August 31, 2009

Reports in today and weekend’s press said that the Ivorian civil society had expressed concerns about delays in the electoral process underway in Cote d’Ivoire. Questions regarding the ranks to be conferred to the former rebels, the controversy over the eligibility conditions for candidates in Cote d’Ivoire’s forthcoming presidential elections, a political rally held over the week-end in Abidjan by former ruling PDCI-RDA party’s candidate Henri Konan Bedie and the state of the media in Cote d’Ivoire were the other major news.

1. A front-page story in the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin said that the Convention of the Ivorian Civil Society (CSCI) had expressed great concerns about obstacles that could jeopardize the long-delayed presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. The report said that a CSCI statement denounced what it termed “lack of transparency” in the processing of data that were collected during the voter registration and population identification programs. CSCI, the paper said, also denounced “confusion” in the way the exercise is being carried out; accusing the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) for having not properly designed a plan for this operation that constitutes an important stage in the electoral process.

2. CSCI’s concerns about the electoral process was also a subject of front-page story in L’Expression (a daily close to the opposition) that, however, quoted the electoral commission as assuring that recent review in the electoral timetable will not have any significant impact on the date of the polls billed for November 29, 2009. The paper published a statement issued by CEI informing the public that the data processing exercise is going on smoothly throughout the country. Excerpts of the communique further assured the national and international community that “slight technical review of the date of the publication of the voters’ roll will have no consequence on plan to hold the up-coming presidential elections on November 29, 2009.”

3. A front-page report in the weekend’s issue of Fraternite Matin said that military officers from both government and New Forces armed forces have submitted recommendations to the Defense Minister following their meeting over the question relating to the ranks to be conferred to former fighters. The paper did not elaborate on these recommendations, but quoted a member of the government’s forces as saying that both sides were able to reach consensus on the issue. According to the paper, military officers from both sides are set to meet again on September 1^st, 2009 to address issues regarding the integration of 5,000 former rebels in Cote d’Ivoire’s future army.

4. A few days after the electoral commission announced conditions for illegibility for potential candidates in Cote d’Ivoire’s coming elections, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) quoted an Ivorian leading political figure who denounced “injustice.”

5. Addressing a rally over the weekend in Abidjan, Ivorian former President and candidate in the upcoming presidential elections Henri Konan Bedie predicted the defeat of the ruling FPI party, said a prominent report in Fraternite Matin. In another development, a prominent story in Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) announced that Ivorian opposition heavyweight Alassane Dramane Ouattara is due to return home on September 2, 2009 from France. The paper noted that the return of the opposition leader will put an end to speculations over his health.

6. A report in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that Ivorian journalists have created a new association called OJPCI – Cote d’Ivoire Professional Journalists Organization. According to the paper, the organization’s main objective is to defend the interest of Ivorian media practitioners and to work with media watchdog committees to campaign for ethics and professionalism among Ivorian journalists.

August 28, 2009

Reports in today’s press were dominated by the electoral process underway and President Gbagbo’s upcountry visit in the western town of Issia. A strike at the National Institute of Statistics (INS); a seminar on water resources; and a new development in the trial of Ivorian Cocoa and Coffee sector former managers were other major topics in the dailies.

1.  In order to address potential disputes that may arise during the electoral process, the Ministry of Justice organized a workshop to outline prospective measures. Reporting on this two-day seminar, L’inter (an independent daily) noted that a total of 135 participants including magistrates and representatives from the Independent Election Commission (CEI) and the National Commission in charge of the Supervision of the Elections (CNSI) will advocate actions to fix problems related to the voter registration exercise. In his opening message, the Minister of Justice Mr. Kone Mamadou was reported as saying that: “The purpose of the workshop is to review laws regulating electoral registrations in view of harmonizing its interpretation.”  

Still on the peace process, L’inter noted that the Independent Elections Commission received last Wednesday the application of the first candidate in the presidential election set for November 29, 2009. Mr. Felix Akoto, a member of the Ivorian Parliament, was the first candidate to pay a deposit of 20 million Francs CFA (Approximately) for the upcoming poll, the paper indicated.

More on the electoral process, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) reported on a strike at the National Institute of Statistics (INS) - a body involved in the electoral process underway. According to the daily, INS staffs are pressing for better social conditions. “We have not been paid for two months now and we are facing all sorts of difficulties”, the paper reportedly quoted the General Secretary of the workers union, Mr. Doumbia Adama, as saying”. The union further threatened to continue the strike until their demand has been satisfied.

2. President Gbagbo is since yesterday in the western town of Issia as part of an upcountry visit. The information was reported by Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) which noted that thousands of people turned out to welcome the president as he arrived yesterday in the city. During this working visit, the paper added, President Gbagbo will hold meetings with the local people.

3. “Only 61% of the population in Cote d’Ivoire has access to clean water” read a banner headline in Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party). The daily reported on an ongoing seminar in Yamoussoukro on water resources quoting a participant saying that  in rural areas, access to clean water is a critical problem and only 50% of people have access to this social amenity. The seminar is aimed at finding ways to optimize water resources nationwide, the paper added.  

4. Finally, a report in L’Expression (a daily close to the opposition) said that Ivorian heads of cocoa and coffee industry, who are currently in prison for alleged embezzlement, have taken the government to a West African court of justice. The lawyer of the detainees reportedly denounced the violation of the rights of his clients. 

August 27, 2009

President Laurent Gbagbo’s pronouncement on the appointment of a new president of Cote d’Ivoire’s Constitutional Council sparked mixed reactions in today’s Ivorian press. The electoral process underway in Cote d’Ivoire also made headlines in today’s press. More reports focused on the debate on new military partnership between France and its former colonies; campaign to fight gender-based violence in Cote d’Ivoire and PEPFAR-supported campaign against HIV/AIDS in Cote d’Ivoire. All the press in Cote d’Ivoire paid tribute today to Senator Edward Kennedy who died at 77.

1. A prominent story in the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin quoted President Laurent Gbagbo explaining his choice of Paul Yao N’Dre, a man he called “my friend” as the new President of country’s Constitutional Council. “I appointed Paul Yao N’Dre because he is dynamic; and let me repeat it for those of you who are not aware [applause], that not only he is dynamic, he is also a law professor in Cote d’Ivoire [applause], he is one of our best lawyers. Today, there are many who are law professors. Paul Yao N’Dre was their teacher,” the paper quoted Gbagbo as saying. The Ivorian leader, who was speaking Wednesday in Abidjan during the swearing ceremony of the new head of Constitutional Council, reportedly said: “The Constitutional Council was created in France by General de Gaulle [former French President]. Since its inception, all the Heads of State have appointed their friends and their partisans as its president.”

2. Taking the oath yesterday in Abidjan, the President of the Constitutional Council pledged to abide by the laws of the land, Fraternite Matin reported. But Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) told readers a different story, accusing Gbagbo for “enthroning his friend.” The paper went on to say that in an attempt to justify the nomination of his “friend” as the head of an institution that will validate results of coming elections and the eligibility of candidates, Gbagbo argued that this is how it works in Africa. Gbagbo, the report said, used the example of Henri Konan Bedie [former Ivorian President], who, he [Gbagbo] said, appointed his Director of Cabinet as the President of the Constitutional Council during his [Bedie] tenure of office. “There are some who appointed their brother-in-law,” Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) quoted Gbagbo as saying; “Yes, Paul Yao N’Dre is my friend,” said a prominent headline in Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) quoting Gbagbo; “I appointed my friend Paul Yao N’Dre, and so what,” wrote L’Expression (a daily close to the opposition).

3. In the wake of Gbagbo’s pronouncement on the appointment of the new President of the Constitutional Council, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) noted that the Ivorian leader used the occasion to reject recommendations laid out in the Linas Marcoussis Peace Agreement on the eligibility of candidates who will contest the November 29 presidential elections. 

4. The question of who qualifies to run for presidency in the next presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire was also a subject of front-page in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI). Reacting to a statement issued earlier by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) on conditions to be fulfilled by potential candidates, the paper denounced what it called “discrimination” that favors Bedie, 75 and Alassane Dramane Ouattara, the Ivorian opposition heavyweight. In an interview with Fraternite Matin on the conditions of eligibility of the presidential candidates, Boniface Ouraga Obou, an Ivorian constitutionalist, reportedly said: “I’ve noted some established discriminations;” and added: “It’s not the duty of CEI to make legislation.” In a related development, Fraternite Matin published three decrees signed on August 25, 2009 by President Gbagbo confirming November 29, 2009 as the date of the first round of presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire.

5. While efforts are underway for the polls to be held on schedule, L’Expression disclosed that Gbagbo and President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso [facilitator in the Ivorian peace process] recently held a secret meeting in Morocco on whether the polls should go ahead or not. Citing reliable sources, the paper informed readers that during this meeting Gbagbo proposed that the upcoming elections should be delayed in a bid to find solutions to financial and technical problems. The paper further revealed that the Ivorian President used the issues regarding the ranks to be conferred on New Forces’ soldiers and some weaknesses in the Integrated Command Center (CCI) – an eight-thousand joint government forces and New Forces’ security unit - among others, as pretexts for his proposal.

