National Daily Press Review Archive

December 29, 2006     

1. As 2007 is just around the corner, most Ivoirian newspapers devote full pages to wishing their readers a happy New Year. In the same vein, commentaries in today’s papers are dominated by wishes from Cote d’Ivoire’s two main opposition leaders.

2. “The wishes of Bedie and Ouattara to Ivoirians,” is the top news on the front page of the state-owned Fraternite Matin. In a message carried by the paper, the former head of state, Henry Konan Bedie, calls for “the unity of the nation.” To attain this objective, “We have to work for reconciliation in order to pave the way for democracy and development,” says the message. On his part, the leader of the opposition RDR party, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, says, “To restore peace [in Cote d’Ivoire], there is a need to ensure security throughout the country.” In his message, Ouattara also says, “Free and fair elections are the only way out of the current political deadlock. There is no alternative outside of UN Security Council Resolution 1721.”

3. Speaking to Fraternite Matin, the President of the Economic and Social Council, Laurent Dona Fologo, encourages the leader of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro, “to join President Laurent Gbagbo so that he [Soro] can be seen as a man of peace.”

4. “2006: The year of terror…” Le Nouveau Reveil, close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, quotes Bedie as saying. The ex-Ivoirian leader is reported saying, “2006 was marked by chaos, atrocities, misfortunes, looting, maladministration, impunity, impoverishment of the populations, gross human rights violations, dumping of toxic waste, and mismanagement… orchestrated by the ruling FPI party.” To make a break with this situation, “Bedie urges Ivoirians to not be discouraged, but to get ready for a new momentum.”

6. Still on Ouattara’s New Year message, Nord-Sud Quotidien quotes the Ivoirian opposition leader as saying, “The establishment of national certificates, and a new voters’ register, which are reliable and credible, are the preconditions for transparent and democratic elections.” In another development, the paper publishes a statement, in which Cote d’Ivoire’s Muslim Student Association is reported as accusing “Islamic associations and the government for being responsible for the situation where 2000 pilgrims were not able to make their trip to Mecca.”

7. In a front-page story, L’intelligent d’Abidjan explains how “Ouattara helped Ivoirian pilgrims to travel to Mecca.” According to the privately-owned daily, “At the request of Ouattara, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade personally asked the King of Saudi Arabia to allow Jeddah International Airport to be reopened to enable planes carrying Ivoirian pilgrims to land.” The President of the National Islamic Council, Imam Idriss Koudouss, said: “I’ve lost the moral,” after “2000 pilgrims were stranded in Abidjan.”

8. “There will be no direct dialogue between Gbagbo and Soro,” says a banner headline carried by 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition. Citing reliable sources, the paper indicates that, “The leader of the New Forces will reject Gbagbo’s offer.”

9. In a front-page story, Le Temps outlines “Gbagbo’s strategy to restore peace in Cote d’Ivoire.” According to the daily close to the Ivoirian president, “Gbagbo’s plan includes sidelining the Ivoirian opposition groups and France.” In a related issue, the paper quotes Fologo as saying, “We can no longer accept that the country [Cote d’Ivoire] is divided into two.”

10. According to Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, “The rebellion has lost its supporters as French, Malian, and Burkinabe nationals living in Bouake accuse its leaders of having amassed wealth to the detriment of the populations and businessmen.” As the outgoing UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, is due to quit his post in a few days, the paper wonders whether “the change at the UN will mark the end of the Ivoirian crisis.”

11. “Annan’s departure will change nothing,” writes Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces. According to the paper, “The confidence zone will not be suspended as Gbagbo demanded recently in his state broadcast.”           

December 27, 2006    

1. A few days after President Laurent Gbagbo’s state broadcast, in which he announced his intention to engage in direct dialogue with the New Forces, Ivoirian papers say that the New Forces’ leader, Guillaume Soro, is to respond to Gbagbo’s proposals on January 1.

2. Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, carries a banner headline entitled: “At long last Soro is to break his silence.” The paper publishes a communique from the New Forces, saying, “On the occasion of the celebration of the new year, the Secretary General of the New Forces and Minister of State, Guillaume Soro, will address Ivoirians and the international community on January 1 in Bouake.” According to the paper, “Soro is likely to respond to major questions, such as whether the New Forces would agree to engage in direct dialogue with Gbagbo.” “In any case,” comments the paper, “Soro’s speech comes at the right time, as the peace process is deadlocked.”

3. “The five peace proposals made by Gbagbo have little chance of being accepted by the strong men in Bouake,” writes Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. It says, “Soro will throw his weight behind Resolution 1721 and Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny.” “The response of the Minister of Reconstruction,” the paper goes on, “will likely be in keeping with the peace plan designed by the international community.”

4. “Soro is to kill Gbagbo’s message,” writes Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. According to the paper, every party involved in the Ivoirian crisis is preparing for “the final battle,” after the New Year’s festivities. The paper suggests that, “The truce declared recently by the RHDP [the opposition coalition] does not mean they’ve accepted defeat.”

5. “The RHDP has not capitulated,” says a front-page story carried by Le Jour Plus, close to the opposition. The paper explains that, “The truce was part of the opposition coalition’s strategy.”

6. “The head of state wants a direct dialogue with the rebellion: Why the RHDP fears a rapprochement between Gbagbo and Soro,” says a banner headline that runs across Le Courrier d’Abidjan. The paper, close to Gbagbo, comments that, “A thorough analysis of the president’s recent broadcast shows that he [Gbagbo] wants to sideline supporters of the rebellion.” It expresses concerns, however, about “issues to be discussed by Gbagbo and Soro in case they meet.” “The man [Soro] never speaks his own mind. He is just the part of the iceberg above the water. It is a Franco-African system, which is led by Jacques Chirac, the sponsor of the Ivoirian rebellion.”

