-west of Côte d'Ivoire. "I am convinced hostilities will take place again. The Republic is not governed well, the FPI is not honest". The mayor, a close friend of Gbagbo when the FPI was formed, has left the party and wants to run for the presidency himself.

8. A banner headline in Le Temps, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, says that "The World pays tribute to Gbagbo." According to the paper, "Gbagbo's ‘political genius’ will give him a second mandate. France’s Chirac has failed, a terrible failure the French themselves acknowledge."

9. In Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, a PDCI Deputy Secretary General is quoted as saying, "Soro is a Prime Minister who weighs heavy in the scale". For him, Soro was right in asking the UN to endorse the Ouagadougou Accord, because he knows that the president’s camp doesn’t like international agreements. He thinks Soro has a good chance to end the Ivorian crisis.

APRIL 5, 2007

1. Yesterday, the outgoing Ivoirian Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, formally handed over authority to the newly appointed head of the transitional government, Soro Kigbafori Guillaume, at a ceremony held in Abidjan. In today’s editions, Ivoirian papers look at the challenges facing Soro.

2. Soro, speaking after the short handover ceremony, said: "My challenge is to strengthen confidence among Ivoirians," reports the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. "I understand the heavy task ahead, as well as the challenges facing our motherland. A major challenge is to build trust and confidence among Ivoirians, to pave the way for a lasting peace." According to the paper, the new premier committed himself "to work for the success of the Ouagadougou Agreement."

3. "Office of the Prime Minister: Soro assumes duty," says a banner headline in Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces. The paper quotes the former UN Secretary General’s Representative in Cote d’Ivoire, Albert Tevoedjre, as saying, "Soro is not a man who can be easily manipulated."

4. "I’m happy that former enemies have accepted to work together," L’evenement quotes Banny as saying. The paper, close to Banny says, "The outgoing premier urged Gbagbo and Soro to offer Ivoirians peace."

5. A banner headline running across the privately-owned daily, L’intelligent d’Abidjan, says, "Despite the official handover of powers to Soro, the new Prime Minister is still not ready to announce his cabinet."

6. "At long last, Compaore has unlocked the impediments that were blocking the creation of a new government," writes Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. While consultations are underway for the formation of the new cabinet, the paper suggests that "there is a need to keep the former Communication Minister, Mrs Martine Coffi-Studer, in office."

7. According to a front-page story in Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, "The outgoing Prime Minister expressed his regrets for failing to organize elections."

8. In another development, the privately-owned daily L’inter discloses that, "Even before the signature of the Ouagadougou Agreement, Gbagbo and Soro had been holding secret meetings." The paper also reports that "11 persons suspected to be Gbagbo’s agents were arrested in Bouake."

APRIL 4, 2007

1. News reports in today’s Ivoirian press say the future transitional government will be soon announced, as the newly appointed Prime Minister Soro Kigbafori Guillaume is set to officially take over from his predecessor Charles Konan Banny today.

2. As Ivoirians await their new government, a banner headline in the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, says "Banny is to bid farewell." The outgoing Prime Minister, reports the paper, "Is due to meet his ministers this morning, before handing over his powers to Soro in the afternoon." Profiling the man who is preparing to quit "The White House of Plateau [the office of the Prime Minister]", the paper recalls that, "Banny promised to never hinder the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire."

3. It comments, "As he quits the post of Prime Minister, he leaves behind the good image of a man who had committed himself to stay away from the political quarrels, refusing to descend in the political arena, even when he was pushed to do so. He was not a man of conflict. He portrayed himself as a facilitator, and had a motto saying: ‘the dynamic compromise’."

4. Meanwhile, the new premier, who is holding various meetings in order to set up his transitional government, held talks yesterday with former Ivorian President Henri Konan Bedie. Soro, speaking to reporters after the meeting said: "I’m hopeful the new government will be announced very soon." Citing sources close to the Ivoirian Presidency, Fraternite Matin, says, "The make-up of the new government will be announced on Friday."

