December 31, 2007

1. Ripples in the New Forces zone and an international arrest warrant against Sargent-Chief Ibrahim Coulibaly alias “IB” dominate today’s press.

2. “Gbagbo, Soro, Bedié and ADO unanimous: 2008 is the election year” is the headline of Fraternité Matin, (the state-owned daily). According to the paper, in a message addressed to Ivorians, Bedié is quoted as saying: “Our country is threatened by poverty, disease, violence and insecurity. The solution to these problems is the organization of fair, free and transparent elections under the supervision the United Nations. It is only the elections that can save our country from the chaos.”

Alassane Ouattara is reported to want elections according to international standards, while Soro tells Ivorians to get ready to go to elections in 2008.

The paper also reports that the state of Cote d’Ivoire is going to ask Benin’s authorities to extradite Sargent-Chief IB. If he is no longer in Benin (he was reportedly seen in Takoradi, Ghana last Saturday) an international arrest warrant will be launched against him. According to the paper, IB’s destablization plans go beyond the troubles of recent days within the New Forces. Information in possession of the government says that the destabilization effort will be extended to Cote d’Ivoire defense and security forces as well.

3. L’Inter (an independent daily): The paper runs a banner headline reading, “Inclination for destabilization, after Bouaké, Abidjan is in the viewfinder; a soldier revealed everything”. According to the paper, after a secret meeting with some members of the defense and security forces, one soldier revealed that arms are going to thunder again in this beautiful country. The reason: Gbagbo must quit power. According to that soldier the date chosen for the coup d’etat is today, Monday, December 31.

The paper also reports that “IB” supporters are being tracked in Bouake. Since December 26, sixty persons have been arrested. That number might increase because of the disappearance of IB from Benin.

4. Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to RDR): The paper carries a front-page story saying “Sabotage attempt against the Ouagadougou Agreement, Gbagbo launched an international arrest warrant against IB; the Sargent-Chief is persona non grata in Benin; here are his financial sources”. According to the paper, after Ibrahim Coulibaly alias “IB” left Benin, a statement has been released declaring him persona non grata in that country.

Gbagbo, IB’s supposed supporter, and Soro examined the involvement of IB in the destabilization of the New Forces zones and the threat of his actions pose to the peace process. The paper claims Gbagbo was convinced of IB’s involvement. The President has therefore decided to work to prevent IB from doing more harm.

The paper reports that some military sources within the New Forces say that IB does not act alone. According to information from the New Forces soldiers, IB acts with the benediction of the presidential camp. For IB’s destabilization manoeuvers, he has the financial and logistical support of Gbagbo’s system. The collaboration between the presidential camp and IB started in 2005 during Gbagbo’s visit to Cotonou when Matthieu Kerekou was president.

5. “After the bloody clashes in Bouaké, Gbagbo asks Alassane Ouattara for an explanation” is the headline in Le Matin d’Abidjan (a daily close to Gbagbo). According to the paper, Ouattara made a surprise visit to Gbagbo last Saturday. Since the beginning of ripples in Bouaké, some sources affirm that the rebellion suspects Ouattara of having some acquaintance with the trouble-makers. Called on by Gbagbo, who was concerned about the peace process, the RDR leader came to the presidency to show his support at a time when Soro decided to punish his assailants and their silent partners.

The paper also reports that after the dismantling of ex-combatants, the reinsertion has become a reality. The agents of SITEL, the office in charge of identification, went to the north last Saturday and Sunday to meet with the ex-combatants in order to have an idea of what they want to do after demobilization.

6. 24 Heures (a daily close to the opposition) carries a front page story that says: “The human hunting in Bouake is growing, thirty nine pro-IB soldiers disappeared.” According to the paper, to end definitely all the uprisings occuring these days in Bouaké, the New Forces have decided to speed up their actions. The “cleaning” they are doing in Bouaké does not spare anyone. It is in that atmosphere that 39 soliders of the ex-rebellion have disappeared.

The paper reports that Soro returned to Bouake last weekend and talked to his population. During his address to his people, he verbally attacked IB. Soro said that he was the first spokesperson of the New Forces when the war started and he knows very well all the demands, which are fair and free elections and identity cards for all the citizens. So he has never betrayed anyone by signing the Ouagadougou Agreement.

For Soro, a coup d’etat was foiled last Thursday and a speech had even been prepared to be read on television and radio saying that the coup members are angry with him and that a saviour will come from Cotonou. He attacked IB by saying: “God has given him muscles and a height to be a great boxer but he does not want to be a boxer. Although God has not given him a mind to be president, he doesn’t want to accept that.” He told the population that all security measures have been taken and that if the “Dozos” (traditional hunters) had not risen up last week, he would have been surprised by the coup d’etat that could have succeeded.

7. “Uprising of soldiers in the New Forces zone, the real target of the operation” is the headline in Le Rebond (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI party). According to the paper, in a statement after last Thursday’s shootings in Bouake, the New Forces announced that they foiled a coup d’etat. In reality, the real target of the operation was Abidjan. But to succeed, the insurgents wanted to annihilate the current New Forces authorities and install a new leaders because for them the current authorities will not overthrow Gbagbo from power because of the peace process.

December 28, 2007

1. Rumors of a coup d’état, danger in the implementation of the Ouagadougou Accord, the Dozos uprising and the assassination of Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan are the main topics of today’s press.

2. Soir Info (an independent daily): The paper runs a banner headline reading, “social and political tension, a coup d’etat is in preparation; gendarmes are taking measures.” According to the paper, the commander in chief of the gendarmerie has given instructions to his elements to take special security measures as they have received information that there will be a sabotage of the peace process.

The paper also reports that after last week’s dismantling, while the defense and security forces of the national army have gone back to their barracks in Yamoussoukro, ex-rebels have returned to the front line of Djebonoua, a small town 20 kilometers from Bouaké. The local population is complaining about their presence.

3. In L’Inter (an independent daily): The paper carries a front-page story saying: “Ripples in New Forces Zones: armed individuals have been arrested; what they were preparing; shooting in Seguela.” According to the paper, after the uprising in Bouaké last Monday, it was the turn of Seguela where there were shootings during the night and people think that it was the supporters of Ibrahim Coulibaly alias “IB”.