7. According to Le Matin d’Abidjan, another privately-owned daily close to Gbagbo, “The RHDP has stepped up pressure on Soro.” It adds: “The leader of the rebellion is aware that the RHDP won’t tolerate a situation where he supports Gbagbo’s peace proposals.” Still on Gbagbo’s intention to hold direct talks with Soro, the paper indicates that, “The Presidents of Burkina Faso and Senegal, Blaise Compaore and Abdoulaye Wade, and Amadou Toumani Toure of Mali, have descended into the arena to support Gbagbo.” Citing reliable sources, the paper says, “The three African heads of state have been engaged in shuttle diplomacy with the purpose of convincing Soro and his warlords to accept Gbagbo’s peace plan.”

8. “After the head of state’s proposals, the rebellion is in a tight corner,” says a banner headline that runs across the privately-owned daily Soir Info. The paper comments that, “ Today, it’s clear for Guillaume Soro that he can no longer rely on the RHDP, whose leaders are unable to bring down Gbagbo, who is strongly in command.” It also suggests that, “The leader of the New Forces may have agreed to a dialogue with Gbagbo that excludes the Ivoirian political opposition. But the truth is that by accepting the proposal, he risks facing discontent within his movement, a situation which is likely to result in a new division inside the rebellion.”     

December 26, 2006   

1. Commentaries in today’s Ivoirian press are dominated by the general political situation and the celebration of Christmas throughout the divided country.

2. In a front story, the privately-owned daily, 24 Heures, quotes the Archbishop of Bouake, Monsignor Paul Simeon Ahouana, as saying, “Without justice, peace is impossible.” According to the paper, the Roman Catholic clergy was speaking during a mass organized in the New Forces’ stronghold to mark the Christmas. In another development, the paper, close to the opposition, reports that, “Licorne [the French peacekeeping force in Cote d’Ivoire] foiled an attack against the residence of the leader of the opposition RDR party, Alassane Dramane Ouattara.” The paper also reports that, “The leader of the New Forces, Soro Guillaume, is consulting his army, as UN Resolution 1721 is in impasse.”

3. “Let us be born again and escape our blindness,” Monsignor Paul Simeon Ahouana told Ivoirians, reports Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. According to the paper, “The district of Abidjan was cordoned off during the Christmas festivities.”

4. Despite the deployment of heavy security in Abidjan and its surroundings, “a church was attacked,” reports the privately-owned daily L’inter. “Mr. Sex Machine passed away,” writes the paper, which devotes a full page to pay tribute to James Brown, who died at 73 of heart failure early Christmas morning in an Atlanta hospital. “George W. Bush salutes the Godfather of Soul,” writes the paper.  

5. Said Monsignor Jean Pierre Kutwa, the Archbishop of Abidjan: “Christmas has come, let’s lay down the guns,” reports L’evenement. While efforts are underway to resolve the Ivoirian crisis, “200 women say they will stand during upcoming general elections in Cote d’Ivoire,” indicates the paper, close to Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny. “We’ve not received any emissary from Gbagbo,” the paper quotes Soro Guillaume, who spoke following the Ivoirian leader’s recent proposal to engage in direct dialogue with the New Forces. 

6.  According to the privately-owned daily, L’intelligent d’Abidjan, “The Burkinabe President, Blaise Compaore, is working to facilitate a direct dialogue between Gbagbo and Soro.” 

7. Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, says, “The rebellion may consider supporting the peace proposals made by the head of state.” According to the paper, “A delegation made up of Ivoirian journalists and officials is currently in the Rwandese capital, Kigali, to learn about Rwanda’s experience in the peace process.” The paper also quotes President Gbagbo as saying, “France is not the solution to the Ivoirian crisis. We’ll stick to the Constitution.”

8. Gbagbo, who was speaking to an international television network on the peace process underway in his country, said: “Resolution 1721 shows that small countries also have their rights,” reports the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin. The paper also explains why “African countries cannot abandon Gbagbo.”

9. According to a front-page story in Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, “There have been 13 coups planned by France against Gbagbo and none of them worked.”

10. Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, allegedly reports that, “French troops in Cote d’Ivoire are preparing to attack the west of the country.”              

December 21, 2006  

1. President Laurent Gbagbo’s state broadcast, in which he outlined five proposals that he said will end the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire, is the main subject in today’s Ivoirian papers.  

2. "Direct dialogue with Gbagbo: Soro let down the RHDP (the opposition coalition)," says a banner headline that runs across Le Matin d’Abidjan, a paper close to Gbagbo. According to the paper, Guillaume Soro’s silence is a message of approval because when Soro does not agree with something, he reacts right away.

3. Le Courrier d’Abidjan, another paper close to Gbagbo, carries a banner headline saying that, as it was ignored in President Gbagbo’s speech, the RHDP (the opposition coalition) is looking for legitimacy. According to the paper, as Gbagbo has decided to talk directly with Soro, the "profiteers" will have to wait for normalization and that make the RHDP angry.

4. Notre Voie, a daily close to FPI, carries a headline saying: "Proposals for peace by the Head of State: the political class applauds". According to the paper, 5 political parties have agreed with President Gbagbo’s proposals to take the resolution of the crisis and the creation of new paths toward peace into his hands.

5. Le Jour, a daily close to the opposition, carries a banner saying: "Speech to the nation: the game of ‘hide and Seek’ between Gbagbo and the UN". According to the paper, Gbagbo has just reaffirmed his refusal to apply Resolution 1721. The paper says he is playing this game in order to gain time.

6. 24 Heures, a daily close to a daily close to the opposition, carries a headline stating that the opposition coalition rejects Gbagbo and asks its militants/supporters to take to the street to put an end to the dictatorship.

7. The paper also mentioned the discovery of 818 false Baccalaureate holders. According to the paper, the director of the BTS announced during a press conference that, when they analyzed the files of some candidates in order to send them to high schools or to universities for the new academic year, they discovered that the names of the supposed future students do not appear in the official list of successful candidates from the 2006 session.

8. Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA, carries a banner saying: "proposal to end the crisis: Bedié replies to Gbagbo". The paper says that the RHDP is not very interested in the president’s proposals. They feel that Gbagbo has created conditions for a civil war and thus they reject the proposals.

9. Soir Info, a privately-owned daily, carries a headline saying that the New Forces have been once again been refused entry at the Prime Minister’s office by the security and defense forces (FDS). According to the paper, Prime Minister Banny has asked General Mangou to explain why the New Forces, who came on Tuesday to attend to the military dialogue meeting at his office, were refused entry then and were once again refused entry on Wednesday.