6. In a front-page story, Notre Voie blamed the delay of Cote d’Ivoire’s electoral process on what it called “mismanagement” of funds allocated for the program. In a separate story, the paper quoted US Ambassador Wanda L. Nesbitt as saying about the electoral process that “there is a long way to go.” According to the paper, the diplomat was speaking after talks with Gbagbo on Tuesday.  

7. On bilateral issues, Fraternite Matin carried a front-page story announcing French authorities’ intention to review by the end of this year military accords signed between France and African countries. According to the paper, the announcement was made yesterday by French President Nicolas Sarkozy during French Ambassadors’ conference in Paris.

8. On human rights issues, L’intelligent d’Abidjan reported that about 11 women are victims of gender-based violence every hour in Cote d’Ivoire. This announcement, the paper said, was made by an official of the UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) during a campaign in Abidjan on Monday. In a bid stamp out this phenomenon, the report said, the UNOCI’s official proposed a plan of action that includes measures aimed at preventing and fighting gender-based violence in Cote d’Ivoire. 

9. Reporting on PEPFAR-led anti-HIV/AIDS campaign in Cote d’Ivoire, the independent daily L’inter quoted an Ivorian official as saying that the program has produced positive results in the rural areas. The report said the official was speaking during an award giving ceremony for rural community leaders fighting against the disease. The report also said the populations in many regions of Cote d’Ivoire are now taking seriously the voluntary and free HIV testing.

10.  All the press in Cote d’Ivoire paid tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy who died at 77. The death of Senator Kennedy was a subject of a front-page story in Fraternite Matin that devoted two pages paying homage to a “statesman.” In a commentary, the paper described Senator Kennedy as “a symbol of change” whose efforts paved the way for what it called political “renewal” in the United States.         

August 26, 2009

The official installation yesterday in Bouake of the first batch of contingents forming the Integrated Command Center (CCI) – a joint government and New Forces’ security unit – was a subject of front-page stories in today’s Ivorian press. New developments in the electoral process underway in Cote d’Ivoire and nomination conditions laid out by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) for prospective presidential candidates in the November 29 presidential elections were the other major stories. 

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A prominent story in this paper said that Defense Minister Michel Amani N’Guessan on Tuesday officially installed the first joint contingent of security unit in Bouake, the stronghold of the New Forces, former Ivorian rebel movement. The unit was made up of 60 police personnel and 30 gendarmes drawn from both the government and New Forces armed forces, the report said. It further quoted the Defense Minister as saying that the installation of this contingent marked the beginning of the deployment the Integrated Command Center (CCI) – an eight-thousand joint government forces and New Forces’ security unit – on the entire territory. The minister lauded commanders of the government and New Forces for their “intelligence, patriotism and nationalism” that made the deployment of this first contingent possible. 

2. In a separate story, Fraternite Matin told readers that negotiations on what ranks should be conferred to military officers from both the government security forces and the New Forces are still deadlocked. The paper warned that the impasse over military issues could jeopardize plan to hold Cote d’Ivoire’s presidential elections billed for November 29, 2009. Responding to a question on whether delays in the implementation of military and security issues could impact on the electoral process, the Defense Minister reportedly said: “I cannot guarantee nor promise anything.”

3. “There will no elections unless military issues are resolved,” the independent daily L’inter quoted the Defense Minister as saying. The paper also quoted New Forces Commander Cherif Ousmane who expressed “concerns” about the same issues.

4. In the wake of the deployment of the first batch of security contingents in Bouake, a prominent story in L’Expression (a daily close to opposition) said that the prefect (government appointee) in the region has now recovered the full control of his power. The paper reported a government official describing the move “as a giant stride” in the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.

5. Meanwhile, L’Expression carried another prominent story in which it doubted whether the November 29 presidential elections would be possible. Commenting on the issue, the paper predicted that the Ivorian President, Laurent Gbagbo, could choose to fire the head of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).

6. As preparations are underway for the upcoming presidential elections, Fraternite Matin announced that American electoral observers have arrived in Abidjan. According to the paper, the announcement was made yesterday by US Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire Wanda L. Nesbitt after a meeting with President Gbagbo. The Ambassador, the paper said, also disclosed that the United States is providing assistance to the electoral process by financing NGOs training observers. Ambassador Nesbitt, the report said, underscored president Gbagbo’s “optimism” about the presidential polls. However, she said: “There is a long way to go,” the paper said.

7. Fraternite Matin also published a public statement issued by CEI outlining conditions to be fulfilled by potential candidates vying for presidency in Cote d’Ivoire. Commenting CEI’s decision, the paper noted that each candidate has his/her own conditions. The paper said that candidates whose parties had signed the Linas Marcoussis Peace Agreement have been exempted from proving that they had never acquired another nationality.

August 25, 2009

Cote d’Ivoire’s electoral process, especially military and security issues laid out in the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, were the major subjects in today’s Ivorian press. The newspapers also talked about gender equity in politics, and the role of state-owned media in the Ivorian peace process. 

1. A prominent report in L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) said that discussions on what ranks should be conferred to military officers from both the government security forces and the New Forces are deadlocked. The paper reported that delegates from both sides have been in meetings in Grand-Bassam since August 20 to find a solution to this problem. According to the paper, delegates are divided over the ranks of some 495 former rebels who will join Cote d’Ivoire’s new army. The meeting, the paper said, is organized by a special commission put in place by the Ministry of Defense, which has been tasked to resolve the issue before the end of August. 

2. A report in state-owned Fraternite Matin said that a ceremony marking the official deployment of the Integrated Command Center (CCI) – a joint government and New Forces’ security unit – will be held today in Bouake, the stronghold of the former Ivorian rebel movement. According to the paper, a few months ago, about 450 government forces were deployed in Bouake and some 100 soldiers from the New Forces were deployed in Abidjan. The paper described today’s ceremony as “a major step” towards the country’s reunification process in the run-up to the November 29, 2009 presidential elections.

3. In a related development, a report in Fraternite Matin quoted New Forces Commander Cherif Ousmane as saying that since May 26, 2009, the Com-Zones [New Forces military commanders] have only been handling military issues. The former rebel leader reportedly said that prefects [government-appointed officials] are now responsible for administrative affairs in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces. Ousmane, the paper said, was reacting to recent allegations accusing Com-Zones of encroaching on the power of the government authorities.

4. On matters concerning preparations for the upcoming presidential elections, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) echoed the United Nations Envoy to Côte d’Ivoire’s concerns over delays in the processing of identification and voter registration data in some regions. Meanwhile, a prominent story in Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) suggested that since prospective presidential candidates can now declare their candidacies, no obstacle remains on the way to the polls. According to the paper, the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the body tasked with conducting the polls, is working against the clock for elections to be held according to plan. However, Independent daily L’inter saw the invitation to prospective presidential candidates to file their candidacies as mere “hype” -- a CEI-orchestrated diversionary tactic to convince people that elections will be held on November 29, the paper commented.

5. In the run-up to Cote d’Ivoire’s crucial presidential elections, Nuit et Jour (a daily close to the opposition) voiced concerns over what it called “unbalanced” information publicly disseminated by RTI, the state-run Broadcasting Corporation. The paper also blamed the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin for printing biased news reports, especially when covering political issues. The paper concluded that at this critical stage in the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, journalists working with state-owned media must put aside their political affiliation and work as professional media practitioners.

6. An Ivorian woman leader called on the government of Cote d’Ivoire to increase women’s representation and participation in politics said a story in L’intelligent d’Abidjan. According to the paper, Salimata Porquet, President of West African Women Network for Peace and Security, made the call last week in Abidjan during a campaign for gender equity in politics initiated by her organization. As Cote d’ivoire gears up for elections, Ivorian women, the paper said, have been engaged in a campaign to increase women’s political participation from 10 percent to 30 percent.

August 24, 2009

Reports in the Ivorian press on Monday and over the weekend focused on government efforts to meet the November 29, 2009 date set for the upcoming presidential elections. Other major reports were on the ordination of three new Ivorian Roman Catholic clerics on Saturday; the case of Guy-Andre Kieffer, the Franco-Canadian journalist who went missing in Abidjan in April 2004; and reactions following the deportation of Abdul Menhem Kobeissi, an Imam of the Lebanese community in Cote d'Ivoire, who was recently labeled a Hezbollah financier by the United States Treasury.

1. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party): A front-page story in the weekend issue of this paper said that the Ivorian government had committed to provide FCFA 1.4 billion (about $3.1 million USD) to support the electoral process. The announcement was made on Friday by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the body tasked with organizing the November 29 presidential elections. The paper quoted CEI Chairman Robert Beugre Mambe, who hoped that “this decision would help lift all obstacles that could hinder the smooth progress of the electoral process.” In a related development, the paper reported that Prime Minister Guillaume Soro called on Ivorians “to remain calm.” According to the paper, Soro made the call on Friday when he met with the different bodies involved in electoral preparations. “We need the support of Ivorians and the international community in order to meet the November 29 deadline,” the paper quoted the prime minister as saying. 

