February 20, 2008

The state-owned daily Fraternite Matin today reported that the ongoing electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire was high on the agenda yesterday when US Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire Wanda L. Nesbitt met with the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Robert Beugre Mambe. Other Ivorian dailies talked about the case of Guy-Andre Kieffer – a Franco-Canadian journalist who disappeared in Abidjan in April 2004 – and investigations into an alleged coup d’etat in Cote d’Ivoire.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): "NGOs are ready to support the process," the paper quoted Ambassador Nesbitt as saying. The Ambassador, who was speaking after a meeting with the Ivorian Electoral Commissioner, is reported to have said: "Many American NGOs are interested in the upcoming elections in Cote d’Ivoire and are prepared to support the electoral process," reported the paper. On whether the United States would provide financial assistance in support of this process, the Ambassador’s answer was: "Yes, but to the NGOs," said the paper. According to the paper, the Ambassador used yesterday’s meeting with the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission to stress "the importance of transparency during the forthcoming elections."

2. In a different story, Fraternite Matin reported that the Burkinabe Foreign Affairs Minister, Djibril Bassole, who also met with the Electoral Commissioner yesterday, denounced "the delay in providing financial support to enable the organization of the coming elections." Bassole, indicated the paper, described this delay as presenting "major obstacles." The Burkinabe diplomat however expressed optimism because "the permanent consultation between the government and the electoral commission would help overcome these problems," he was quoted as saying.

3. Speaking yesterday on the forthcoming elections in Cote d’Ivoire, President Laurent Gbagbo said: "All that I am doing is to help restore peace and organize the polls," reported Fraternite Matin. Gbagbo, said the paper, was addressing a gathering of traditional chiefs yesterday in Abidjan.

4. Le Patriote (a pro-opposition daily): The paper prominently carried a headline reading, "Guy-Andre Kieffer’s affair: An eyewitness explicitly accused Colonel Yedess and Simone Gbagbo [the Ivorian First Lady]." The paper quoted a suspect who is currently detained in France in connection with the disappearance of the French-Canadian journalist. The suspect allegedly affirmed that "the First Lady has always been in contact with those who nabbed the journalist," reported the paper. It went on quoting Bernard Kieffer, believed to be the brother of the missing journalist, as saying that, "this declaration by the eyewitness confirms allegations that the Ivorian regime was involved in this affair."

5. In another development, the paper carried another prominent headline alleging that the French authorities are looking for an Ivorian who is involved in an "illegal car deal cartel." Thomas Tiacoh, reported the paper, is "close to Gbagbo," and is now under investigation for allegedly "stealing 300 saloon cars in France."

6. On the same issue, Nord-Sud-Quotidien (a pro-opposition daily) quoted Thomas Tiacoh as saying that "I’m not the person the French authorities are looking for."

7. A front-page story in Fraternite Matin said that on February 13, 2008 the Ivorian authorities "foiled another coup attempt." According to the paper, "four people were arrested in connection with this affair and have been charged with plotting against the state."

Media Coverage of Embassy’s Activities

Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) and Nord-Sud Quotidien: The two papers carried stories on a conference organized yesterday by the US Embassy in Abidjan on Barack Obama, one of the candidates contesting the presidential elections in the United States. Nord-Sud Quotidien highlighted that this conference was part of a series designed by the embassy to present the two republican and two democratic candidates to the public. In its positive report Notre Voie quoted an Ivorian who had participated in an International Visitor program and who explained to the audience the American electoral process.

The two papers carried stories on a conference organized yesterday by the US Embassy in Abidjan on Barack Obama, one of the candidates contesting the presidential elections in the United States. Nord-Sud Quotidien highlighted that this conference was part of a series designed by the embassy to present the two republican and two democratic candidates to the public. In its positive report Notre Voie quoted an Ivorian who had participated in an International Visitor program and who explained to the audience the American electoral process.

The two papers carried stories on a conference organized yesterday by the US Embassy in Abidjan on Barack Obama, one of the candidates contesting the presidential elections in the United States. Nord-Sud Quotidien highlighted that this conference was part of a series designed by the embassy to present the two republican and two democratic candidates to the public. In its positive report Notre Voie quoted an Ivorian who had participated in an International Visitor program and who explained to the audience the American electoral process.