10. L’Inter, a privately-owned daily, carries a headline saying: "Diamond traffic, the UN has caught the rebellion". According to the paper, after several weeks of investigation in the North of Côte d’Ivoire, a group of experts from the UN have submitted a report to the Security Council on the exploitation of diamonds and their sale in countries bordering Côte d’Ivoire.

December 20, 2006    

1. President Laurent Gbagbo’s state broadcast yesterday, in which he outlined five proposals that he said will end the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire, is the main subject in today’s Ivoirian papers.

2. “Gbagbo: I’m ready to engage into direct talks with Soro,” says a banner headline that runs across the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. The paper then publishes the full text of Gbagbo’s address to the nation quoting him as saying, “My first proposal is to engage into direct dialogue with the rebels to attain disarmament and reunification of the country,” adding: “I’m ready to talk to them as soon as this evening.”

3. According to the paper, “The political landslide that many at home feared simply didn’t happen, as the president didn’t sack the Prime Minister, nor did he dissolve the transitional government.” However, the paper comments, “Gbagbo’s speech has triggered electric shock among the international community.” It wonders whether “his proposals do not implicitly halt the mandate of the UN peacekeepers and that of Licorne [French troops based in Abidjan], and signal the end of the international community’s involvement in Ivoirian affairs.”  

4. Meanwhile, a leading member of the opposition RDR party reportedly says, “There’ll be no solution to the Ivoirian crisis outside Resolution 1721, because it allows presidential elections to be held in a very short time frame.” While the New Forces refuse “to comment on” Gbagbo’s broadcast, a leading member of the ruling FPI party calls it “an original plan,” reports the paper.

5. Notre Voie, a daily close to FPI, believes that, Gbagbo has now taken “control of the situation.” Another headline carries by the paper says, “A new government will follow soon.”

6. To find a way out of the crisis, “Gbagbo adopts a new blueprint,” writes Le Courrier d’Abidjan. The paper predicts that “the nomination of a new Prime Minister will be Gbagbo’s next step.”

7. In a critical analysis, the privately-owned daily L’inter suggests that, “By recommending direct dialogue with the rebels, the head of state implies that he intends to form a new government, which will be free from any political impediment, and will consequently exclude his opponents.” The paper also comments, “The move is aimed at ending any external interference [into the Ivoirian crisis] including international organizations such as ECOWAS, the African Union, the UN, the International Working Group, and particularly France, a country which is perceived as being part of the conflict.” It further says, “Resolution 1721 has been buried.”

8. Now that the president has spoken, L’inter ponders “Banny’s reaction.” The paper suggests that, “Banny won’t abandon the party, because in case the plan that has been outlined by the head of state fails, he [Banny] will remain the sole and credible alternative.”

9. Commenting on the president’s broadcast, Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, says, “Gbagbo forgot to clean the house.” Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, calls Gbagbo’s address “deceit.”   

10. “Gbagbo knows that we constitute a force. He is therefore obliged to compromise with us,” the privately-owned daily Soir Info, quotes the leader of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro, as saying.

11. In a related development, Fraternite Matin announces that, “The European Commission on Tuesday granted some 103 million euros (135 million dollars) in aid money for reconstruction in Cote d’Ivoire. The money will be used to finance access to drinking water, sewage treatment, electricity, primary healthcare and medicines,” reports the paper.  

December 19, 2006

1. A statement issued yesterday by the Presidency that Ivoirian leader Laurent Gbagbo will address the nation today on the political situation, after a series of consultations with various groups, makes many of the headlines in today’s Ivoirian papers.  

2. Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, runs a front-page headline entitled: “Resolution of the Ivoirian crisis: Gbagbo is to speak today.” The paper comments that, “The Ivoirian leader is likely to come out with proposals that are in line with his position after the UN Security Council voted on Resolution 1721.” It recalls that in an address on November 2, “Gbagbo clearly rejected any clauses of the UN resolution that violate the Ivoirian Constitution.” The paper also reports that, “The Director of the Port of Abidjan, and the Director of Customs, who were suspended by the Prime Minister in connection with the toxic waste scandal, have resumed work.”

3. “I’ll take soft decisions.” Le Courrier d’Abidjan quotes Gbagbo ahead the president’s state address.

4. “Gbagbo is to unveil his plan today,” writes the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin. The paper suggests that, “The Ivoirian leader may decide to stay away from any radical posture that demands the breaking of diplomatic relations with France, forcible disarmament of the rebels, and formation of a new government without Banny.” Meanwhile, the paper publishes a statement issued by the CNRD [a coalition of political parties and movements supporting Gbagbo] reaffirming “the supremacy of the Ivoirian Constitution.”

5. As Ivoirians await their president’s speech on the way out of the political stalemate, 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, foresees “a clash opposing Gbagbo against Banny.” Citing reliable sources, the paper discloses that, “A new government is in the offing, as Gbagbo’s new plan includes the formation of a new cabinet.” “The aim of the blueprint,” writes the paper, “is to force Banny to resign.” The move, explains the paper, consists of giving the head of the transitional government “a prefabricated cabinet.” In this situation, “The only room left for the premier would be to take or leave it,” suggests the paper.  

6. According to Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, “Cote d’Ivoire holds its breath, as Gbagbo is expected to address the nation today.” The paper opines that, “The Ivoirian leader won’t have the courage to change the Prime Minister.”

7. A front-page story in Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, says, “The opposition has capitulated, while Gbagbo is forging ahead.” The paper wonders, “whether there is any opposition in Cote d’Ivoire.” Pondering Gbagbo’s plan to resolve the crisis in his country, the paper suggests that, “The Ivoirian leader is intended to take ECOWAS leaders, who are due to meet next Friday in Ouagadougou, by surprise.”

December 18, 2006

1. Papers in Cote d’Ivoire are skeptical about Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny’s plan to resume the disarmament and national identification schemes.