2. “The date of November 29 is compulsory,” said a front-page story in the weekend issue of Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) quoting the Ivorian electoral commissioner after Friday’s meeting with the prime minister. However, the head of the electoral commission announced that the timetable for the electoral process will be “reviewed” following delays in electoral activities, but that this review would not affect the election date. On matters concerning security during the electoral process, the CEI Chairman reportedly said that the Integrated Command Center (CCI) – a joint government and New Forces’ security unit – is taking “measures” on the ground. According to the paper, the head of the electoral commission also hinted that about 98 percent of the centers processing voter registration data are now operational.

3. A report in Monday’s issue of Fraternite Matin quoted UN Envoy in Cote d’Ivoire Y.J. Choi as saying that “there is a lot of work to do before the data processing can be completed.” Choi, the paper said, was speaking over the weekend following an assessment tour in some regions of the country. In an effort to meet the election deadline, the UN envoy encouraged electoral agents to work hard, especially during the critical month of September, the paper reported.

4. As efforts are underway to speed-up the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire, a front-page story in L’inter (an independent daily) informed prospective presidential candidates that they can declare their candidacies beginning August 26, 2009 and ending  October 16, 2009. The paper referred to a statement issued Sunday by the Independent Electoral Commission.

5. A rumor over the health of Ivorian opposition leader Alassane Dramane Ouattara made headlines in many Ivorian dailies, including L’inter. According to the paper, barely two weeks after Ouattara felt dizzy during a political rally in the central city of Daloa, a rumor over the weekend claimed the leader of the opposition RDR party “died.” The paper quoted RDR spokesperson Ali Coulibaly as saying: “I’ve just talked to Ouattara. He’s feeling well.” He also described the rumor as “indecent.” The paper quoted sources close to the presidential palace in Abidjan who also described the rumor as “false.” With a picture of the opposition heavyweight trotting around during one of his political rallies, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) rebuked the rumor and told readers that “ADO [Alassane Dramane Ouattara] is doing well.” The paper also quoted the RDR’s spokesperson as saying that “Alassane is currently in France resting and he will be back to Abidjan soon.”        

6. A front-page story in Fraternite Matin said that key Ivorian political stakeholders gathered Saturday at the Basilica in Yamoussoukro (Cote d’Ivoire’s political capital) for the ordination of three new Ivorian Roman Catholic clerics. The paper described the ceremony as “a strong symbol for unity in Cote d’Ivoire.” Also reporting on this ceremony, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) told readers that Cardinal Bernard Agre of Cote d’Ivoire used the occasion to denounce the current regime’s “abuses of power”.

7. On the case of Guy-Andre Kieffer, the Franco-Canadian journalist who went missing in Abidjan in April 2004, L’inter disclosed that Ivorian investigators who were recently in France in connection with this case returned with no findings. The paper quoted Ivorian Attorney General Raymond Tchimou saying: “there are many avenues and the case will be concluded in September.”

8. Finally, in its weekend edition, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) carried mixed reactions from both Ivorians and Lebanese following the deportation of Abdul Menhem Kobeissi, a prominent imam in the Ivorian Lebanese community. Kobeissi was recently labeled a Hezbollah financier by the United States Treasury. According to the paper, reactions to his deportation have been published on the web.

August 21, 2009

Friday’s news was dominated by reports on the ongoing peace process and the data processing program. A donation by the Food and Agriculture Organization to support the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process and a capacity-building workshop for journalists were other prominent reports. A daily reported on President Obama’s letter to the FIFA President on the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

1. An article in Nuit et Jour (a daily close to the opposition) noted that the peace process underway is under threat. According to the daily, problems plaguing the Ivorian army are likely to jeopardize the electoral process if not properly addressed in a timely fashion. The paper indicated that social and political divisions within the army often lead to military assaults, and this could play a factor, given the issues the army is faced with. The paper appealed to the government to find solutions to unify the army and ensure its credibility. 

Still on military issues, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on an ongoing seminar organized by a special commission tasked to address the problem of army grades. According to the newspaper, this technical commission is made up of army officers from both the New Forces and the governmental. In his opening address, the representative of the Minister of Defense, Mr. Ettien Amoakon, was reported as calling on participants to work responsibly to find definite solutions to the crucial issue of ranks in the new army.

2. On the elections set for November 29, 2009, L’Expression (a daily close to the opposition) reported on an important meeting scheduled for today at the Prime Minister’s office. The paper noted that all the bodies involved in the electoral process are due to attend and discussions will focus on difficulties that could hold back the upcoming presidential elections set for November 29.

In a related development, L’inter (an independent daily), reported on the recently held press statement of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). The daily noted that Mr. Bamba Yacouba, the spokesperson of the CEI called on the other entities involved in the process, namely the National Commission in charge of the Supervision of the Identification process (CNSI), The Integrated Command Center (ICC), and the Government to fulfill their commitments in a timely fashion to ensure a successful completion of the electoral process.

Soir Info (an independent daily) reported that UN Special Envoy Mr. Y.J. Choi  continues to commit UN support to the electoral process and called on the different bodies to work together to ensure a successful completion of the post-enrollment exercise.

3. To support the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) donated materials worth 20 million CFA (approximately $ 43,000 USD) to the National Rehabilitation and Community Reintegration Program (PNRRC). The information was reported by Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party), which noted that the donation is in line with a project financed by the African Development Bank (AFDB). According to FAO Emergency Programs Coordinator Mr. Patrick Berner, the equipment offered will be used as reintegration tools to support social cohesion projects. Mr. Daniel Ouattara, the National Coordinator of the PNRRC thanked the UN agency for its support and called on partners to sustain the process, the paper added.

4. Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) reported on a capacity-building workshop for journalists organized by the National Press Council. According to the daily, participants were instructed on media monitoring during the electoral process. Mr. Francis Domo, one of the initiators of the workshop noted that the purpose of this seminar is to provide journalists with legal and professional guidelines on responsible reporting during the electoral period. The paper stated that Mr. Eugene Kacou, the President of the Press Council, called on the state media to remain impartial as per the law during the upcoming elections.

5. President Barack Obama addressed a message to FIFA President Joseph Blatter. The information was reported by Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition), which indicated that the American President noted the 2010 FIFA soccer World Cup in South Africa will be a historic event.  Obama reportedly congratulated President Blatter for “breaking down social barriers, promoting tolerance and encouraging harmony between people around the world by spreading a message of hope by means of football.”

August 20, 2009

The delay in the disarmament program and new developments in the electoral process were the major issues in today’s Ivorian press. A committee set up by Ivorian journalists to observe the coming elections and efforts to boost food production in Cote d’Ivoire were the other major stories in the newspapers. 

1. A banner headline in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported the Defense Minister, Michel Amani N’Guessan, announced a new timetable for the disarmament program in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper quoted the defense minister as saying that “the operation designed to put five thousand ex-combatants of the New Forces in barracks will begin at the end September and will be completed early November 2009.” According to the paper, N’Guessan, who was speaking on Wednesday to a committee in-charge of military issues, cited “financial and technical problems” to justify the delay in the implementation of this program. He was quoted as saying, “for similar reasons, the deployment of an eight thousand person joint contingent – made up of government and New Forces soldiers – tasked to ensure security during the electoral process, will be put in place before November 29, the date of the upcoming presidential elections.” The paper further referred to provisions in the Ouagadougou Political Agreement that call for the disarmament and storage of weapons belonging to the two belligerents and disbandment of ex-rebels of the New Forces to “be completed two months before the date set for elections.” As the first round of the presidential elections is billed for November 29, the paper noted these important programs should be completed by September 29, 2009. The paper quoted the defense minister as saying that plans to restore state authority throughout the country before the elections would not be possible.     

2. “November 29 elections are under threat,” said a front-page story in Soir Info (an independent daily); “the government cannot afford to pay CFA 500,000 (about $1086 USD) to each soldier,” said a prominent story Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition; “disarmament of ex-rebels: Michel Amani announces a delay,” wrote Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party), which quoted the defense minister as assuring that despite the delay in the disarmament program, it is possible to meet the deadline of November 29 as the date set for the presidential elections.

3. In a related development, L’Expression (a daily close to the opposition) published a parliamentary report on the situation in Cote d’Ivoire in the run-up to the up-coming presidential elections. Commenting on the findings of this report, the paper noted that there is a lot to do in order to patch up the country’s decaying social fabric. The paper also said that the report blamed this situation on the New Forces. The parliamentary report was also a subject of front-page story in Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party). The paper further claimed that this report forms part of what it termed “the ruling FPI party’s strategy to sabotage the electoral process.” 

4. While Ivorian political leaders are engaged in a pre-campaign ahead of the November 29 presidential elections, Nuit et Jour (a daily close to the opposition) critically looked at the manifesto of the principal candidates including the incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo, the former President Henri Konan Bedie and the opposition heavyweight, Alassane Dramane Ouattara. The paper noted that the track records of all three political figures, who have had a chance to rule the country before, are controversial. The track record of presidential candidates was also a front-page story in Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party). In a four-page in-depth story, the paper called the sitting president “a candidate with no track record trying to buy Ivorians’ vote with money.”