The paper also reports that the financial sources of the New Forces will be closed soon. According to the paper in the Ouagadougou Accord II and III, there were some clauses which stipulate that the State of Cote d’Ivoire must have one financial source and that on December 30, 2007 a system to collect funds must be installed to create one source of fund for the country. To respect that clause, the Prime Minister installed yesterday a technical committee which will prepare the ground for the deployment of customs agents and tax collectors throughout the country.

Concerning the implementation of the Ouagadougou Accord, the paper reports that Professor Francis Wodié, president of the Ivorian Labor Parti (PIT) yesterday told Le Nouveau Réveil (a daily close to the opposition), he had some reservations vis-à-vis the Ouagadougou Agreement. Professor Wodié warned that if the problems which brought the war are ignored, then the elections will be violent.

4. “Rumors of a coup d’etat before December 31, 2007, the Gendarmerie is in maximum alert” is the headline in L’Intellingent d’Abidjan (an independent daily). According
to the paper, the head of the Gendarmerie and his colleagues met on Wednesday to prepare a security plan for the celebrations of the end of the year as rumors are circulating that a coup d’etat is in preparation.

The paper also reports that Professor Francis Wodié of the Ivorian Labor Party advised politicians that although he approves the Ouagadougou Accord, he would like to draw the attention of Ivorians to the fact that the accord is not a miraculous solution. That is why he is asking politicians to revise the electoral lists so that they can be credible before the beginning of the election process.

5. Le Matin d’Abidjan carries a front page story that says: “Threat to the peace process, the army discovers a coup d’etat project; the connection IB-Doué-Palenfo is exposed.” According to the paper, while the Ivorians are getting ready to celebrate the peace at this end of the year, some people are preparing in secret for violence. A coup d’etat was supposed to stop the peace process and estabish a new political order in Cote d’Ivoire. It is the job of General Doué, Palenfo and Sargent-Chief Ibrahim Coulibaly, a trio well known by Ivorians.

6. In le Nouveau Réveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI) a front page story says: “Wodié bitterly reproaches FPI and Gbagbo; I am afraid; Ouaga, one can dream but with caution.” According to the paper, Professor Francis Wodié thinks that no lasting solution will be found to resolve the Ivorian conflict if it is not the expression of the general will of Ivorians. He is quoted as saying: “The general will of Ivorians must be through national consultations to find a new accord on all problems in order to have a peaceful atmosphere.

7. On another subject, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) runs a banner headline reading: “Embezzlement in coffee and cocoa channels, the hearing of four ministers blocks the investigation.” According to the paper, the investigation on embezzlement is facing difficulty in getting access to two former ministers of agriculture, the current one and the former minister of economy and finance. According to the paper, the difficulty is designed to protect influential members of the ruling FPI party. If the name of Bohoun Bouabre, whose name has been proposed to occupy the governor position of the Central Bank of West Africa countries (BCEAO), appears in the investigation, his hopes to occupy that position will be completely ruined.

8. In Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR), the front page story says: “Dozos pledge allegiance; Soro is our sole leader; no to two captains in a boat.”  According to the paper the problem of “Dozos” (traditional hunters) is settled. When they met Soro last Tuesday, the Dozo reaffirmed their confidence in the Prime Minister. They were quoted as saying: “We have not failed to fulfill our word. We reaffirm our total adhesion to the Secretary General who is our leader.”

December 27, 2007

1. The uprising of the “Dozo,” Soro’s traditional combatants, still dominates the press today. The press also reports rumors of a coup d’état.

2. L’Inter (an independent daily): The paper runs a banner headline reading, “After the uprising in Bouake Soro opts for firmness; here are measures taken; Konaté Sidiki: we will not come out of the process underway.” According to the paper the chief of staff of the New Forces had made a statement in which he outlines some measures he has taken against the misbehavior of some elements. He announced the reinforcement of security measures to protect people and a permanent surveillance of the main entrances to Bouake to guarantee free circulation of people during the last days of the year.

The paper also reports that after the recurrent uprisings in the New Forces Zones, great pressure is put on Compaoré, Gbagbo and Soro as the winning trio of the Ouagadougou Agreement. According to the paper, nine months after the accord, actors in the direct dialogue are going through several ordeals like recurrent uprisings of Soro Guillaume’s soldiers, the attack on Soro’s plane last June and the many strikes in the South against Gbagbo’s regime. These events might impede the normal implementation of the political agreement.

3. In Nuit & Jour (an independent daily): The paper carries a front-page story saying: “Soro is facing his responsibilities: the military authority is flouted; money is the bone of contention.” According to the paper, the situation is still confused in Bouaké. The harmony between troops and their commanders, military chiefs themselves and the political wing of the ex-rebellion is seriously undermined. To come out of this situation, all eyes are turned now towards Prime Minister Soro Guillaume.

4. In L’Intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily): A front page story says: “The New Forces accuse: the PDCI is preparing a coup d’état.” According to the paper, the New Forces published yesterday on their website an interview with a member of the PDCI who warned that a coup d’état is being prepared against the Republic. That anonymous member of the PDCI is quoted as saying: “I am warning you because the life of your secretary general Soro Guillaume is in danger. PDCI is against the peace process. Despite the declaration of Bedie to coax you, he is not frank with you. An assassination plan against Soro and the overthrow of the state institutions are in view.”

The paper also reports that the traditional hunters (Dozos) who uprose three days ago decided to reoccupy the main entrances of Bouake and see what they would do in case they don’t get satisfaction after their meeting with Soro yesterday. It is today that everything will be decided.

5. “Soro defuses his bomb: each soldier will receive 115,000 CFA per month; Who will pay the note and until when?”  is the question posed by Le Nouveau Réveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI. According to the paper three days after their uprising in Bouake, 14 traditional hunters came to Abidjan to meet Soro. During the meeting Soro promised to pay to soldiers and traditional hunters the sum of CFA 115,000 per month.

The paper’s question is: Let’s suppose there are 1,000 dozos and they receive 115,000 CFA each per month, the total amount per month will be 115 million CFA. Where will the money come from? From the New Forces funds or from the south -- in other words from the tax payers? The paper also says that agreement will pose another problem. What will be the reaction of the other soldiers of the New Forces whose boss has capitulated to the dozos? Won’t they increase the auction and take to the streets again?