2. "Public hearings, identification, and disarmament: Banny in a tight corner," says a banner headline that runs across the privately-owned daily L’inter. "Banny isn’t yet at the end of the tunnel, after he suffered a setback during his first 12 months in office as the premier," comments the paper, because "the head of the Ivoirian transitional government is confronted with difficulties in his efforts to implement the road map that has been imposed upon him by the international community." According to the paper, "The identification process, originally scheduled to start today, has been postponed after both the rebellion and the ruling party rejected the plan."

3. Another banner headline carried by Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, says, "The failure of the disarmament and identification schemes was predictable." The paper says, "Like in July, Banny has launched the schemes without trying to see to the pre-conditions." "Before the programs can get underway, there are major obstacles that need to be addressed," suggests the paper.

4. According to the state-owned Fraternite Matin, "The identification scheme hangs in the balance." The paper reports that, "The technical team, which has been tasked to oversee the program, is waiting for the Ivoirian political stakeholders to agree on the modus operandi before its deployment throughout the country." According to the paper, "The New Forces want the provisional and final nationality certificates to be issued at the same time."

5. The paper also publishes the full text of a statement made by President Laurent Gbagbo during a meeting with a delegation of northern Ivoirian populations last week in Abidjan. It quotes Gbagbo as saying, "Xenophobia has been created in Cote d’Ivoire by politicians." In another development, the paper reports that, "The UN Security Council has extended, for another six months, the mandate of the Group of Experts which oversees the implementation of sanctions imposed on Cote d’Ivoire."

6. "According to the report of Group of Experts, Gbagbo violates the arms embargo," writes Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party.

7. A front-page story in Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, indicates that, "Opposition demonstrations against Gbagbo’s decision to reinstate three senior officials – suspended in connection with the toxic waste scandal - have failed as the director of the Port of Abidjan resumed duty on Saturday." In a commentary, the paper questions "Ivoirian opposition leaders’ struggle to establish a new political order in Cote d’Ivoire." It criticizes the opposition’s strategy, when "leaders hide behind the youth."

8. Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party asks: "Does Gbagbo buy the RHDP [the opposition coalition?" The paper tells readers that, "Contrary to the promise made by leaders of the RHDP, Gossio [the director of the Port of Abidjan] did not walk on any bodies of opposition supporters, when he resumed duty on Saturday." "So, Banny too cried foul for nothing," the writes paper. It adds: "Opposition leaders betrayed the population at the grassroots, and the youths." According to the paper, "The other two officials – suspended for their alleged connections to the toxic waste scandal – will resume duty today. Gbagbo is to form his government on Thursday."

9. A statement made by Gbagbo over the weekend during the Pan-African youth conference held in Abidjan hits the front-page of Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to the president. According to the paper, "Gbagbo promises a final victory over Chirac." "We’ll win our struggle," the paper quotes the Ivoirian leader as saying.

10. Soir Info, a privately-owned daily, critically looks at the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, and suggests that, "The strained relationship between Gbagbo and Chirac has not only spoiled bilateral relations between Cote d’Ivoire and France, but has also undermined efforts to resolve the Ivoirian crisis."

December 15, 2006

1. Commentaries in today’s Ivoirian papers are dominated by reactions following a presidential decree banning marches and street demonstrations for seven months in Cote d’Ivoire.

2. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily Soir Info says, "Gbagbo is to corner the opposition." The paper reports that the recent decree banning public demonstrations also warns, "Offenders of the current decree are liable to penalties provided by the criminal code." The paper comments that, "The Ivoirian leader has taken legal measures to bring down the opposition." According to the paper, the Ivoirian Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, who met with President Gbagbo on Wednesday in a bid to burry the differences opposing them, "has joined in to support the presidential decree." Meanwhile, the paper goes on, the opposition refuses "to surrender to the decision," and denounces what they call "a dictatorship."

3. "The decree banning public demonstrations is null and void," L’inter quotes the leadership of RHDP [the opposition coalition] as saying. The paper also explains "how Gbagbo wants to corner the opposition demonstrations planned for Saturday."

4. A banner headline that runs across the daily, Le Nouveau Reveil, says, "The RHDP defies Gbagbo." The leadership of the opposition coalition is reported as calling on "all militants to stand up against the dictatorship." The paper publishes a statement issued yesterday by the RHDP, which "strongly condemns any attempt to jeopardize fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Constitution."

5. "The revolt of the RHDP against Gbagbo," writes 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition. The Ivoirian opposition group says "no to the minority’s dictatorship, while the opposition youths vow to take to the street tomorrow," reports the paper. It carries a banner headline announcing "the arrival of a UN Security Council envoy to Abidjan." Citing reliable sources, the paper indicates that, "During the UN Security Council meeting on Tuesday, the U.S. representative insisted that a strong, clear, and simple message should be sent to Ivoirian leaders."

6. "Gbagbo reaffirms the supremacy of the Constitution," says a banner headline in the daily Le Courrier d’Abidjan. According to the paper, close to Gbagbo, "Nothing has changed after his meeting with Banny." Gbagbo is reported as saying, "The departure of the Licorne [French peacekeeping troops is imminent." President Gbagbo, who was speaking to a delegation of representatives of populations from northern Cote d’Ivoire, is also quoted as saying, "Very soon, those who looted the resources in the north will be dragged to court."

7. "Tell the rebels to lay down their arms," Fraternite Matin quotes Gbagbo as saying. He reassured the gathering that, "I’ve no intention of killing Alassane Dramane Ouattara [leader of the opposition RDR party]. I don’t want to kill anybody. Cote d’Ivoire is one and will remain one. It’s our responsibility to bring back peace…," reports the state-owned daily.

8. "A plan of terror is unfolding, as 30 soldiers and civilians have been arrested in connection with the recent alleged coup attempt," reports Le Patriote, a daily close to the RDR party. Speaking on the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, the outgoing UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan is reported as saying, "The time is not in favor of Gbagbo."

9. Notre Voie, a daily owned by the ruling FPI party, bids a farewell to Annan as the new UN Secretary General was sworn in yesterday.

10. According to Le Front, a daily to the New Forces, "The presidential palace is gripped by panic." According to the paper, "Gbagbo has hired South-African mercenaries."