5. Le Nouveau Reveil carried a prominent story asking who between Gbagbo, Bedie or Ouattara is a candidate who is not “healthy enough” to vie for presidency. The paper said it was responding to a story carried yesterday by Notre Voie urging Ivorians “to avoid voting for candidates who are not healthy.”

6. A report in Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that Ivorian journalists have set up a committee to observe the forthcoming presidential elections. Reporting on the same issue, Soir Info said that this committee will soon engage in campaigning on peaceful elections, democracy and freedom of expression among others.  
7. Regarding economic issues, Fraternite Matin reported that the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will provide an 18-billion FCFA financial assistance package (about $39 million USD) to boost food production in Cote d’Ivoire. The announcement was made yesterday by the President of IFAD, Kanayo F. Nwanze, who is currently in Abidjan. According to the report, the assistance package will be used to finance agricultural projects in rural areas.

August 19, 2009

The electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire and obstacles on the way to the polls were the major issues in today’s Ivorian press. Dailies also reported on the disarmament program and the ongoing investigations into the whereabouts of a French-Canadian journalist who has been missing in Cote d’Ivoire since April 2004. The recent visit of the American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson to Cote d’Ivoire and rumors of a visit to Cote d’Ivoire by former US president Bill Clinton also made front-page stories in the newspapers.  

1. In a front-page story, L’inter (an independent daily) predicted that the upcoming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire, currently scheduled for November 29, 2009, could be delayed. The paper cited slow implementation of military issues, especially the deployment of an 8,000 heavy security contingent, as an obstacle that could delay elections. The question regarding the ranks of former rebels in Cote d’Ivoire’s future army and technical problems relating to the accommodation for former New Forces soldiers are other major stumbling-blocks on the way to peace, the paper said. It noted that unless these questions are resolved, the peace process cannot be completed on time. The paper warned that another delay of Cote d’Ivoire’s much-awaited elections could “gravely” undermine the peace process in this country.

2. In a bid to help provide accommodation for former New Forces soldiers, a front-page story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) has offered FCFA 500 million (about $1.1 million USD) to the government of Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, this was announced Tuesday by UN envoy Y.J. Choi during a tour in the former rebel stronghold of Bouake. The money, the paper explained, will be used to rehabilitate four accommodation sites in Bouake, Seguela, Man and Korhogo -- all cities in zones formerly under the control of the New Forces.

3. A prominent report in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a pro-opposition daily) said that UN envoy Y.J. Choi expressed “concerns” about the processing of data collected from the voter registration and population identification process. The paper said the UN diplomat noted smooth progress on treating data in regions like Bouake, while the process has experienced delays in other regions. In a related development, the paper said that experts meeting Tuesday in Abidjan sounded an alarm over obstacles hindering the electoral process. According to the paper, the conference, which was organized by WANEP-Cote d’Ivoire (the Ivorian chapter of the West African Network for Peace-building) brought together officials from bodies involved in the Ivorian peace process, including the Independent Electoral Commission and the National Program for Community Reintegration and Rehabilitation, among others.

4. In the run-up to the upcoming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire, a banner headline in Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) announced that incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo will launch his presidential campaign in the northern town of Korhogo. The paper suggested that the decision by the ruling FPI party to officially announce Gbagbo’s candidacy in the forthcoming elections in this region, reputed to be an opposition stronghold, is part of the party’s marketing strategy.

5. In another development, a front-page report in Le Mandat (a daily close to the opposition) suggested that key opposition groups are discussing the nomination of a single candidate in the coming elections. According to the paper, the opposition groups that form the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace – a four-party coalition – have set up a steering committee tasked with recommendations on this issue.

6. A prominent story in Fraternite Matin said that two key eyewitnesses in the case of Guy-Andre Kieffer, the Franco-Canadian journalist who went missing in Abidjan, have refused to report to Ivorian investigators probing the case. The paper named the eyewitnesses as Bernard Kieffer, brother of the missing journalist, and Berthe Seydou, an Ivorian who accused the entourage of the Ivorian president of assassinating the journalist according to the paper. Ivorian investigators led by State Prosecutor Raymond Tchimou are currently in France in connection with the investigation and facing many difficulties, the paper reported.

7. A prominent story in L’inter said that after the visit of the American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson to Cote d’Ivoire, former US President Bill Clinton is soon expected in this country. The paper said that just like Rev. Jackson, Clinton will be “a special guest” of Charles Ble Goude, the President of COJEP – Pan-African Congress of Young Patriots – a movement supportive of President Gbagbo. The paper quoted a leading member of COJEP as saying: “Clinton has been invited as part of a conference to be organized jointly with an American NGO for peace promotion.”

8. A prominent story in L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) also said: “Bill Clinton is coming.” The daily carried a 7-page report and a photo album on what it called “the untold story” about the recent visit of Rev. Jackson in Cote d’Ivoire. In a related development, Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) speculated on “the role played by President Barack Obama” in Rev. Jackson’s visit to Cote d’Ivoire.    

August 18, 2009

The electoral process underway in Cote d’Ivoire was the major issue in today’s Ivorian press. The mood of the Ivoirian army and the general political atmosphere in the run-up to the upcoming presidential elections were also subjects of front-page stories in the dailies. A student-led strike over exam delays, the state of education in Cote d’Ivoire, as well as more reports on the recent visit of American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson to Cote d’Ivoire, were other major items in the news.

1. A prominent story in Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) reported the new President of the Constitutional Council, Paul Yao-N’Dre, as saying that a previous peace agreement signed by Ivorian political stakeholders in Pretoria had resolved questions regarding the candidacy of former Ivorian President Henri Konan Bedie and Alassane Dramane Ouattara, the leader of the opposition RDR party. “A decision that was taken in Pretoria alleviated the task of the Constitutional Council,” the paper quoted Yao-N’Dre as saying. The paper said the new President of the Constitutional Council, who is a leading member of the ruling FPI party, asked Ivorians to trust him and added: “I cannot go against the results [of the upcoming elections] announced by the Independent Electoral Commission.”

2. As President Laurent Gbagbo is currently in Morocco for a private visit, a prominent story in L’Expression (a daily close to the opposition) suggested that the electoral process underway in Cote d’Ivoire could be the subject of  “a secret meeting” between Gbagbo and President Blaise Compaore, who is also on a visit in Morocco. L’inter (an independent daily) quoted a source close to the Presidency in Abidjan saying that “the whole government is on vacation, and the President has travelled abroad to rest… President Gbagbo is not sick.” According to the paper, the Ivorian President will also hold talks with King Mohamed VI of Morocco.

3. A prominent report in Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) said that a group of 8,000 former Ivorian soldiers are willing to meet with President Gbagbo over their living conditions. Reporting on the same issue, L’Expression said that the disgruntled soldiers were the mutineers widely known as “Zinzin and Bahefoue” who participated in the September 19, 2002 military uprising that turned into a full-scale rebellion. According to the paper, these soldiers are demanding, among other things, that they are not forgotten in the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire.

4. A front-page story in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) said that angry students besieged the office of the Prime Minister in Abidjan yesterday to protest the delay of their exams. According to the paper, the movement was led by the Cote d’Ivoire Students Association (FESCI). The movement was also the subject of a front-page story in Le Quotidien (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) that quoted protesters denouncing Cote d’Ivoire’s education system. In a related development, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) carried a front-page story saying that the government, teachers, parents, and students are responsible for the decaying education system in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper blamed students’ poor performance on what it called “continuous strikes” by teachers and suggested profound reforms be carried out to save the education system. 

5. Ivorian dailies continued to comment on the recent visit of the American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson to Cote d’Ivoire. Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) believed that this visit should serve as a lesson to Ivorian opposition leaders who saw the visit as support to the presidential camp. The paper further commended Rev. Jackson for sharing his experience with the country’s key political players. According to the paper, Rev. Jackson promised to come back to Cote d’Ivoire as an observer during the upcoming presidential elections.     

August 17, 2009

American civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson’s recent visit to Cote d’Ivoire continued to make headlines in today’s Ivorian press. Cote d’Ivoire’s electoral process was also a dominant subject in the newspapers as the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) vowed to respect the election time table. The controversy over the nomination of a new Constitutional Council president and reports of increasing insecurity on Ivorian highways were the other major issues in the press.

1. In the wake of Rev. Jesse Jackson’s visit to Cote d’Ivoire, L’inter (an independent daily) highlighted lessons that Ivorians should learn from his visit. The paper said Rev. Jackson’s five-day visit opens a new chapter in the history of Cote d’Ivoire and stressed Jackson’s strong message to youth, which called on them to fight for their destiny. According to the paper, the visitor urged African youth, especially those in Cote d’Ivoire, to emulate American values and to take advantage of opportunities offered to them in order to prepare for their future. “Martin Luther King obtained his PhD at the age of 26; Barack Obama was elected Senator at 30, and became President at 40,” the paper quoted Rev. Jackson telling the youth gathered in Abidjan. The paper went on to cite democratic values as the second lesson that Rev. Jackson taught Ivorians. Taking the United States as an example, the American civil rights leader urged Ivorian politicians to accept the results of the upcoming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire, the paper said. 