The paper also reports that 119 soldiers of the New Forces received their salary yesterday in the presence of the general coordinator of Demobilization and Reinsertion. Concerning the payment of five year’s of salary to New Forces soldiers General Phillippe Mangou, the Chief of Staff of the National Army, is quoted as saying: “The New Forces soldiers will not received five year’s of salary. Only 5,000 soldiers from the New Forces will join the new army if they meet all the criteria. But among them only 622 soldiers will receive a three-month salary of 90,000 CFA per month for each soldier. 

6.  “Stormy meeting at Golf Hotel, Soro threatens to bring to heel dozos rebels” is the front page story in Le Matin d’Abidjan (a daily close to Gbagbo). According to the paper, after the Prime Minister had listened to the Dozos, he told them that what they did is a blackmail that he cannot accept. The Ouagadougou Agreement took into account the traditional hunters like the militia groups in the west of the country which will receive a bonus of 90,000 per month. After that Soro did not take any other commitment to pay a special bonus for their participation in the war as  claimed. The paper also says that if Soro was so hard with his men, it is because he knows that his men are manipulated by some enemies hidden in the darkness who want his skin.

Concerning the elections, the paper also reports that Joel N’Guessan, the former vice-president of the MFA (one of the political parties that participated in the Marcoussis meeting in France) said that the conditions to have elections have not been met. For him if there is not normalization, elections cannot take place. He is quoted as saying: “It is not elections that bring normalization but rather it the normalization that favours good elections.

7. In Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI) The paper carries a front-page story saying: “As he cannot come back to power through the polls, Bedie calls for insurrection.” According to the paper, the president of the youth of PDCI (former ruling party) had a meeting two weeks ago in Dimbokro to set the record straight. For him, the promises of Gbagbo to develop the region during his visit in Dimbokro at the end of November are false. He is quoted as saying: “During the public hearings through the country to deliver identity cards, the only region where people are prevented from having their papers is the native town of Gbagbo where 3,000 Baoule were killed during the war. Who is Gbagbo? He is a homeless small historian who now comes to distribute money to you and you have the feeling that he has succeeded.” For the paper, as Bedie will be eliminated by his age at the time of the elections, he hopes that Baoule people will have a burst of energy to react.

December 26, 2007

1. The uprising of the “Dozo” Soro’s traditional combatants, the beginning of the disarmament program and the celebration of Christmas are the major issues in today’s Ivorian press.

2. In Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): The paper carries a front-page story saying that there have been two demonstrations in one week in Bouake and that there is still high tension there; the “Dozos” meet Soro today.

According to the paper, the brotherhood of traditional hunters called “Dozo” disturbed the peace of Bouake inhabitants on christmas eve by blocking the main entrances of Bouake. Those traditional hunters that the ex-rebellion used as combatants are now claiming the immediate payment of a war bonus. Their chief is quoted as saying “We are the ones who waged war against Cote d’Ivoire’s national army and gained territories that the New Forces are priding themselves on now. While we are living in misery, our leaders are living in great style. We can no longer accept that.    

3. Soir info (an independent daily): The paper runs a banner headline reading, “Bouake still under tension: after the soldiers, the “Dozo” revolt against their leaders; here are their requirements.” According to the paper, 48 hours after the beginning of disarmament at the front lines of Tiebissou and Djebonoua, hundreds of traditional hunters called (Dozos) blocked the main entrances of Bouake, snatched cars, beat some journalists and shot in the air to claim 9 millions CFA each as a five-year war bonus.

The paper also reports that despite the mediation of Cherif Ousmane, a war lord, the Dozos held to their position and their chief was quoted as saying: “How come after discussions in Ouagadougou, they can forget the first actors, us. Nowhere in the agreement is there any mention of the “Dozos.” As they have ignored us, we cannot ignore ourselves. We want 9 million CFA each for the five years we have lost. After that, we will see.” After intensive negotiation with Cherif Ousmane, the Dozo let vehicles go and decided to meet Soro Guillaume.

4. In Le Temps (a daily close to Gbagbo): A front page story says: “Everything is messed up in Bouaké: Dozo and soldiers in the streets again; the reasons for an uprising; the direction of New Forces wants to cut heads.” According to the paper, nothing is going well in Bouaké. Traditional hunters called “dozos” revolted on Monday, December 24. After them, young soldiers that had demobilized came again yesterday to reoccupy the front line of Djebonoua as soon as the authorities left after the disarmament ceremony. The paper reports that Soro’s supporters are preparing to counterattack.

The paper also reports that the insurgents blocked most of Bouake’s entrances and created terror in the town. They beat three journalists and damaged the Burkina Faso Consul’s vehicle. The demonstrators protested against what they call their being ignored in the disarmament, demobilization and reinsertion process of the Ouagadougou Agreement. According to the Dozos, they have been told that they don’t meet the requirements of the new army nor can they be taken into account in the future civil service which concerns young men only. They also said that Soro has betrayed Alassane Ouattara and they will not depose their arms as long as Ouattara is not president of this country.

On other subjects, Le Temps reports that 1,528 billion CFA have been paid to the firms victims of the toxic waste dumped in Abidjan last year and on Christmas eve, the Archbishop of Abidjan asked Ivorians to engage themselves in the peace process, to reconcile and love themselves and to be positive.

5. Le Nouveau Réveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI) front page story says: “Put down by Gbagbo, threatened by New Forces; are the two faces of Soro roasted? The consequences on the peace process will be very heavy”. According to the paper, the unhappiness among the ex-rebel troops could be prejudicial to the Prime Minister because he is weakened faced with an unpredictable Laurent Gbagbo in the management of the transition. Soro’s situation is risky if his authority within the New Forces is contested. Now the renewal of revolt movements could lead towards a splintering of the New Forces.

In another article, the paper reports that the real reasons for the multiple uprisings within New Forces soldiers are made clear in an interview with a mutineer: “With time we have noticed that our chiefs have become bourgeois and betrayed the cause for which we have accepted to leave everything and follow them. Today we are reduced to begging while our chiefs in Bouake receive 30 million CFA a day. To that sum we should add taxes on trucks carrying merchandise and bribes from economic operators. Our chiefs are extremely rich and they share the income of diamonds, gold, coffee and cocoa among them. But us, what do we get? Nothing.”