December 14, 2006

1. Papers in Cote d’Ivoire look at recent political developments, such as the recent alleged coup attempt and yesterday’s meeting between President Laurent Gbagbo and his Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, as a result of Ivoirian Catholic Bishops’ mediation efforts.

2. "Thanks to the mediation of the Bishops, Gbagbo and Banny held a three-hour conclave at the Presidential Palace yesterday," says a banner headline that runs across the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, "The conclave came after separate meetings between the Ivoirian Catholic Bishops and the two leaders." The paper comments, "The differences between Gbagbo and Banny over their respective powers, the scandal of the toxic waste that led to opposition demonstrations, and the recent coup attempt have thrown our country into confusion." The paper therefore hopes, "White smoke would come out of the conclave."

3. Regarding the recent coup attempt, the paper quotes the leaders of the ruling FPI party as saying, "It’s at a dead end." The former ruling PDCI-RDA party condemns "any coup attempt," while Licorne, the French peacekeeping force in Cote d’Ivoire, deplored "these acts". The paper also publishes a decree signed yesterday by Gbagbo banning "street demonstrations for seven months."

4. Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, carries a front-page story entitled: "The Bishops took Banny to Gbagbo’s." The paper comments, "The relationship between the two men will indicate whether the Bishops were able to resolve the differences between the president and the premier after the three-hour discussion." In another commentary, the paper calls leaders of the oppositions "coup plotters."

5. A front-page story in Le Front, a daily close to Gbagbo, says, "Gbagbo has taken control of the situation after meeting with Banny yesterday." Regarding the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, the paper quotes Charles Ble Goude, leader of the Young Patriots [a group supporting Gbagbo] as saying, "Chirac is afraid that Ivoirians will resolve the crisis amongst themselves." The youth leader, reports the paper, was speaking ahead of the African youth conference slated for December 15 in Abidjan.

6. 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, questions "the credibility of the alleged coup attempt" announced by the Ivoirian armed forces two days ago. The paper comments, "Gbagbo’s thousands of coup attempts are part of his strategy to keep power." On the coup attempt, the paper quotes Banny as saying, "I’m not concerned."

7. Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, carries an interview of "the man suspected of being the brains behind the supposed coup attempt." "It’s not true. I’m surprised by news that I’m in the 43eme BIMA [French military base in Abidjan]… Once again, Gbagbo has been trapped due to his intelligence services’ disinformation," the paper reports Adama Bictogo as saying.

8. Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, also quotes Adama Bictogo as saying: "I’m not the architect of this coup attempt."

9. L’inter, a privately-owned daily, comments, "The syndrome of September 19, 2002 is again looming ahead." The paper suggests that, "The coup attempt announced last Tuesday by the Ivoirian armed forces could lead to more defections by the army."

10. Regarding the opposition demonstrations aimed at protesting Gbagbo’s recent decrees, Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, indicates that, "The opposition is preparing to launch a big offensive." The paper quotes the opposition’s spokesman as saying, "We’ll continue our actions. The RHDP [the Ivoirian opposition coalition] won’t bow down to the armed forces."

11. Finally, Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, denounces what it calls "the confiscation of the state media by the ruling party."

December 12, 2006

1. Demonstrations by opposition youth groups, which continue to protest President Laurent Gbagbo’s recent decisions, and new developments in the Ivoirian peace process are the major news in today’s papers.

2. Nord-Sud Quotidien wonders about the "whereabouts of the Ivoirian opposition leaders when their youth groups are on frontline protesting Gbagbo’s decisions." The paper also asks whether, "An opposition protest march, slated for December 16, will be held according to plan." The privately-owned, daily close to the opposition, comments, "The opposition seems unable to challenge Gbagbo’s controversial decrees, which sacrifice the toxic waste victims and promote his personal interests."

3. According to Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, "After its operation dubbed ‘Dead City’ failed to produce a crowd, the RHDP [the Ivoirian opposition coalition] is set to launch on December 16 some urban guerrilla warfare." The objective of this "urban guerrilla warfare is to set the country ablaze," writes the paper. Commenting on the decision by the Prime Minister to resume public hearings in connection with the formal process of identifying Ivoirian nationals, the paper says, "Banny has ignored the disarmament process."

4. A front-page report in the privately-owned daily Le Jour Plus says, "The central city of Tiebissou was a theater for skirmishes yesterday." According to the paper, "Military and security forces have closed the corridor in the town." The paper, close to the opposition, quotes a leading political figure saying, "Cote d’Ivoire is unruly, and UN Resolution 1721 unacceptable and inapplicable." In another development, the paper announces "a meeting of the government today, to discuss the issue reforming the Ivoirian national army."

5. "Banny is preparing an integrated army," writes Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces. The paper comments, "Despite maneuvers by Gbagbo to sabotage the peace process, the Prime Minister is committed to implementing Resolution 1721, particularly its recommendation to merge the two armies."

6. "Tension is growing high in the western city of Duekoue," says a front-page story in Soir Info. According to the paper, "Six persons were killed December 4, when gunmen attacked travelers." The privately-owned daily publishes a full story, culled from the Paris-based Jeune Afrique, explaining, "How the Ivoirian First Lady influences the regime in Cote d’Ivoire."

7. "Banny is to declare economic war against Gbagbo," says a banner headline carried by Le Matin d’Abidjan. Citing reliable sources, the paper close to Gbagbo suggests that, "The Prime Minister, in his capacity as Finance Minister, plans to delay payment of salaries for December, in an attempt to provoke discontent among civil servants." The paper also denounces what it calls "the duplicity of the French in Africa politics." It quotes President Paul Kagame of Rwanda accusing France of "destabilizing Cote d’Ivoire."

8. Speaking to supporters last weekend, the leader of the Young Patriots [a group supporting Gbagbo] told the gathering that, "I’m the only president of the street," reports Le Temps. The daily, close to Gbagbo, quotes Kagame as saying, "France’s interference in the Ivoirian crisis is a shame that we have to fight."

9. "Ivoirian bishops’ strange mediation," says a banner headline carried by Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA. Commenting on the Ivoirian Catholic leaders’ mediation efforts to reconcile Gbagbo and Banny, the paper questions "the credibility of the move," and wonders whether, "The Catholic bishops are not unwittingly playing Gbagbo’s game."