2. Commenting on Rev. Jackson’s visit, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) commended the American civil rights leader for showing “neutrality” in Cote d’Ivoire’s electoral process. The paper cited a statement by Rev. Jackson saying “I’m here to support the electoral process and not a candidate”; and highlighted his decision to meet all key Ivorian political stakeholders during his visit. Also reporting on the outcomes of this visit, Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) quoted an Ivorian official who said that “Jesse Jackson’s visit will help boost the peace process.” Reacting to an incident where a podium collapsed while Rev. Jackson was giving a speech at a public gathering in Abidjan, Soir Info (an independent daily) quoted Laurent Dona Fologo, a leading Ivorian politician, who said that “This has not undermined the success of the visit.” L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) also quoted Mr. Fologo describing Rev. Jackson’s visit to Cote d’Ivoire as “Charles Ble Goude’s master stroke.” A prominent story in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that before he left Abidjan Saturday for the United States, Rev. Jackson promised Mr. Ble Goude, leader of the Pan-African Congress of Young Patriot (COJEP), that he would now be his “godfather.” 

3. The electoral process underway in Cote d’Ivoire made the front-page in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily). The story reported that the European Union is providing FCFA 520 million (about $1.1 million) in financial assistance to the government of Cote d’Ivoire to help accelerate preparations for the upcoming presidential elections. According to the paper, this money will be used to resolve technical problems facing the data processing program following the voter registration and population identification programs. The paper also published a public statement released yesterday by the Independent Electoral Commission – the body tasked with organizing the elections – which expressed the commission’s commitment to respect the electoral timetable polls.

4. The provisional electoral list will be published on August 29, 2009, said a front-page story in Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) quoting the Independent Electoral Commission. Meanwhile, a prominent report in Nord-Sud Quotidien suggested that the date set by the electoral body to publish the provisional electoral list is likely to be delayed due to technical problems on the ground.

5. Reacting to the nomination of Mr. Paul Yao-N’Dre as the new President of the Constitutional Council, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) carried a prominent story claiming that President Laurent Gbagbo appointed a ruling FPI party hardliner in an attempt “to cling to power.” In a related development, Notre Voie published a long interview of Yao-N’Dre, who was quoted telling critics to judge him by his actions.

6. A report in Le Nouveau Reveil said that youth leaders from Cote d’Ivoire’s major political parties received training on conflict prevention and management. The 2-day program was organized by the National Democratic Institute in the run-up to the November 29 presidential elections, the report said.  

7. On security issues, a prominent report in Le Quotidien (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that armed robbers attacked 15 vehicles carrying travelers over the weekend. According to the report, the thieves raped women and made away with CFA 100 million in cash (about $218,000).  

August 14, 2009

Friday’s news was dominated by Reverend Jesse Jackson’s final address and the weekly press statement of the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (ONUCI). Other prominent reports were on the peace process and the trial of former cocoa and coffee managers. An HIV AIDS campaign organized by a student’s association also made the news.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Liberia was another major item in the press today.

1. Addressing a rally yesterday in Abidjan, Reverend Jesse Jackson delivered the final appeal of his visit to Ivorian youth. The information was reported by Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party). The daily noted that the American leader once again called upon youth to act responsibly and courageously. “Peace and hope should be your inspiration,” the daily quoted him as saying.

In similar reporting, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) noted that Ivorian youth were invited to devotedly work for the development of their country.  “You can build your nation by your work,” the paper reported Reverend Jackson as saying. “Wipe out your tears, a new day is coming,” he added.

Still on this visit, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported an interview with Reverend Jackson. He called for respect of the principles of democracy and the promotion of reconciliation as the prerequisites for a successful outcome of the upcoming presidential elections.

L’inter (an independent daily) noted that Mrs. Jackson and other members of Reverend Jackson’s delegation were slightly injured as a result of the collapse of a stage they were standing on just after he finished speaking.

2. The United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (ONUCI) held yesterday its weekly press briefing. The spokesperson, Mr. Hamadoun Toure, indicated that the UN Special Envoy to Cote d’Ivoire, Mr. Young Jin Choi, will soon initiate a series of visits to monitor operations in the cantonment sites and reintegration activities. The information was reported by Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) which noted that Bouake, Seguela, Daloa and San Pedro are the localities selected for the mission.  These working visits, the paper added, will be the occasion to follow up on the impact of the micro-projects supported in the framework of reintegration policy. [Note: The United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire financed a total of 1000 micro-projects.] Mr. Hamadoun, the paper further added, recommitted the UN to support the Ivorian Government in its bid to organize the electoral process.    

3. On the peace process underway and the elections set on November 29, a report in L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) noted that only 107 days are left before the poll. The paper questioned the ability of the different involved bodies in the process to meet the tight deadline. For the paper, this does not bode well for respecting the scheduled date.

4. Arrested in late 2008 following embezzlement allegations, the trial of former managers of the Ivorian cocoa and coffee sector is due to start in October 2009. The information was reported by Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) which further noted that some 20 inmates are charged with corruption and financial mismanagement.  The daily called on judicial authorities to ensure transparency during the trial.

5. Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) reported on an HIV AIDS campaign organized by a student association to sensitize people about the pandemic. The Student Movement against HIV/AIDS (MESSI) called for voluntary testing to prevent the spread of the disease among youth. The campaign was followed by conferences on preventive measures. Mr. Eric Gnaoré, the Secretary in Charge of Communication, indicated that the campaign will be extended to the 13 university campuses of the District of Abidjan. 

6. Secretary Of State Hillary Clinton landed yesterday in Liberia. This was the sixth stop of her African tour as reported by Soir Info (an independent daily). Secretary Clinton expressed her support to Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, emphasizing Liberian initiatives to promote democracy. The paper quoted the Secretary of State as saying “We support Liberia and will continue to do so as long as the country upholds the principles of democracy.” Cape Verde will be the final stop of the Secretary’s visit to Africa, the paper noted.

August 13, 2009

American civil right activist Reverend Jesse Jackson’s consultations with Ivorian political stakeholders dominated the press today. The military grade level issue made the news as well. Other reports were on the Ivorian civil society’s observations on the peace process underway and reform policies to boost the cocoa and coffee sector.

Secretary of State Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton’s visit to Nigeria as part of her African tour was again reported.

1.  Welcomed as the special guest of the 4th summit of the Panafrican Congress of Young Patriots, Reverend Jesse Jackson initiated meetings with Ivorian political and religious leaders. The purpose of these consultations is to call upon the different stakeholders to abide by the principles of democracy to ensure a positive outcome of the electoral process. The information was reported by Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) which noted that Reverend Jackson interacted with Opposition leader Henri Konan Bedie and a delegation of the Rally of Republicans (RDR). Following his meeting with Prime Minister Soro Guillaume, the American leader was reported as saying that “Only fair and transparent elections can bring back real peace in the country.” The paper further noted that religious leaders were called upon to use wisdom to efficiently contribute to the restoration of the country.

More on the Reverend’s visit, the national television channel (RTI) broadcasted in its 8 p.m news bulletin, discussions with the American leader. It was once again the occasion to advocate democracy, good governance and peace.  

In a related development, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) noted that Reverend Jackson was enthroned as a dignitary and honorable citizen of the Sanwi Kingdom in the eastern town of Aboisso. As such, the American leader is tasked to promote the culture of this region, the paper added.

2. The issue of military grades remains a major challenge in the peace process. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) published an analysis of the problem in which it indicated that difficulties lay in the recognition of the New Forces army staff’s grades. Decrees to settle the case are still pending approval according to the daily. The paper reported the Prime Minister’s Chief of Cabinet, General Geu Michel as warning of the potential incidents this situation could have on the peace process.  ”If nothing is done to timely address the issue, there will be no elections,” the paper quoted him as saying.

3. L’inter (an independent daily) reported in a press statement by the Ivorian civil society that it requests more commitment in the peace process.  The organization intends to fully participate in the process through a consultation mechanism set up to monitor the electoral operations. Ms. Nathalie Traore, the permanent secretary, indicated that Ivorian civil society should be given the opportunity to sensitize people on the requirements for credible elections. The coalition also called on the Ivorian Government to ensure the date set for the elections is actually respected. 

4. The cocoa and coffee sector is subject to reforms to achieve competiveness. Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) reported the interview of Mr. Behi Benoit, the interim President of the National Producers Association (ANAPROCI) to shed light on these reforms. According to Mr. Behi, the restructuring policy turns around five points including producers’ capacity-building and market analysis. He added that these reforms also address the issue of transformation and the regeneration of cocoa and coffee farms.

5. “We deeply support the Nigerian Government’s efforts in fighting against corruption and promoting democracy,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was reported as saying yesterday on her arrival in the western African state of Nigeria. L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) noted that President Umaru Yar’Adua and Ms. Clinton also addressed the issue of violence in the Delta region. The Secretary committed the US to back policies that fight violence and initiatives to promote good governance, the paper added.