6. A front-page story in Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) says: “Disarmament of ex-combatants, violent uprising of “Dozos” in Bouake.” The traditional hunters called “Dozos” are roused because of what they consider mistreatment in the process of disarmament, demobilization and reinsertion. They are claiming 9 million CFA each after five years of good and faithful service.

The paper also reports that during Christmas eve mass, the Archbishop of Abidjan urged Ivorians to remain faithful to the peace process. He took that opportunity to tell the population: “Misfortune to the person who will prevent the country from coming out of the gloom of division.”

7. 24 Heures (a daily close to the opposition): The paper runs a banner headline reading “After soldiers, the “Dozos” rose up in Bouake. Nothing works in Soro’s army.” According to the paper, after the revolt of soldiers last week on the eve of the celebration of the Muslim feast of Eid al-Adha, it is now the turn of traditional hunters called “Dozos” to take to the streets of Bouake to express their unhappiness. They denounced the fact that they were not taken into account in the disarmament, demobilization and reinsertion process.

In a different story, 24 Heures tells readers that the Integrated Center of Command has problems in bringing security to Man. Since the dismantling of the “zone of confidence” in April, the insecurity has increased in that zone. Economic operators are victims in the period of cocoa sales.

December 20, 2007

1. The disarmament program is one of the major stories in today’s Ivorian press, as President Laurent Gbagbo on Tuesday said the program will start on Saturday, December 22. Reports also say that former rebels in Bouake [New Forces’ stronghold] protested on Tuesday to demand payment of bonuses. The celebration of the Muslim feast of Eid al-Adha is also a subject of front-page stories in the Ivorian papers.

2. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party): The paper runs a banner headline reading, "Disarmament is set to start on Saturday [December 22]." This announcement, reports the paper, was made by President Gbagbo during a political gathering in Abidjan on Tuesday. The president, indicates Notre Voie, also used the opportunity to inform the population that upcoming presidential elections will be organized in Cote d’Ivoire by late June 2008. "The disarmament will effectively start on December 22. We need to move forward for the interest of Cote d’Ivoire. I guarantee you that by the end of June [2008], we’ll organize elections," the paper quotes Gbagbo as saying.

3. While Gbagbo said the disarmament is set to start this coming Saturday, 24 Heures (a daily close to the opposition) says "Soro [the Ivorian Prime Minister] is under pressure, because his soldiers are not prepared to lay down their guns."

4. In a different story, 24 Heures tells readers, what it calls "the true reasons" behind the mutiny that was staged by angry former rebels last Tuesday in New Forces’ stronghold of Bouake. For about three hours, writes the paper, disgruntled soldiers fired shots in the air to demand the payment of bonuses worth 5,000 Francs CFA for each soldier. This riot, notes the paper, came a few days before the beginning of the disarmament program, which is officially planned to kick off next Saturday.

5. The paper, however, questions the rationale behind the movement at this stage of the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, and wonders whether it was "a serious anger or just a comedy." Regarding the disarmament program, the paper culls an interview from Sidwaya [a Burkinabe newspaper] in which Issiaka Ouattara, a military commander of the New Forces, said: "The disarmament will go on slowly."

6. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A banner headline that runs across the paper says that "business has resumed in Bouake in the wake of gun shootings." On the riot itself, the paper reports that "about hundred New Forces’ soldiers, who did not receive their 5,000 Francs CFA food allowance on the eve of the celebration of the Muslim feast of Eid al-Adha, went on a rampage." According to the paper, the disgruntled soldiers came from Angouayaokro military base, which is also a training center for New Forces’ commandos.

7. Reacting to the event, the spokesperson of the New Forces, Sidiki Konate called it "a misunderstanding" on the payment of bonuses, reports Fraternite Matin. Sidiki also said: "The incident is over. A few hours after the demonstrations, life returned to normalcy," he is reported as saying. Meanwhile, the Ivorian government, in a communique, expressed "its satisfaction as order has been restored in Bouake," reports the paper. "It reassures workers and the whole national community that the State is ensuring that the security of everyone is assured and that measures will be taken to ensuring that the issue regarding the payment of the payment of the bonuses does not derail the peace process."

8. In the wake of the event in Bouake, L’inter (a privately-owned daily) takes the mood of soldiers in cities formerly under the control of the New Forces -- including Man, Korhogo and Bouna. According to the paper, the atmosphere was relatively calm in these areas during and after the riot. However, comments the paper, the Tuesday’s mutiny in Bouake was "a bad signal for Soro and his men." It further comments that it is "a serious setback" for the Ivorian peace process. The paper urges the New Forces’ leaders, who are "fully engaged" in this process after the signing of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, to put in place "all necessary measures to pre-empt such deviations in future."

9. Meanwhile, the President of the Islamic National Council (CNI), Imam Idriss Koudouss Kone, called on Ivorians to "sacrifice" for peace to return in their country, reports Fraternite Matin. The religious leader was speaking in Abidjan yesterday, as Muslins from all walks of life gathered in the Ivorian economic capital to celebrate Eid al-Adha. As part of this celebration, reports the paper, "Muslims and Christians gathered in Abidjan to pray."

December 18, 2007

1. Today’s Ivoirian press is concerned about the disarmament program, which is officially scheduled to begin on December 22.

2. Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition): The paper runs a banner headline reading, "Disarmament on December 22: Army commanders are called for rescue." According to the paper, army commanders from the government defense and security forces, New Forces, as well as military leaders of the peacekeeping troops in Cote d’Ivoire met yesterday to work on the disarmament calendar, particularly the regroupement of the ex-combatants.

3. This regroupement, comments the paper, is "the key" to the disarmament scheme. As efforts are being deployed to speed up the disarmament process, the paper, however, is wary as to whether the program would fully get underway, according to plan. "While the ten sites where soldiers will be sheltered in the southern of the country are operational, this is not the case in the areas formerly under the control of the New Forces," notes the paper.

4. But the commander of the Ivoirian Armed Forces, General Philippe Mangou looked confident as he told Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) that "the regroupement of the ex-combatants will effectively begin on December 22, as recommended by the Supplement Ouagadougou Political Agreements." "For the past two days, we’ve been working on how to conduct the DDR – disarmament, demobilization and reintegration – program," General Mangou said. Mangou, reports the paper, was speaking after "the second and ultimate meeting," which was held yesterday at the headquarters of the Integrated Command Center.