10. Finally, the privately-owned daily, L’intelligent d’Abidjan, announces "Good news: the leader of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro, demands the re-opening of banks and other financial institutions in the New Forces’ stronghold."

December 11, 2006

1. Papers in Cote d’Ivoire look at recent political developments, such as the decision by the Prime Minister to resume public hearings in connection with the formal process of identifying Ivoirian nationals.

2. The privately-owned daily Soir Info carries on its front-page a picture of the UN Secretary General urging President Laurent Gbagbo and Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny "to avoid confrontation and maintain good relations." "Annan also called on Gbagbo and other political players to co-operate with the Prime Minister in the implementation of the disarmament and identification schemes."

3. "Annan calls on Gbagbo to co-operate, and not delay the application of Resolution 1721," writes 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition. According to the paper, "The UN will impose sanctions on the head of the Republican Guard, after he impeded the performance of the Blue Helmets, who form the Prime Minister’s security escort."

4. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily L’inter says, "The UN Security Council is due to meet today in New York, to decide whether to extend or not the mandate of UN troops in Cote d’Ivoire." The paper also announces "the rebirth" of Gbagbo and Banny’s cohabitation. Regarding the resumption of the identification scheme, the paper lists the obstacles that, it says, "could undermine the smooth implementation of the process." One of these bottlenecks, suggests the paper, "is the ruling party’s refusal to allow the Prime Minister to carry out the identification process."

5. "Why is Gbagbo afraid of the identification process?" questions a banner headline carried by Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces. The paper opines that, "Because of its minority in the national political arena, the ruling FPI party wants to reject the identification process in a bid to delay upcoming elections."

6. According to L’evenement, a daily close to Banny, "Gbagbo recently signed a new decree in conformity with Resolution 1721, following pressure from the United States."

7. A front-page item carried by Le Matin d’Abidjan says, "Banny has started negotiations with the FPI, after the chairman of the party criticized the decision by the Prime Minister to resume the identification scheme." In another development, the paper, close to Gbagbo, carries a two-page investigative report explaining "how the UN’s blue helmets are encouraging killings in western Cote d’Ivoire."

8. Reports in Notre Voie, a daily owned by the ruling FPI party, say, "Two persons were killed in the western town of Duekoue, following a rebel attack." The paper also accuses youth groups of the opposition as "ransacking and looting properties in the central city of Toumodi last Saturday."

9. Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR, quotes a leading member of the party as saying, "Public hearings will be take place, whether the FPI likes it or not."

10. In a two page report, the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, quotes the Israeli Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire as saying, "The solution to the Ivoirian crisis should come from Ivoirians." Regarding the identification process, the paper reports that, "The ruling FPI, and a delegation from the office of the Prime Minister, met yesterday in a bid to narrow their positions on the issue."

11. Le Temps, a paper close to Gbagbo, accuses the chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission of "selling to Banny."

December 08, 2006

1. Inter-Ivoirian mediation efforts to resolve the difference between President Laurent Gbagbo and his Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, are the top stories in today’s papers.

2. A front-page story in the privately-owned 24 Heures says, "Ivoirian Roman Catholic Church leaders, engaged in a mediation effort to reconcile Gbagbo and Banny, met with the latter yesterday in Yamoussoukro." The paper, close to the opposition, quotes the delegation’s leader, Monsignor Barthelemy Djabla, as saying, "We need peace. We must understand that nobody except ourselves can bring peace back to our country." The paper reports that the religious leaders transformed a mass organized to commemorate the death anniversary of former President Felix Houphouet-Boigny "into a political forum."

3. "Gbagbo and Banny must work together," the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin quotes the Monsignor as saying. According to the paper, "The meeting between the Roman Catholic leaders and the Ivoirian head of the transitional government followed similar talks between them and the head of state." Paying tribute to the former president, Monsignor Barthelemy Djabla described him "as a disciple of peace," and called upon Ivoirians, "to emulate him."

4. Just returned from Paris, the President of Ivoirian Economic and Social Council, Laurent Dona Fologo, is quoted as saying, "Chirac and Gbagbo must resume a dialogue." Fraternite Matin also published a UN press release which notes, "The UN Security Council will meet December 11 - 13 to evaluate the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire."

5. Commenting about the meeting on Wednesday between the army chief of staff and leaders of the opposition, Le Patriote, a daily close to the RDR party, questions "the impartiality of General Philippe Magou" as "the army commander didn’t apologize for the deaths of opposition supporters."

6. Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, comments that, "General Philippe Magou is not qualified to mediate in the Ivoirian crisis." The paper accuses the army commander of playing, "the role of a referee and a player at the same time."

7. A front-page story in the daily Notre Voie says, "Toxic waste victims disapprove of the opposition’s demonstrations." According to the paper, "A large number of these victims, and their parents, were received yesterday by Gbagbo." "Responding to the victims’ grievances, Gbagbo promised them drugs worth 27 million Francs CFA, and 40 million Francs CFA in cash to organize themselves," reports the paper.

8. "Gbagbo has put an end to Banny’s posturing," says a banner headline that runs across Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo. Gbagbo is quoted as saying, "The Prime Minister’s investigation committee on the toxic waste scandal is not a legal body."

9. "Toxic waste scandal: Gbagbo counterattacks," writes the privately-owned daily Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. According to the paper, "Gbagbo wants to sue Trafigura [the Dutch-based firm which chartered the ship that dumped tons of toxic waste in Abidjan last August]."

10. L’evenement, a daily close to Banny, runs a front-page headline saying, "Gbagbo mocks the toxic wastes’ victims."

December 07, 2006

1. Commentaries in today’s papers focus on yesterday’s meeting between leaders of the RHDP [the Ivoirian main opposition coalition] and the army chief of staff, General Philippe Mangou.