August 12, 2009

Reverend Jesse Jackson’s address to Ivorians during the opening ceremony of the 4th summit of the Panafrican Congress of Young Patriots was the major topic in most national dailies today. French Ambassador Jean-Marc Simon’s interaction with opposition leader, Mr. Bedie Konan; and the Government’s post-crisis reconstruction policies were prominent reports as well. Other important press articles were on military consultations to monitor security forces redeployment; and a regional seminar on global warming.

Secretary of state Hillary Clinton’s visit in the Congo still made the news.

1. “I have come to show my commitment to democracy.” read a banner headline in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) in reference to Reverend Jesse Jackson. Taking the floor at the opening ceremony of the 4th summit of the Panafrican Congress of Young Patriots yesterday, the paper noted that Reverend Jackson called on Ivorians to be devoted to democracy and transparency during the forthcoming elections. The American leader was reported as calling also for forgiveness and reconciliation to put an end to the crisis and stimulate development in the country.

Still on the Reverend’s address, L’Expression (a daily close to the opposition) indicated that the appeal called upon Africans, especially youth, to act responsibly to pave the way to the renaissance and growth of the continent. “Violence is not an option to settle disputes.” the paper quoted Jesse Jackson as saying. The paper further noted that Reverend Jackson’s speech demonstrated his impartiality and neutral opinion.

2. French Ambassador Jean-Marc Simon and former president Henri Konan Bedie met yesterday to discuss updates on the ongoing peace and electoral processes.  The information was reported by Le Mandat (a daily close to the opposition) which noted that during this courtesy visit, the French diplomat recommitted France and the international community’s support to ensure a successful end of the process underway. ”Important achievements have been made so far and the pace should be maintained to meet the different deadlines.” the Ambassador was reported as stating.

3. In his bid to implement post-conflict reconstruction and reintegration policy, the Ivorian Government has tasked the National Bureau of Technical Studies and Development (BNETD) to carry out related research.  Reporting its recent meeting, Soir Info (an independent daily) noted that according to the Managing Director of BNETD, Mr. Don Mello, the major challenge is employment. The Director indicated that the issue of unemployment has to be urgently addressed to allow for the professional integration of youth. Mr. Don Mello noted that the operation calls for a social and economical study involving government ministries.

4. The redeployment of security forces throughout the country was the key point on the agenda of a meeting between the Minister of Defense, Mr. Amani Michel, and the New Forces officers.  Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) noted that the initial redeployment of some 8,000 security forces from the Integrated Command Center (ICC) will be extended nationwide. This security operation should be completed before the elections, set for November 29, 2009, the Minister said. The purpose of the deployment is to ensure security during the pool, the paper added.       

5. In another report, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) shed light on a workshop organized by Swiss Center for Scientific Research to advocate policies to mitigate the impact of global warming on the African continent.  According to the daily, participants, including four countries (Togo, Mauritania, Senegal and Cote d’Ivoire) discussed water and sanitation issues and were given tools to prevent potential droughts and floods resulting from climatic changes. Swiss Ambassador, Mr. Dominick Langenbacher, indicated that this seminar is part of a sensitizing project initiated by the Swiss Center for Scientific Research and the International Center for Development to advocate policies to address the issue of global warming.

6. Finally, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The paper noted that Ms. Clinton met with President Kabila.  Discussions mainly focused on gender-based violence in this war-torn region. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recommitted the United States’ support in restoring peace and stability in the country and called on the authorities to fight impunity, the paper added. 

August 11, 2009

The ongoing peace process was the major topic in today’s dailies. The 7th meeting of the Monitoring and Follow-up Committee of the Political Agreement of Ouagadougou; and reactions of political parties following nominations at the Ivorian Constitutional Council continued to dominate press reports. Other reports were on a workshop chaired by the Minister of Defense to address the issue of grade level in the integration process of the New Forces soldiers.

Reverend Jesse’s Jackson’s visit to Cote d’Ivoire and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s call to the Congo made the news as well.

1. Reports from upcountry following the August 6 celebration Cote d’Ivoire’s 49th year of the independence echoed for the consolidation of the ongoing peace process. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported people’s appeal for unity, social and political stability and civism. “People are right to be optimistic on the positive outcome of the peace process underway,” said Mr. Dackoury Lohoure the Prefect of Daloa, a State appointed civilian administrator, during a military parade.

In a similar development, the same daily shed light on the address of President Blaise Compaore during the 7th meeting of the Monitoring and Follow-up Committee of the Political Agreement of Ouagadougou. The paper quoted President Compaore, the crisis facilitator, as saying “We all have to be committed and act in transparency to ensure credibility throughout the whole electoral process.” President Compaore also paid tribute to the international community for their commitment in the ongoing process, the paper added.

Still on the recently held meeting, Le Mandat (a daily close to the opposition) noted that nothing relevant came out of this consultation. The paper criticized the lack of practical instructions to address major issues related to the integration of New Forces and their grade level. The article indicated that important challenges need to be met within three months to avoid delays in the process.

2. Ivorian political leaders reacted diversely to recent changes at the Constitutional Council. Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) reported reaction of Mr. Amadou Soumahora from the opposition RDR party. “We no longer give credit to this state institution in view of the recent contentious nominations,” the opposition leader was reported as saying. “Positions at the Constitutional Council should be encumbered by neutral individuals to ensure fairness and equity in the electoral process,” he added. In a similar analysis, the Secretary General of the Union for Democracy and Peace, Mr. Alhassane Salif N’Diaye,noted that the newly appointed President of the Constitutional Council is partial and, therefore, not fit for the post. 

3. On military issues, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) informed readers on a meeting organized at the office of the Minister of Defense to address the problem of the grade level of New Forces soldiers. On the occasion, a commission was set up and tasked to harmonize army grades. The commission was requested to complete the reform within one month to allow for peaceful elections. The Minister of Defense, Mr. Amani Michel was reported as calling for consensus on the issue.

4. Reverend Jesse Jackson has been in Cote d’Ivoire since yesterday as the invité d’honneur of the Panafrican Congress of Young Patriots. Reporting the information, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) noted that the American religious leader called on Ivorians to work and bring the country back to peace and stability. “Cote d’Ivoire was once an example of democracy for the African continent and it is your duty now to bring your country back to its position,” the paper quoted him as saying.

5. In another article, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) focused on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of her African tour. This 48 hour-visit will be the occasion to denounce gender-based violence and the abuses women faced as a result of the armed conflict in the region. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is due to meet with the Congolese President Joseph Kabila to discuss policy to end this “bloody” conflict.       

August 10, 2009

News reported today and over the weekend was dominated by the commemoration of the independence of Cote d’Ivoire and the 7th meeting of the Monitoring and Follow-up Committee of the Political Agreement of Ouagadougou. Other major reports were on a controversial nomination at the National Constitutional Council; a support loan granted by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the expulsion of a Lebanese Imam accused of links with Hezbollah at Abidjan’s airport.

Reverend Jesse Jackson’s private visit to Cote d’Ivoire and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s African tour also made the news.

1. On August 6, 1960, the nation of Cote d’Ivoire emerged as an independent state. Activities commemorating its 49th anniversary were initiated by President Gbagbo last Thursday with a national address. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) published in its Saturday edition the full text of the presidential message in which he called upon Ivorians to consolidate national cohesion and unity. President Gbagbo also recommitted himself to successfully complete the peace process underway to bring back stability. He further called on the nation to work to achieve food self-sufficiency.

Also on the anniversary, L’inter (an independent daily) noted that President Gbagbo gave awards to workers in the food and farming sectors. According to the Minister of Planning and Development, Mr. Bohoun Bouabre, this is in recognition of the devotion and commitment of the recipients. “By your efforts, we were able to deal with shortages resulting from the political and social crisis,” the paper quoted the Minister as saying. A total of 121 people including 12 army staff were awarded meritorious medals in various fields, the paper added. 

2. On the ongoing peace process, a front page article in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on the 7th meeting of the Monitoring and Follow-up Committee of the Political Agreement of Ouagadougou held yesterday in Burkina Faso. The paper noted that facilitator President Blaise Compaore noted the encouraging achievements made despite difficulties and called on Ivorian political actors to lift the remaining hurdles to meet the schedule for holding presidential elections on November 29, 2009.

Still on the meeting, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) published the final communiqué which called upon the Independent Electoral Commission to abide by the legal provisions regulating elections and electoral disputes. It also exhorted the Ivorian Government to fully play its role by providing the necessary funds to carry out the process. On military issue, the communiqué noted that more efforts are needed to address the issue of national security and recommended that military issues relating to integration of the rebel forces into the national army be addressed before the elections. Finally, the Committee called upon the Ivorian authorities to ensure freedom of movement throughout the country.

3. On home affairs, President Gbagbo signed a decree appointing Mr. Paul Yao N’Dre as the new President of the Constitutional Council. The information was reported by Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) which noted that this appointment is for a six-year term. Reporting the same information, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) indicated that the new President is a strong backer of President Gbagbo and the ruling FPI party. This controversial appointment will definitely open the door to abuses and partiality in this crucial electoral process, the paper added. [Note: The Constitutional Council is a state body regulating presidential elections and electoral disputes.]      

4. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) granted a CFA 4 billion-loan (approximately US $ 8.5 million) to the Ivorian Government to support its economy and induce investments. Reporting the news, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) noted that OPEC Managing Director Mr. Suleiman Jasir recommitted the organization’s support to Cote d’Ivoire in promoting education and developing the transportation sector and water and sanitation. On behalf of the Ivorian Government, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Diby, thanked the OPEC delegation for their support.

5. L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) reported an incident at the International Airport of Felix Houphouet Boigny last weekend.  According to the daily, Imam Kobeissi, a Lebanese religious leader, was expelled from Ivorian territory after landing from Lebanon. Imam Kobeissi, the paper added, is accused of links with Hezbollah, a movement listed as a terrorist organization. Mr. Abdoul Menhem a.k.a Imam Kobeissi was the chaplain of AL ZAHARA mosque in Abidjan.

6. Reverend Jesse Jackson is due to land today in Cote d’Ivoire in the framework of a private visit to attend the 4th summit of the Panafrican Congress of Young Patriots. The information was reported in the weekend edition of Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily). The paper published a message Reverend Jackson sent from Paris, France in which he called on Ivorians to reject violence, hatred, conflicts and divisions and to opt for constructive union. “I call on political leaders to abide by their commitments to restore peace in the country,” the paper quoted him as saying.  

7. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s African tour was the subject of a front page headline in the weekend release of Soir Info (an independent daily). An article reported on her visit Friday to Pretoria, South Africa. According to the paper, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recommitted the United States to building constructive relations on the continent and to supporting initiatives in favor of social justice and democracy. “The United States and South Africa have to work hand-in-hand to address mutual challenges,” the Secretary was reported as saying. Secretary of State Clinton also met with former President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nelson Mandela, the paper added.

August 6, 2009

Reports in today’s Ivorian press said that President Laurent Gbagbo yesterday met with the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) over the electoral process underway in Cote d’Ivoire. French-Ivorian relations, especially the recent position by French President Nicolas Sarkozy on the Ivorian peace process, also dominated Ivorian news stories today. The dailies also talked about the upcoming visit of American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson to Cote d’Ivoire.

1. A front-page story in Soir Info (an independent daily) said that President Gbagbo has stepped up pressure on the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the body tasked with organizing the upcoming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. The report said that Gbagbo had yesterday a two-hour meeting with major institutions involved in the electoral process. The paper cited them as: CEI [Independent Electoral Commission], INS [National Institute of Statistics], ONI [National Office of Identification], CNSI [National Commission for the Supervision of the Identification] and SAGEM [a French group in charge of the identification program.] The meeting, the paper said, was to evaluate the ongoing electoral process and find ways to speed up the program so that the elections can be held on November 29. The paper quoted Gbagbo as telling the delegations: “We’ve to do everything possible to respect the date of November 29 for the first round of the polls.”

2. Also on the electoral process, a report in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that the Evaluation and Accompanying Committee (CEA), a body charged with overseeing the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, will be meeting on August 9, 2009 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso to evaluate the Ivorian electoral process. The electoral commission is demanding the Ivorian government provide FCFA 5 billion (about $11 million), the report said. According to the paper, this fund should have been disbursed by July 31, 2009 in conformity with CEA’s recent recommendations. The paper also reported that a delegation of the European Union yesterday met with the electoral commissioner “to demonstrate the EU’s support for the electoral process.” “Our objective is to provide constructive assistance, monitor the process, work closely with Ivorian authorities and help organize the November 29 elections,” the paper quoted the head of the EU delegation as saying. The EU delegation, the report said, also announced that the institution had provided financial assistance estimated at FCFA 262 billion (about $575 million), representing the EU’s 2009 contribution towards the electoral process. 

3. A prominent story in Le Quotidien (a daily close to the ruling FPI) said that the Independent Electoral Commission and the National Commission for the Supervision of the Identification Process disagreed over the data processing to be conducted following the voter registration and population identification programs. The report said that while the electoral body announced the opening of 70 centers for the data processing program, the National Commission for the Supervision of the Identification Process claimed that only half of these centers are actually operational in the entire country. The paper also quoted a statement issued by the National Commission for the Supervision of the Identification Process saying that “The delay in the opening of these centers could jeopardize plans to hold the election on November 29.”

4. A prominent story in L’inter (an independent daily) said that the role of security forces in the ongoing electoral process was high on the agenda during a closed door meeting between President Gbagbo and heads of Government and New Forces armed forces. According to the paper nothing transpired from this meeting. However, the paper speculated that the Ivorian peace process is hitting up against military issues, especially difficulties in providing accommodation for 5,000 former fighters. The paper also noted that as a result of financial problems, the deployment of an 8,000 person Government and New Forces contingent still hangs in the balance. The question regarding the ranks and the number of New Forces elements to join Cote d’Ivoire’s new Armed Forces has not yet been solved, the paper said.

5. On French-Ivorian relations, a prominent story in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) claimed that the violation of a secret pact between Paris and Abidjan had spoiled Sarkozy-Gbagbo relations. The paper referred to the decision by Ivorian authorities to hold the upcoming elections on November 29, 2009 as the core of the deal. According to the paper, a recent visit of a top Ivorian official to Paris where he announced that Cote d’Ivoire’s presidential elections, set for November 29 this year, could be delayed was seen in Paris as contrary to this promise.

6. In a related development, Fraternite Matin quoted French businessmen telling Sarkozy “to stop attacks” against Gbagbo. The paper published a letter signed by the President of ADESCI – an association of enterprises that were victims of the November 2004 violence in Cote d’Ivoire – drawing the French President’s attention to “the human and economic disaster as a result of the November 2004 events.”

7. Finally, the upcoming visit of American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson to Cote d’Ivoire was also the subject of major news in many Ivorian dailies. A report in L’inter said that an Ivorian civic group called “Movement Inter-Africain de Reflexion et d’Action (MIRA)” yesterday denounced what it saw as “manipulation” on the part of the Pan-African Congress of the Young Patriots (COJEP), a movement led by Charles Ble Goude. The paper reported that President of MIRA Toure Mamadou said: “COJEP is not listed anywhere as a Pan-African movement.” Toure further said: “The president of COJEP is under UN sanctions following his implication in the Ivorian conflict, especially in awful events that had an impact on the life of Ivorians,” adding that “Jesse Jackson is a respected personality… We say no to any attempt to politicize his visit.”                       

August 5, 2009

Ivorian opposition heavyweight Alassane Dramane Ouattara made headlines again in today’s press in the wake of reports that he felt dizzy at a political rally. The dailies also talked about the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire. The Eighth AGOA Forum due to open today in the Kenyan capital Nairobi and Secretary of State Clinton’s visit to Africa, the visit of American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson to Cote d’Ivoire and a book discussion program organized by the U.S. Embassy were the focus of other news stories in the papers.

1. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party): In the wake of news that Alassane Dramane Ouattara felt “dizzy” during his campaign on Monday, the paper questioned whether Ivorian opposition heavyweights are fit enough to run for the presidency. The paper recalled that about three months ago, former Ivorian President and presidential hopeful Henri Konan Bedie “collapsed” in the same conditions as Ouattara. It went on to say: “Even before the beginning of the electoral competition, Bedie and Ouattara have already shown serious signs of physical weakness.” In a separate story, the paper reported on a popular superstition, saying that “In Africa, a chief never falls down. If he/she does, this is the end; he/she can no longer claim to be a chief.”

2. With four months to go to polls in Cote d’Ivoire, L’inter (an independent daily) noted that the health condition of the presidential hopefuls has become a cause of concern. The paper claimed that as a result of being under pressure during the past ten years, political leaders including the incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo and his rivals Ouattara and Bedie seem not to be in a good shape. The paper questioned whether the three major candidates still have what it called “physical resources” to work as a president. The paper called for debate over this issue because the image of political “giants” collapsing in public should be seen as “a bad omen.” It went on to suggest to the Ivorian political heavyweights to either “resign” from politics or to find a way to get more stamina in order to be strong enough to vie for the presidency.

3. In a related development, Soir Info (another independent daily) called for “transparency” on issues regarding the health condition of candidates in the upcoming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper said that instead of describing the collapse of presidential hopefuls as “a minor malaise” or blaming it on “fetishism,” the doctors of the political leaders should show a sense of “professionalism and rigor” when it comes to the health condition of their patients. The paper referred to Cote d’Ivoire’s Constitution that makes it compulsory for candidates in presidential elections to submit to a prior medical check-up.

4. Meanwhile, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that Ouattara is “receiving medical treatment” in Abidjan, citing sources close to his entourage. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) published prominent pictures showing Ouattara on his return to Abidjan yesterday.             

5. On Cote d’Ivoire’s electoral process, a prominent story in L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) suggested that the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, is working “to delay” the presidential elections billed for November 29. The paper quoted diplomatic sources and political insiders as saying that despite the Prime Minister’s commitment to respect the deadline for the elections, he would prefer that the elections be held in April 2010 or in October 2010. According to the paper, Soro is not planning to leave his office in November 2009. The paper further claimed that the Prime Minister’s associates are now touring chancelleries and political headquarters to convince them that it is better that the polls take place when everything is set, and that it is not necessary to be rash.