5. "After meeting with Bedie," writes Le Nouveau Reveil, "Soro discovered the true man." "I was happy to receive him," the paper, close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party quotes Bedie as saying. It also suggests, "Barring the unexpected, Bedie’s party will retain its members from the previous cabinet."

6. "My failure will be yours," Soro told the G7, an opposition alliance, reports Le Patriote. According to the paper, close to the opposition RDR party, "The new head of the transitional government asked the Ivoirian ex-President for his support, to enable him accomplish his mission."

7. Meeting with Soro yesterday, Bedie rejected what L’intelligent d’Abidjan calls any "Tsunami" that would wipe out members of the PDCI-RDA in the new administration. In a related development, the paper reports that, "The military wing of the New Forces, after a meeting on Monday, strongly opposed the idea that New Forces’ ministers in the new cabinet should only be civilians."

8. "A 37-member cabinet will be announced on Friday," says Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. According to the paper, "A UN fact-finding mission is due to arrive in Cote d’Ivoire in the coming days to evaluate the peace process in this country."

9. "Consultations for the formation of the government: the two camps reach a compromise," says front-page story in Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces. A news story culled from Sidwaya, a Burkinabe daily, says, "Gbagbo and Soro are united for peace."

9. As Soro is preparing to assume duty as Prime Minister, L’inter, a privately-owned daily, discloses that, "Plans to recruit Burkinabe soldiers to ensure his security has triggered controversy."

10. According to Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, "Gbagbo and Soro are divided over the return of exiled Ivoirian military officers, including former Defense Staff General Matthias Doue." According to the paper, "A delegation of the New Forces military officers on March 7 met with the exiled soldiers in Accra, to discuss the plan underway to merge the Ivoirian national army and the New Forces armed forces."

APRIL 3, 2007

1. Pro-government and opposition papers today offer conflicting reports about ongoing consultations aimed at setting up a new transitional government in Cote d’Ivoire. While dailies close to the government are hopeful to their success, opposition papers are reporting President Laurent Gbagbo and the Prime Minister, Soro Guillaume, differ over the composition of the new cabinet.

2. "Formation of the government: There are still differences," says a front-page report carried by Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. "After protracted negotiations yesterday in Bouake, Soro and Gbagbo have decided to call in Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore for mediation," reports the paper. It indicates that, "The two sides differ over the distribution of portfolios." According to the paper, "The newly appointed premier, who is still seeking the support of the RHDP – an opposition alliance – will meet former Ivoirian President Henri Konan Bedie, today."

3. As Soro holds various consultations to set up his transitional government, the privately-owned daily, L’inter, runs a front-page story saying, "Leaders of the opposition RDR party, Alassane Dramane Ouattara and Bedie, are putting pressure on Soro." "His allies are pressuring Soro to abandon his original plan to form a 33-member and young cabinet."

4. "Gbagbo wants to exclude the opposition PDCI-RDA and RDR parties from the government," says Le Patriote, a daily close to the RDR. But "Compaore insists they be included."

5. A prominent report carried by the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, says, "The announcement of a new government is late, because Soro is in a difficult situation." "Political parties have stepped up pressure on the new Prime Minister," notes the paper. "Geopolitical problems are holding back the selection of a new cabinet," suggests the paper. Striking an optimistic note, presidential negotiator Desire Tagro, says, "The new government will be announced within the set time frame."

6. The privately-owned daily, Soir Info, predicts "a strained relationship between Gbagbo and Soro," as the two leaders have yet to find a compromise concerning "the sharing of portfolios in the new administration."

7. The paper comments, "Soro’s major handicap is his inexperience, when it comes to managing the affairs of the state." "There is a big difference between leading a student union and ruling a public administration… The man will be surrounded by advisors, but Soro does not have the requisite intellectual background when it comes to economic, social, and cultural issues that a Prime Minister should normally possess," notes the paper.