5. In a separate story, Fraternite Matin also informs readers that the Ivoirian government wants to accelerate the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. According to the paper, the government is set to meet next Thursday to sign "a series of decrees referring to the roadmap contained in the Supplement Ouagadougou Political Agreements." These decrees, explains the paper, would essentially focus on the redeployment of the administration throughout the country and the official appointment of the French Group SAGEM, the technical operator that will be charged with conducting the identification program.

6. Meanwhile, Soir Info (a privately-owned daily) suggests that, at this stage of the peace process, Gbagbo and Soro must reassure the national and international community of their willingness to accomplish the peace process. The paper comments that given the delay in the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, many observers think that Gbagbo and Soro could use this situation as a pretext "to cling to power."

7. Regarding the upcoming presidential election in Cote d’Ivoire, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) carries a prominent item alleging that the ruling FPI party of President Laurent Gbagbo is preparing "fraud." In a related development, Notre Voie (a daily close the ruling FPI party) allegedly accuses the PDCI-RDA party of preparing to stage "violence" during the forthcoming polls.

8. L’inter (a privately-owned daily): A front-page story in the paper says that the army has been deployed in the southern city of Grand-Lahou to beef up security in the town. This measure has been taken after angry demonstrators looted the office of the prefect and burnt down his vehicles, as they went on rampage last Friday to protest against what they called "land misappropriation," reports the paper.

9. Finally on economic issues, Fraternite Matin reports that European and American businessmen are to invest more than 1,500 billion Francs CFA to finance the construction of three projects at the San Pedro Authority Port, in south-eastern Cote d’Ivoire. This was announced yesterday when a delegation of foreign investors called on President Gbagbo in Abidjan.

December 12, 2007

1. In today’s Ivorian press, focus was on the identification program. The papers also reported on other issues: the Human Rights situation in Cote d’Ivoire, on the 59th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the return of foreign investors to Cote d’Ivoire; the case of the missing Franco-Canadian journalist; and the International Union of Francophone Media (UPF).

2. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that thirty new teams will be deployed on the ground, effective today, for the audiences foraines (a program designed to provide national identity documents to citizens of Cote d’Ivoire. According to the daily, this announcement was made yesterday by the Ivorian Justice Minister, Kone Mamadou during a press conference in Abidjan. The paper quoted the justice minister as saying," The audiences foraines program is still going on with the 25 teams that have been deployed on the ground, and no major incident has been recorded so far. I’m even happy to inform you that new teams will be deployed in coming days,"

3. Regarding specific statistics, Fraternite Matin quoted Kone Mamadou as saying, "As from December seven substitute birth certificates have been issued to 80,000 out of 84,806 applicants." The paper further said that in a bid to guarantee the success of the audiences foraines, Kone Mamadou exhorted all the country’s political groups, religious leaders and civic groups to get involved fully in the ongoing awareness campaign aimed at informing the populations on the program.

4. Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) devoted its front page to what it terms "the so-called frauds" that have marred the audiences foraines. According to the paper, the Ivorian justice minister used yesterday’s meeting with the press to reject reports alleging that the exercise, which was launched on September 25, has been scarred since the beginning by "fraud, violence, and technical problems." "Nobody has been arrested for fraud. No magistrate abandoned his post," the justice minister was quoted as saying.

5. As Cote d’Ivoire joined the world to celebrate the 59th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Fraternite Matin reported that Ivorian authorities urged the population to join in the campaign aimed at promoting Human Rights in the country. According to the paper, the highlight of the commemoration of the event, in Korhogo in northern Cote d’Ivoire, was the release of a statement in which the signatories solemnly pledge to act in a way to improve the Human Rights situation in Cote d’Ivoire.

6. In a related development, Le Temps (a daily close to Gbagbo) carried a headline, alleging that "an Ivorian NGO is accused of child trafficking." According to the paper, the organization attempted to seek adoption for a three-year child without the knowledge of the parents.

7. In L’inter (a privately owned daily), the case of Guy-Andre Kieffer – the Franco-Canadian journalist, who vanished in Cote d’Ivoire in April 2004, was the subject of a front-page story. According to the paper, Patrick Ramael, the French judge, who is investigating this case, was at the Ivorian martial court yesterday to seek permission from the military prosecutor to interrogate the military officers suspected in this case.

8. Fraternite Matin reported in a headline story that foreign investors are making a come-back to Cote d’Ivoire. The paper noted that for the first time in many years, many investors are visiting the country for business prospecting, as peace is returning to the country.

9. In a commentary about the recently concluded colloquium of the International Union of Francophone Media (UPF), which took place in Cote d’Ivoire, Fraternite Matin said that the colloquium presented an opportunity for the country to come back on the international scene.

December 11, 2007

1. Normalization of relations between Cote d’Ivoire and France as well as some international institutions, including the United Nations and the World Bank, dominated the press today. The press also reported on the Ivorian government’s delay regarding the country’s income tax reform; the signing of the new Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs); and the country’s judiciary and education systems.

2. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): The paper carried a happy picture of President Laurent Gbagbo on his return yesterday from Lisbon, Portugal, where he attended the EU-Africa Summit on democracy and free trade. According to the paper, Gbagbo, told reporters, "I’m happy to have participated in this gathering. Relations with the UN, France and World Bank are being normalized."

3. In Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party), a banner headline quoted Gbagbo as saying: "Our relations with France are normalizing."

4. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party), on the other hand, made critical comments on the talks between the Ivorian president and his French counterpart, President Nicolas Sarkozy during the EU-Africa Summit. The paper denounced what it refers to as "the two faces of Gbagbo," and questioned the sincerity of the Ivorian leader’s remarks. The paper further said, "His (Gbagbo’s) rhetoric depends on whether he is speaking at home or outside side." According to the paper, during his meeting with President Sarkozy, "Gbagbo dissociated himself from his partisans and his wife, who have been waging a campaign to demand the departure of the Licorne – French troops in Cote d’Ivoire – from the country."