6. On matters concerning data processing following the voter registration and population identification programs, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) informed readers that some dysfunctions have been noted in this exercise. According to the paper, these problems came to light last Saturday during a meeting that brought together the Prime Minister and heads of government institutions -- CEI [Independent Electoral Commission], INS [National Institute of Statistics] and ONI [National Office of Identification] -- involved in the preparation of the upcoming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. In a related development, the paper reported that contrary to what was announced by the CEI, not all the centers that will serve for the data processing are operational. Out of 70 centers, only 35 centers are operational, the paper said.

7. As the Eighth AGOA Forum opens today in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, L’inter (an independent daily) called on the Ivorian government to work so that Cote d’Ivoire can qualify for this partnership program. In a related development, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) published the full text of a statement issued by the Department of State in connection with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit to Africa on August 5-13. The paper noted that the Secretary of State, who will be visiting seven African countries, “shunned” Cote d’Ivoire. “Hilary Clinton in Kenya, at the start of a visit in Africa,” said a story in Fraternite Matin; “Kenya, the first destination of Hilary Clinton,” wrote Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition).

8. Back to Cote d’Ivoire, a report in L’inter said that traditional chiefs and religious leaders are getting ready to welcome the American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson. The paper said that Reverend Jackson is expected in Abidjan on August 10 to take part in the 4th Summit of the Pan-African Congress of the Young Patriots (COJEP). “We’re ready to welcome Reverend Jesse Jackson who is coming to our country to talk about peace,” the paper quoted Imam Idriss Koudouss, president of National Islamic Council, as saying.

9. Le Mandat (a daily close to the opposition) reported on a conference on the book entitled: “Our iceberg is melting.” The conference was organized on July 29, 2009 by the Information Resources Center of the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan as part of its Book of the Month program.  

August 4, 2009

The health condition of Ivorian opposition heavyweight Alassane Dramane Ouattara and questions relating to funding of political activities in Cote d’Ivoire were the major issues in today’s Ivorian press. The question of corruption in Cote d’Ivoire and the visit of American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson to Cote d’Ivoire were the other major stories in the dailies.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A front-page story in this paper said that the Ivorian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, “collapsed after he felt dizzy” while he was addressing a political rally yesterday in the central city of Gagnoa. The paper reported that Ouattara, leader of the opposition RDR party, was seen later during the day in his hotel smiling and said: “I saw this coming; I should have been wise enough to listen to my doctors. I was careless; but now everything is OK.” As a result of this incident, the paper said, Ouattara’s national campaign office has cancelled the political leaders’ activities “until further notice.” The report also said that President Laurent Gbagbo called his rival to show support and advised him to “take a rest.”

2. News that Ouattara felt dizzy during his campaign was a subject of mixed reactions in the other dailies. “ADO [Alassane Dramane Ouattara] struck by malaria,” said a prominent headline in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition); “ADO collapses before a huge crowd,” wrote L’Expression (a daily close to the opposition); “I’m doing well,” said a front-page story in Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) quoting the opposition leader; “The rally ended in confusion as Alassane Ouattara collapses twice,” reported Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party); “The ‘true’ chief has fallen,” said Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party). Meanwhile, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) informed readers that Ouattara was victim of what it called “a minor malaise,” and quoted his doctors as saying that his health condition is not “a cause for alarm.”

3. Reporting on the last rally organized by Ouattara yesterday in Gagnoa, hometown of President Gbagbo, Le Nouveau Reveil quoted him as telling Gbagbo: “Cote d’Ivoire and the whole world are watching us. It’s now been quite a long time that we haven’t organized any elections. Our credibility and that of our nation is at stake, because without elections, Cote d’Ivoire won’t have money to solve the problems that the population is facing.”

4. While Ivorian political leaders are campaigning ahead of the November 29 presidential elections, the question of how they get money to pay for their activities has become an issue. According to L’inter (an independent daily), as part of its fund-raising strategies, the ruling FPI party has put in place CAP-UR-LG, a body tasked with collecting the necessary funds for the campaign of the party’s candidate, President Gbagbo. The daily also uncovered that this body had sent letters to state-owned companies and other government institutions asking them to contribute money. This method, the paper said, came under criticism from other Ivorian political arenas. But the paper noted that this method of fund-raising is not new in Cote d’Ivoire, because in the past, presidential candidates like the late Felix Houphouet Boigny, Henri Konan Bedie and the late leader of the military junta, General Robert Guei, resorted to this strategy to finance their political activities.  

5. In another development, Gnamien Konan, former head of the Ivorian Customs Service and a candidate in the upcoming presidential elections, told Fraternite Matin that “Mismanagement is the root of the problems” facing Cote d’Ivoire.

6. As the American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson is expected in Cote d’Ivoire on August 10-13, 2009, Soir Info (an independent daily) pondered the impact of his visit. The daily commented that though Reverend Jackson is coming to Cote d’ivoire for a private visit, Cote d’Ivoire would gain a lot because of “the personality” of this guest. The paper further described this visit as “a major event” that would help restore the image of this country in the international community. It went on to quote a western diplomat in Abidjan as suggesting that “This visit is a chance for Cote d’Ivoire… because Reverend Jackson, an influential personality and leader of a powerful lobby group, could intercede in favor of Cote d’Ivoire.”

August 3, 2009

Cote d’Ivoire’s peace process, especially the upcoming presidential elections set for November 29, dominated Ivorian news Monday and on the weekend. The visit of American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson to Cote d’Ivoire was also a subject of front-page stories in many Ivorian dailies today.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): “We’re working so that the polls take place on November 29,” the paper quoted Ivorian Prime Minister Guillaume Soro as saying. Mr. Soro, the paper said, was speaking over the weekend during a meeting with government institutions involved in the preparation of the upcoming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. “We must meet the November 29 deadline; I want to ask the CEI [Independent Electoral Commission], INS [National Institute of Statistics] and ONI [National Office of Identification] to work in order to achieve this objective,” the Prime Minister reportedly said. The meeting, the paper said, focused on data processing following the voter registration and population identification programs. The paper further quoted the Ivorian Prime Minister as saying that the electoral process has now reached “an important stage;” and that it has become “necessary to know who wants the elections to be held and who does not want them.”

2. Earlier over the weekend, Fraternite Matin announced that the final electoral roll to be used in the coming elections will be published on October 22, 2009, quoting Meite Sindou, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson. The spokesperson, who was addressing a press conference last Friday, reportedly said: “The number of voters will be known only after data processing is completed and after any dispute relating to the electoral roll has been settled.” 
 
3. L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) published another opinion poll conducted by SOFRES [a French institution] declaring the Ivorian incumbent President, Laurent Gbagbo, “winner” in a second round of the upcoming presidential elections. The paper attributed this information to the French weekly journal Jeune Afrique (August 2-8, 2009 issue). The paper recalled a previous survey conducted a couple of days ago by the same polling institution that showed Gbagbo ahead in voting intentions. “Ouattara the big loser,” said a banner headline in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) in reference to the recent opinion poll. Meanwhile, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) questioned the credibility of this opinion poll. It quoted the Ivorian opposition figure, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, who denounced “A survey conducted with the backing from people at the Palace.” According to the paper, Mr. Ouattara, who is also the leader of the opposition RDR party, was addressing a political rally Saturday in the central city of Daloa.  
  
4.  In a prominent story, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) informed readers that President Gbagbo’s security guard blocked the convoy of Alassane Dramane Ouattara in the central city of Gagnoa as the latter was on a campaign tour in the region. According to the report, Ouattara’s campaign was briefly stopped because of President Gbagbo’s presence in the region.

5. The visit of American civil rights leader Jesse Jackson to Cote d’Ivoire was also a subject of front-page stories in many Ivorian dailies today. Jackson is expected in Abidjan on August 10-13, 2009 said a story in Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, the African-American political leader is coming to Abidjan as “a special guest” of Charles Ble Goude, the leader of COJEP – the Pan-African Congress of Young Patriots. The report said that President Gbagbo and Reverend Jackson will co-chair the Summit of COJEP on the theme: “Conflict Resolution in Africa by Africans: The case of Cote d’Ivoire.” The paper said Jackson will also take part in a meeting with Ivorian religious leaders on August 12 and travel to the southeast town of Krindjabo where he will be crowned by the people of the city. On the reason for choosing Reverend Jackson to attend this summit, the paper quoted Ble Goude as saying: “The choice of this personality is to trace the long journey of Blacks to freedom that was culminated by the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States.”

6. Still on Reverend Jackson’s visit to Abidjan, Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) carried a prominent story describing this invitation as “Ble Goude’s master stroke.” “Reverend Jackson is not coming only for COJEP. He’s not coming to support a clan. We’re inviting Ivorians from different political background to warmly welcome him.” [NOTE: Since February 2006, the United Nations Security Council has had a travel ban in place and also frozen the assets of three political figures in Cote d'Ivoire accused of hampering efforts to bring peace to the country, including Charles Ble Goude. He is a leader of the Young Patriots movement loyal to President Gbagbo, which called supporters into the streets to demand the departure of UN and French peacekeepers.]