2. "The RHDP tells Mangou the truth, as Gbagbo’s army officers visited the Houphouetists," says a banner headline carried by Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party. The paper quotes General Mangou as saying, "I’m defending the Institutions of the Republic," to which Professor Djedje Mady, the opposition coalition’s spokesperson, responded "If so, why are you killing our young militants?" Regarding the demonstrations staged by opposition youth groups in protest of President Gbagbo’s recent decisions, the paper reports that, "The protests have been temporarily suspended, in commemoration of the death anniversary of former President Felix Houphouet-Boigny."

2. On the front page of Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, Djedje Mady defiantly tells the army’s top brass: "We’ll demonstrate on December 16, even if you send out your military tanks."

3. 24 Heures, another privately-owned daily close to the opposition, also devoted its front-page to the "war of words between Djedje Mady and General Mangou." "Are you the army of a kingdom, or the army of a Republic? Cote d’Ivoire is not the property of Gbagbo," the paper quotes the opposition leader as saying. Mangou is quoted as responding: "I won’t serve any other head of state." According to the paper, "Gbagbo is militarizing Abidjan." It discloses that, "A new military unit has been set up to beef up security in the Ivoirian economic capital, Abidjan."

4. According to the L’evenement, a daily close to Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny, "The mediation meeting between the opposition and the army was a fiasco."

5. "Mangou makes the RHDP see reason," says a banner headline that runs across the privately-owned daily, Le Courrier d’Abidjan. Reacting to the "temporarily halt in anti-Gbagbo’s demonstrations," the paper, close to Gbagbo, says, "This decision shows the incapacity of the RHDP to mobilize its supporters, or to cripple the country." The paper also reports, "The Arch-bishops of Cote d’Ivoire have denounced the ‘external enemies of Cote d’Ivoire.’"

6. The state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, quotes Monsignor Barthelemy Djabla as saying, "Gbagbo and Banny must come to an agreement." Yesterday, Monsignor Djabla led a delegation of the Roman Catholic Church leaders meeting with President Gbagbo. "We told Gbagbo that Ivoirians must consider their country, which is sick. There is no need or good in fighting, while the motherland is sick," Monsignor Djabla is reported as saying.

7. A front-page story in Le Jour Plus, a privately-owned daily close to the opposition, says, "Demonstrations by opposition youth groups failed, because some members of the RHDP have betrayed the coalition." According to the paper, "The plan for the demonstrations was communicated in advance to the President’s office."

8. Cote d’Ivoire’s former military commander is again in the spotlight, as Le Matin d’Abidjan carries a front-page story disclosing the whereabouts of General Mathias Doue. According to the paper, close to Gbagbo, "General Doue is actually manning two training camps in Ghana."

9. L’intelligent d’Abidjan, a privately-owned paper, carries a banner headline saying, "Gbagbo wants the Togolese blue helmets in Cote d’Ivoire to quit, after the former Togolese Defense Minister, General Assani Tidjani, was seen in the New Forces’ stronghold." The paper quotes insiders at the presidential palace as saying, "The Togolese blue helmets are now part of the political crisis, since President Faure Gnassingbe did not officially condemned the move of the Togolese army officer."

10. As Cote d’Ivoire commemorates the anniversary of the death of the country’s founding President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA, carries a headline saying, "Houphouet is angry, because Gbagbo has torn apart his beautiful Cote d’Ivoire."

December 06, 2006

1. Demonstrations by opposition youth groups, to protest President Laurent Gbagbo’s decisions to reinstate three senior officials linked to the toxic waste scandal and remove the director of the state-owned television network, dominate the news in today’s Ivoirian press.

2. A font-page story in the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin says, "Two persons killed, two buses burned, and a police station ransacked following demonstrations staged by opposition youths." The paper published a communique issued by the UN Office in Cote d’Ivoire [ONUCI] calling for "calm". "ONUCI urges all the parties to refrain from any demonstration that could result in violence, or undermine the peace process."

3. In a commentary, the paper denounces what it calls, "The international community’s double standard, in keeping silent over demonstrations by the opposition’s youth groups." The paper opines that, "The international community is practicing discrimination: supporting the armed groups of the political opposition, while the presidential camp and its Young Patriots are criticized or arraigned before the International Criminal Court."

4. In a related development, the paper, noted for its balanced reports, quotes its newly-appointed Managing Director as saying, "Fraternite Matin will continue to be the newspaper that brings together all Ivoirians." Jean-Baptiste Akrou was speaking to newsmen, after a meeting with Gbagbo.

5. Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party calls yesterday’s demonstration, "Black Tuesday, as opposition youth groups protest Gbagbo’s toxic decrees." The paper quotes Ble Guirao, a leading member of the opposition youth groups, "The demonstrations will continue. Starting from Thursday, we’ll press for Gbagbo’s resignation."

6. Still on the demonstrations, Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, writes "the RHDP [the opposition coalition] will lodge a complaint against the Ivoirian Defense and Security forces." Citing reliable sources, the paper discloses that, "The Prime Minister might be hauled up before a national High Court, to be created by Gbagbo." The paper’s sources say, "Banny would be accused of inciting the opposition to get violent and destabilize Gbagbo’s regime."

7. "Supporters of Banny continue to intimidate Ivoirians, after the Prime Minister called for revolt," writes Notre Voie, a daily owned by the ruling FPI party. The paper comments that, "Banny was tasked to bring peace, but turns out to be a dangerous threat to stability in Cote d’Ivoire." According to the paper, "The UN Secretary General’s Representative in Cote d’Ivoire, Pierre Schori, is finally in the departing lounge."

8. Schori, indicates a banner headline that runs across Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, "will be replaced by Ahmedou Abdullah, a Mauritanian diplomat, who is now serving as the UN Secretary General’s Representative for West Africa."

9. According to Le Temps, another daily close to Gbagbo, "Schori is leaving Cote d’Ivoire for good after Gbagbo petitioned the UN Security Council." The paper calls the UN radio station in Cote d’Ivoire, "Radio Mille Collines." The paper alleges that, "The opposition is using this radio to send messages that call for revolt against Gbagbo."

10. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily, 24 Heures, says, "International donors have abandoned the RTI [the state-owned television network] after Gbagbo fired the Managing Director." According to the paper, "The Canadian government has decided to halt a multi-dollar project aimed at training RTI’s journalists in preparation for the 2007 general elections in Cote d’Ivoire."