5. The other major news in today’s Ivorian press was the government’s decision to delay a plan aimed at reforming the income tax. Fraternite Matin, which devoted two pages to this issue, quoted the Director General of Income Revenue Service, Feh Kesse as saying: "The Income Revenue Service is to suggest to the government, in the framework of the 2008 budget, to defer from January 2008 to January 2009 the income tax’s reform."

6. The delay, explained Feh Kesse would enable the government to redress what he called "some irregularities," including "the difficult situation of certain workers," reports Fraternite Matin. The Director General of the Income Revenue Service also said his institution needs time to install some computer programs that will be used in connection with this reform.

7. In a related development, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (a privately-owned daily) said that the Ivorian opposition figure, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, supports the government after Cote d’Ivoire and the European Commission signed last Friday an "interim deal" on the new Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). The interim agreement allows compatible products to get access to markets under the rules set forth by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the provisions pertaining to cooperation and development. According to the paper, Ouattara said, "I think it was a good decision, though all members of the Economic Community of West African States did not adhere to it. But Cote d’Ivoire has some interests."

8. Still on the same issue, the European Commissioner, Louis Michel, is quoted by Fraternite Matin as saying that the new Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) were designed to avoid "catastrophe." The paper quoted the Commissioner as saying, "If this agreement was not signed by the end this year with Cote d’Ivoire, the country would lose 459 billion Francs CFA (about one billion US dollars) representing turnovers to be obtained from commercial exchanges."

9. The state of the Ivorian judiciary system was a front-page story in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition). The paper published an interview in which the President of Cote d’Ivoire Magistrates Union, Kpa Omele Mathias denounced "corruption in the country’s judiciary system."

10. In the same paper, Nord-Sud Quotidien, Boni Claverie, the leader of the Union Republicaine pour la Democartie (URD) – a party close to the ruling FPI – expressed concerns about recent results in the Ivorian education system. According to the paper, Claverie said, "The low success rates in schools and universities, as compared to results in neighboring countries, during the past few years, show that the performance of our education system is poor."

December 10, 2007

1. Normalization of bilateral relations between France and Cote d’Ivoire dominated the press, today. Other reports were on Ivorian youths’ reconciliation with exiled outspoken Ivorian reggae star, Tiken Jah Fakoly, who returned home from a five-year exile in Bamako, Mali.

2. Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) carried a front-page story quoting the French President Nicolas Sarkozy as saying, "The normalization of relations between Paris and Abidjan would become possible after the elections." According to the paper, Sarkozy was speaking in Lisbon, Portugal after a meeting with President Laurent Gbagbo on the margins of the just-ended EU-Africa Summit on democracy and free trade. The paper quoted the French Leader as saying, "There is a need to organize elections within a short deadline and these elections must be transparent. On behalf of France, I told President Gbagbo that if everything goes well according to plan, France would consider resuming its normal relations with Cote d’Ivoire. Obviously, any new delay would seriously jeopardize the credibility of the process [the peace process]."

3. According to Fraternite Matin Sarkozy held talks with Gbagbo, on the brinks of the just-ended EU-Africa Summit on democracy and free trade in Lisbon. The paper carried a blissful picture of Sarkozy and Gbagbo and quoted the French President telling his Ivorian counterpart, "I know you’re not the father of the Ivoirité." The paper concluded that "the mistrust between the French and the Ivorian regimes appears to be fading out, and the 2nd UE-African Summit could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the relations between France and Cote d’Ivoire."

3. The paper also suggested that the aim of this meeting was "to turn the page," after what it called "the regrettable Chirac episode." The paper attributed the following remarks to Sarkozy: "For the past five years, relations between our two countries have been strained. This is not normal. We must work together." Meanwhile, the paper intimated that though the two sides are trying to remove all the obstacles that continue to blocking the way, the French Head of State continues to demand "free elections" as a pre-condition for the normalization of the relation between France and Cote d’Ivoire.

4. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the Ivoirian reggae star, came back home like "a prodigal son," after five years of exile which began at the start of the political strife in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, more than 10,000 fans from around the capital Abidjan thronged the Treichville Sport Center last Saturday, for Tiken Jah Fakoly’s mega concert to reconcile Ivorians. The paper also reported that government officials including Sidiki Konate, Tourism and Craft Industry minister, who is also the New Forces spokesman and Mel Eg Theodor, Urban Affairs and Sanitation minister [supporter of President Laurent Gbagbo], attended the concert.

5. L’intelligent d’Abidjan (a privately-owned daily): Under the banner headline, "Concert for reconciliation: Tiken Jah Fakoly plays with the big boys," the paper devoted two pages to the event. It carried many pictures of the concert and concluded that the concert marks the return of the Ivorian reggae star.

6. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) branded Tiken Jah Fakoly "a Peace Ambassador." The paper saluted particularly "the high sense of maturity" of an artist, who in the wake of the September 2002 events in his country went into a self-imposed exile in Bamako, Mali. "Let’s pardon each other. Let’s reconcile with each other. What happened was a war of explanation that opposed two brothers," the paper quoted Tiken Jah Fakoly as saying. The reggae star was also reported as saying that the upcoming elections in Cote d’Ivoire would be another "test" for Ivorians. To succeed, he urged Ivorians to be "wise." "Was there any death after elections in France or in the United States? No," Tiken Jah Fakoly told the crowd amidst cheers, reported the paper.

December 07, 2007

1. Conflict between Gendarmes and taxi drivers, President Laurent Gbagbo’s recent visit to the north and the visit to Cote d’Ivoire of the French Minister of Defense are the major issues in today’s Ivoirian press

2. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): The paper reports that the retaliation of “CECOS” elements (Center of Command of security operations) against “gbakas” (mini buses) drivers continued yesterday, making difficult the life of the populations in Abidjan. According to the paper, in reprisals for the beating of two of their colleagues last Wednesday, the Gendarmes of CECOS attacked and beat all the gbakas’ drivers they met in the streets of Abidjan, killing one of them and injuring 28 others.

The paper also reports the meeting the French Minister of Defense had yesterday with President Gbagbo. During their meeting, the French Minister is quoted as saying: “My mission here is to visit French troops like “La Licorne” and to tell President Gbagbo that our wish is that the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement takes effect in order to quickly go to normalization and have elections”.