8. A banner headline that runs across Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, says, "The new government is ready, and its make-up was presented to Compaore in Ouagadougou yesterday by Soro and the Ivoirian presidential negotiator." Citing reliable sources, the paper suggests that, "a 37-member cabinet may be announced today."

9. "The differences concerning the composition of the new government are over, as Soro and Tagro were able to overcome last obstacles," says another banner headline in Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo

10. In another development, Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, alleges that, "The Ouagadougou Agreement is under threat," as "The enemies of peace" have been engaged in "subversive actions – including the distribution of leaflets inciting soldiers against their leaders."

11. "The Ouagadougou Agreement is a defeat for the authorities in Paris," says a front-page story in the privately-owned daily, L’intelligent d’Abidjan. The paper also reports that the Ivoirian Broadcasting Corporation has launched a new program schedule aimed at "balancing its coverage of the country’s political players, following the landmark peace deal."

APRIL 2, 2007

1. The new Ivoirian Prime Minister, Soro Guillaume, is engaged in various consultations to set up his transitional government. Today’s Ivoirian papers speculate on the composition of the cabinet, and the relationship between the premier and President Laurent Gbagbo.

2. A prominent headline carried by the privately-owned daily L’inter announces that, "The new cabinet will be young." According to the paper, "The new head of the transitional government, set to officially assume duty on Wednesday, will announce his cabinet a day after."

3. "Banny is to hand over power to Soro," says a banner headline carried by Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. "The new Prime Minister didn’t want to waste time," reports the paper, "and received over the weekend a delegation of European Ambassadors assigned to Cote d’Ivoire." Soro, writes the paper, used the opportunity "to reassure them of his commitment to organize free and fair elections."

4. In a related development, the paper reports that senior military officers, from both the Ivoirian national army and the New Forces, met in Yamoussoukro and have reached an agreement on "how the confidence zone will be managed."

5. "Soro has the EU’s full support," says a prominent headline that runs across Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces. It also quotes Eugene Djue, a leading member of the ‘Young Patriots’ [a group close to Gbagbo] as saying, "Soro is no longer a rebel."

6. "Composition of the government: Soro and Gbagbo will decide on Tuesday," says a front-page story in Le Patriote, close to the opposition RDR party. According to the paper, "The two leaders are set to meet tomorrow to figure out the composition of the new cabinet."

7. In a front-page story, the privately-owned daily, L’intelligent d’Abidjan, tells readers "the difference between Gbagbo and Soro regarding the future cabinet." "The bone of contention," explains the paper, "is whether to form a new government similar to the outgoing administration."

8. Citing sources close to the New Forces, Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, warns: "Soro will betray Gbagbo." A few days after being officially nominated as Ivoirian premier, the paper describes Soro as "a man of double standards." But the paper also quotes sources close to the Presidency saying, "Gbagbo is not naïve, he knows Soro very well."

9. Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, calls the future government "a big trap."

10. Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling party, PDCI-RDA, says, "Gbagbo has been bested by the opposition, as a member of the G7 [an alliance made up of opposition parties and the New Forces] has taken the post of the Prime Minister."

11. In another development, the paper announces "the return of exiled Ivoirian military officers -- including the former head of the Defense Staff, General Mathias Doue." The big question now, states the paper, is "who these officers are going to support, as a result of the Ouagadougou Agreement."

12. Ivoirian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, is reported as saying to the daily, 24 Heures, "Soro’s nomination should speed up preparations for the upcoming elections." The paper, close to the opposition, also comments on "the secret behind Soro’s decision to accept Gbagbo’s proposal for direct talks."

13. The state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, quotes Aboubacar Fofona, a prominent member of the Ivoirian Muslim Community, as saying, "Politics is not our business, but the fate of politicians is our raison d’etre." The religious leader, speaking over the weekend, "reassured Soro of the Muslim Community’s support," adds the paper.