December 05, 2006

1. The difference between President Laurent Gbagbo and his Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, over the implementation of Resolution 1721, continues to spark commentaries in the Ivoirian papers.

2. "Gbagbo and I should not constitute an obstacle for the implementation of Resolution 1721," the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin quotes the Prime Minister as saying. Banny was speaking yesterday during a meeting of the Working Group for Identification and Voters’ Registration held in the Ivoirian political capital, Yamoussoukro.

3. Reacting to the recent decrees signed by Gbagbo, the Ivoirian head of the transitional government said: "We must move forward. Neither I nor the President of the Republic should act in a manner that could hamper the peace process." Explaining the reason behind an "aborted visit" of Gbagbo to Yamoussoukro, the paper says, "The delay was justified by the tense political atmosphere."

4. "We’re no longer moving in the same direction," Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, quotes Banny as saying. The paper comments that, "The Prime Minister continues to defy the head of state, since the former has decided to oppose the Ivoirian elected president."

5. "Gbagbo is to seal the fate of the International Working Group," says a banner headline carried by Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. The paper describes the communique issued last Friday by the International Working Group – a UN panel overseeing the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire – as "biased".

6. According to the privately-owned daily, Soir Info, "The love affair between Gbagbo and the International Working Group is now over." The president, comments the paper, "is convinced that the Group has an agenda aimed at weakening him." Reacting to news that, "General Mathias Doue, is coming back," the paper wonders whether, "The former Ivoirian Chief of Staff was not playing in the court of Gbagbo."

7. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily L’inter says, "The UN has summoned an emergency meeting following the difference between the president and the premier." According to the paper, the meeting, which was announced yesterday by the UN Secretary General’s Representative in Cote d’Ivoire, Pierre Schori, is slated for December 11 through December 13.

8. A front-page comment in Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, says, "Gbagbo is in a difficult situation as the former Chief of Staff is threatening him."

9. "To support the victims of the toxic wastes, the youth, close to the opposition coalition RHDP, are threatening to bring activities to a standstill throughout the country," writes Le Patriote. "Let’s stand up against these decrees," "Only our determination can overcome them," the daily close to the opposition RDR quotes youth leaders as saying.

10. Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA, announces "a cabinet reshuffle." The paper calls the new cabinet to be formed by Banny, "The new 1721 team." Regarding the composition of the new cabinet, the paper indicates that, "It’ll be made up of 30 portfolios instead of 35 in the current government. Each party and the New Forces, which signed the Ivoirian peace agreements, will be asked to propose one personality who will be appointed by the premier. The other members of this cabinet will be technocrats."

11. According to the privately-owned daily Nord-Sud Quotidien, "The New Forces’ leader Guillaume Soro has signed 17 decrees aimed restructuring the army of the movement."

December 01, 2006

1. Today’s meeting of the International Working Group – a UN panel overseeing the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire – and violent demonstrations in several cities to protest President Laurent Gbagbo’s decision that reinstated officials blamed for the toxic waste affair, are the major news items in Friday’s Ivoirian papers.

2. A front-page banner carried by Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI, says, "FPI Party headquarters in Toumodi ransacked, one person dead, a soldier severely beaten, after an attack by supporters of Banny." According to the paper, the president’s office has responded to French "criticism" of Gbagbo’s recent decrees that reinstated officials suspended in connection with the toxic waste scandal, and changed the management of the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin and RTI, the Ivoirian national TV network. France has accused President Gbagbo of "seriously damaging the credibility of the Ivorian election process," reports the paper.

2. A front-page story in Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a paper close to Gbagbo, calls French criticism "useless provocations." The paper publishes the statement issued by the president’s office warning "France, and the International Working Group, not to address the question of the recent decrees signed by Gbagbo."

3. Le Nouveau Reveil devotes its entire front-page to the story of the "people’s revolt against Gbagbo." According to the paper, which is close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA, "The national Ivoirian Students’ Union chapter in the central city of Daoukro demanded the resignation of Gbagbo." "In Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Toumodi, Grand-Bassam, Anyama, and Dabou, defense and security personnel fought opposition militants who were protesting Gbagbo’s decrees," reports the paper. It adds: "One person was shot dead in Toumodi, while more than 35 persons were injured." Regarding the toxic waste scandal and related developments, the paper writes, "Whether Gbagbo likes it or not, the International Working Group will address the issue this morning."

4. "The opposition has launched street demonstrations to protest Gbagbo’s decrees," says a banner headline in the privately-owned daily, L’inter. According to the paper, "France and the European Union support Banny." In a related development, the international community has stepped up its efforts to improve "the strained relations between Gbagbo and Banny." According to the paper, "The US Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Aubrey Hooks, has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy since Monday, in an attempt to narrow the positions and reach a consensus."

5. "At a meeting in Yamoussoukro yesterday with an army delegation led by General Philippe Mangou, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to peace," says a banner headline that runs across L’evenement, a daily close to Banny. Commenting on yesterday’s demonstrations, the paper wonders whether, "The Defense Chief of Staff and his men will support the dictatorship that is taking root in Cote d’Ivoire." It goes on to say: "Ivoirians have decided to stage demonstrations to protest the ‘toxic decrees’ of the head of state, but in the face of these unarmed protesters, Mangou told his men to respond with fire."

6. "You have 72 hours to return to the Republic," Le Temps, a paper close to Gbagbo, quotes General Philippe Mangou as saying. According to the paper, "The ultimatum was delivered to Banny by the military’s top brass, which met him yesterday." The paper comments that, "Banny’s persistence in trying to control all of Cote d’Ivoire is likely to throw the country into chaos." The paper allegedly reports that, "Banny is creating his own army." It adds: "A military attack is to be launched from Sampa, a city located at the border between Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, where 4,000 soldiers are being trained."

7. Explaining the motive behind yesterday’s demonstrations, the leader of the youth wing of the opposition Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace, told the Nord-Sud Quotidien: "This is just the beginning of our demands for Gbagbo to reconsider his decrees." The paper, close to the opposition says, "Young people are rallying behind the opposition to fight the dictatorship."