3. In l’Intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily), a front-story headline says: “Fight between Cecos and Gbaka drivers, many drivers injured after the clash. According the paper, one driver died, 32 other were injured and 19 vehicles damaged as the result of reprisal of CECOS against drivers who beat two members of CECOS last Wednesday.

L’Intelligent d’Abidjan also reports that there is hostility between Guillaume Soro and Desiré Tragro, the Minister of Interior. That hostility began during the direct dialogue in Ouagadougou. According to the paper, the New Forces delegation did not want annexes of the Agreement in which dates were requested for disarmament and elections to be considered as a full part of the accord because their wish was to have a three-year transition. But Desire Tagro, who is a lawyer, saw the trap and insisted that the annexes to the Agreement must be considered as being a full part of the agreement.

The paper also reports that during the French Minister of Defense visit yesterday, he said that the French troops will not depart Cote d’Ivoire now. He is quoted as saying: “The departure of the French troops is not on the agenda although things are getting better since the signature of the Ouagadougou Agreement. We will retrieve our troops when we have the sentiment that normalization is underway and there is no more risk of conflict.”

4.  Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI) says: “Presidential elections: Bedié, president of PDCI, and Ouattara, president of RDR give up”. According to the paper, as Bedié and Ouattara do not rely any more on success during the upcoming presidential elections, they have set their heart on parliamentary elections in order to keep suspense among the population and continue their gruesome game.

The paper also reports that the French Minister of Defense met President Gbagbo on Wednesday night. After his meeting, he told journalists that things are getting better in Cote d’Ivoire.

5. In 24 Heures (a daily close to the opposition), a front- page story says: “Governor of BCEAO (Central Bank of West African States), Bohoun Bouabré, I am not an applicant.” According to the paper, during the launching ceremony for a new magazine whose sponsor was Bohoun Bouabré, Minister of Planning and Development, he took the opportunity to deny allegations of Jeune Afrique accusing him of activism to gain the favor of some African Heads of State to occupy the position of Governor of the Bank. He admitted he met Burkina’s President at the request of President Gbagbo.

The paper also reports that after his meeting with President Gbagbo last Wednesday, the French Minister of Defense met Prime Minister Soro Guillaume yesterday. After the audience, he told journalists that questions concerning the new Ivorian army is a priority for his country.

6. "Governor of BCEAO, Compaoré breaks the dream of Bohoun Bouabré," is the front-page story in Le Nouveau Réveil (a daily close to the opposition PDCI). According to the paper, the new governor of the West African States’ Central Bank, which will be designated on January 16, 2008 in Ouagadougou to replace Charles Konan Banny, will not be Bohoun Bouabré unless a miracle happens. The paper reports that when a Jeune Afrique journalist asked him why he was pushing his candidacy for the position of governor, the Minister replied: “At the request of President Gbagbo I met President Compaore but he told me to see the other heads of state as he is not the only one which decides.”

7. "Robbed three times within five months, who wants to reduce to silence Nord-Sud Quotidien?" is the question in Nord-Sud Quotidien's (a daily close to the opposition) front-page story. According to the paper, this is the third time that their newspaper has been robbed. All the computers have been taken and the editing room ransacked. The editor in chief reassured his colleagues that he is determined to maintain the newspaper in its editorial line of objectivity, neutrality and professionalism in the treatment of information.

December 05, 2007

1. The identification process, one of the key points in the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, is the major issue in today’s Ivoirian press. Meanwhile, President Laurent Gbagbo’s recent visit to the north continues to be a subject of front-page stories in the dailies. Other reporting is on Gbagbo’s upcoming trip to Lisbon and on the war to eliminate small arms in the sub-region.

2. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): The paper reports that the Ivoirian Prime Minister met with the Managing Director of the French firm, SAGEM, Jean Paul Jainsky, yesterday, to officially inform the firm that it has been selected as the technical operator in charge of the identification program and the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper reminded readers that the decision to appoint the French group to conduct the operation was taken on November 29, 2007, when the Ivoirian President and his Prime Minister signed the supplements of the Ouagadougou Political Agreements I and II in Korhogo in the north of Cote d’Ivoire. The paper said that under the terms of these agreements, "The two sides agreed to appoint the French Group SAGEM as the technical operator in charge of the identification program and the electoral process."

3. According to Fraternite Matin, Jean Paul Jainsky, who was speaking to the press after his meeting with Soro, did not indicate the exact date of the beginning of the identification program nor did he say how long it will take to complete this operation. The paper quotes Jainsky as saying, "We’ve not yet received the final document containing the terms of reference." According to the paper, He [Managing Director of the French Group SAGEM] is optimistic and thinks that the Group would meet the challenge in a couple of months." On this optimism, Jainsky reportedly said "this is all dependent on the terms of reference and the means that would be provided."" The paper continues on to say that Jainsky commented that there are about 12 million people of concern in the identification program.

4. Le Rebond (a daily close to the opposition): In this paper, though the headline says that Jainsky is concerned about "the short time" to complete the identification process, the report says Jainsky and his group are prepared to "take the challenge."

5. With regards to the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) publishes an open letter written by its publisher, Coulibaly Seydou, to Prime Minister Guillaume Soro. The letter suggests that "despite the signing of the supplements to the Ouagadougou Political Agreements, the future of Cote d’Ivoire still looks uncertain." The letter also questioned the effectiveness of the implementation of the agreements. Coulibaly Seydou, also a political analyst, says that Soro has "little room to maneuver," and that "financial and political hitches" are the major stumbling blocks in his way to achieving his objectives.

6. On the visit of President Laurent Gbagbo to the north, Le Temps (a daily close the Ivoirian leader) carries a 12-page report claiming that "the myth of ‘Brave-Tche’ [a nickname for the opposition leader Alassane Dramane Ouattara] has dwindled down." The paper calls the visit "a reconciliation between Gbagbo and the population in northern Cote d’Ivoire as the campaign designed to thwart the tour failed."

7. Meanwhile, a front-page story in Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR) says that "Gbagbo’s visit to the north does not threaten the interest of the RDR, the party of Alassane Dramane Ouattara in this region."

8. A front-page story in L’inter (a privately-owned daily) says that "relations between Gbagbo and Mamadou Koulibaly [perceived as one of the architects of the ruling FPI party] are strained." The paper quotes an un-named political analyst as saying, "Gbagbo and Koulibaly defer over political issues." "Mamadou Koulibaly thinks he has become useless, since Gbagbo does not listen to him anymore before taking his decisions." Reporting on the same issue, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) carries a headline saying that "Koulibaly, the number two of the Gbagbo regime, has gone into exile."

9. Fraternite Matin announces that President Laurent Gbagbo is expected in Lisbon, Portugal to attend the European-Africa Summit slated for December 8-9.

10. On another issue, the state-owned daily reports that experts from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have designed plans aimed at fighting small arms in the sub-region. According to the paper, West African experts, who met on November 28-29 in Bamako, Mali, said that "these strategies would help foster a change of behavior among the population and also help them adopt a culture of peace; the backbone for security and development."

December 04, 2007

1. Reports on the International Union of Francophone Press, President Laurent Gbagbo’s visit in the North of Cote d’Ivoire, the upcoming elections, and the supplementary Ouagadougou Agreement are today’s key topics in the Ivoirian press.

2. In Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily), a front-page headline reads: “Gbagbo asks for foreign journalists’help; he is quoted as saying: “Help us having a serious press”. During the opening ceremony yesterday of the International Union of francophone press, President Gbagbo asked to journalists to regard our countries with serious looks and not with propagandist looks. He told foreign journalists that what he expects from them is serious, fair and neutral views and criticisms about Côte d’Ivoire.

The paper also reports that Gbagbo seized this important meeting of the francophone press to inform journalists that  the exact dates for the elections will be determined within one or two months.

3. In L’Inter (an independent daily), a front-page story says: “The 39th Session of the Union of Francophone Press, Gbagbo replies to his opponents; in two months the elections dates will be determined. Fologo, the president of the Economic Council, denounced some embassies”. According to the paper, President Gbagbo and Fologo took the opportunity of the Francophone press meeting to express some of their views on the peace process. The paper reports that while Gbagbo was talking about timetable of the elections, Fologo was attacking the International Community for continuing to demonize Cote d’Ivoire. According to Fologo, some embassies advice to their citizens is not to come to Cote d’Ivoire. He is quoted as saying: “Those who think that we will not organize elections are ridiculous.”

The paper also reports that during his visit in the North, President Gbagbo promised the population that on his return to Abidjan, he would set up a follow-up committee supervised by the Prime Minister in order to look at the specific problems of the savannah region.

4.  In Soir Info (an independent daily), a front-page story with the headline: “Lessons of Gbagbo’s visit in the North was culled from an article written by a Burkinabé newspaper, San Finnan. The report in San Finnan says: “those who have lived four years in the rebel zones and to whom best future was promised at the beginning of the war have quickly disenchanted. According to the paper, the population in the North, which is lacking basic needs and living in somewhat of jungle life in an abandoned territory by the State was really happy to see President Gbagbo. To them the visit of Gbagbo means the end of their suffering. Observers as well as journalits reported that Gbagbo’s visit in the North was a success.

5.  In L’Intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily), a front-page headline says: Laurent Gbagbo yesterday: “They are ridiculous, those who think that we will not organize elections; dates will be determined within one or two months; I expect the press to be neutral and fair”. According to the paper, during the opening ceremony of the International Union of Francophone Press yesterday at the Hotel Ivoire, Gbagbo announced in front of foreign journalists that his resolve is to rapidly go to the elections in order to end the crisis. He also asked journalists not to be subservient to political parties but to be a neutral and painless press.

6.  In Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition), a front-page story says: “Opening of the 39th session of the International Union of Francophone Press, Gbagbo and Fologo shoot at journalists”. According to the paper, during the opening ceremony yesterday, Gbagbo and Fologo awkwardly tried to defend the case of Cote d’Ivoire, a country hostile to the practice of press freedom, though it is said that no journalist will be jailed, this is not the reality.

Fologo, who is a former journalist attacked the journalists, particularly the outgoing president of the Union. He is quoted as saying: “You are here in Cote d’Ivoire where the inhabitants have not changed. Francophone media demonized this country. The country was demonized and called many names. Today, even in some travel agencies, Cote d’Ivoire is not recommended as a place to visit. This demonization is due to a disinformation that is still on.”

The paper also reports that Alfred Dan Moussa, the editor in chief of Fraternité Matin has been named president of the Union. He succeeds to Hervé Bourges.

On another subject, the paper writes: “USA: Bush, the time of repentence?” According to the paper, after wagging war against Iraq and speaking out harshly against Iran, Syria and North Korea, Bush’s son seems to be in a better frame of mind with regards to organization of a Middle-East peace conference in Annapolis and the announcement of doubling  America’s aid to fight against HIV/AIDS and poverty

7. In 24 Heures (a daily close to the opposition), a front-page story says: “Gbagbo rakes up Soro’s zones; the ex-rebels choose death by euthanasia”. The paper expresses some concern over whether the Ouagadougou supplementary Accord signed on November 28 rings the ends of the ex-rebels. In the report, the paper asks Soro’s men to give back. The money, according to the paper, which is the nerve of war, should come back to the hands of the Head of State, who has gained the friendship of the population during his recent visit in the north.

8. In Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition), a front-page headline says: “Supplementary Agreements, grey areas of Ouaga II and III; is the deadline realistic?”  According to the paper, despite the crisis created by the Minister of Interior on the case of SAGEM (the office in charge of the electoral listings and the identification), last Thursday Gbagbo and Soro signed the Ouagadougou Accord that is supposed to re-launch the peace process. The paper also says, the question regarding the grades of New Forces soldiers and quota of those soldiers to be integrated into the new army has not been resolved. Despite acts posed by the national security forces and the New Forces, the disarmament of the two armies still remains a concern.

9. In Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI), a front-page headline says: “Lessons of the Head of State’s visit in the North, Gbagbo speaks, FPI puts on weight. According to the paper, several militants of RDR and PDCI have joined FPI after President Gbagbo’s visit in the North.

The paper also reports that during the opening ceremony of the International Union of Francophone Press, Gbagbo said to journalists: “Cote d’Ivoire was torn by a war. As an historian I am not shaken because it is these ordeals that consolidate nations. All the countries in the world have had war but as a president, I am upset.”