February 19, 2008

Today’s Ivorian press reported that the World Bank is to provide a financial assistance worth 135 millions dollars to support the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire. Newspapers also reported that the leadership of the New Forces is divided over a proposal made recently by the Ivorian opposition figure Alassane Dramane Ouattara demanding the former Ivorian rebel movement to form a coalition. Preparation of the forthcoming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire and the reinsertion of former fighters were the other major news items in today’s press.

1. 24 Heures (a pro-opposition party): A front-page item in this paper said that the World Bank is prepared to provide a financial assistance of about 135 millions dollars in support of the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, as part of its post-conflict help for this West African country. The paper quoted a World Bank official as saying that “the Ouagadougou Political Agreement signed recently offered Cote d’Ivoire the best opportunity for restoring peace and for economic recovery.” According to the paper, the World Bank’s post-conflict assistance will help cover programs such as “the economic reintegration of former fighters and identification, which constitutes one of the pre-conditions for free and fair elections.” The World Bank financial assistance will also help deliver basic services to the population that had been affected by the conflict and work on projects that seek to deliver a peace dividend by repairing roads and restoring electricity, reported the paper. 

2. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A banner headline that ran across the paper said that 118 former rebels who had been demobilized last December have received the allowances for their cantonment. On the future of the ex-combatants, the paper hinted that after their demobilization, soldiers who do not meet the requirement to join the new army will integrate into the civic service program. According to the paper, this program is designed to provide 8150 jobs for the former fighters.     

3. The upcoming presidential elections planned to be held in June this year in Cote d’Ivoire was the other major news in Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, the issue was prominent on the agenda during a meeting yesterday in Abidjan between Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and Burkinabe Foreign Affairs Minister Djibril Bassole. Speaking after the meeting, the Burkinabe negotiator reportedly said: “We want a complete and consensual census that will conform to the recommendations of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, so that the presidential polls could be conducted at the end of the first semester of the year 2008 in a peaceful atmosphere.” Bassole, who was in Abidjan at the invitation of his Ivorian counterpart, was quoted as saying that “the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) will certainly propose to the Ivorian government a schedule for the electoral process.”

4. Still on the upcoming presidential elections, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) quoted the Chairman of the CEI, Robert Beugre Mambe, as saying, “We’ll be the champions of transparency.” According to the paper, the Ivorian electoral commissioner was speaking yesterday after a meeting with Prime Minister Guillaume Soro. Mambe, reported the paper, said that the meeting with the premier enabled the two leaders to evaluate tasks to be carried out in connection with the electoral process with much focus on the identification of voters.

5. In a related development, the newly-appointed chairman of the board of directors of the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation (RTI) vowed that the new administration will support “efficiently” the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, reported Fraternite Matin. Honore Guie was speaking after a meeting with Gbagbo on activities of the new board. Gbagbo, reported the paper, exhorted the board director to use his capacity to support the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement in order to ensure the success of the presidential elections.

6. A prominent item on the front-page of 24 Heures said that the New Forces are on the brink of being torn apart, as the leadership of the ex-rebel movement is divided over whether to accept or to reject a proposal made recently by the Ivorian opposition figure Alassane Dramane Ouattara demanding that the former Ivorian rebel movement form a coalition. The paper commented that the lack of cohesion among the leaders of the movement over this issue is likely to affect its political and military foundation.

Media Coverage of Embassy’s Activities

RTI – a government-run television over the weekend carried footage of Ambassador Wanda L. Nesbitt, who was speaking at a conference organized by the US Embassy jointly with the Teachers Training School in Abidjan on the philosophy of Rosa Parks. The positive report emphasized, among other things, how the mother of the civil rights movement in the United States can serve as a role model for students in Cote d’Ivoire.

over the weekend carried footage of Ambassador Wanda L. Nesbitt, who was speaking at a conference organized by the US Embassy jointly with the Teachers Training School in Abidjan on the philosophy of Rosa Parks. The positive report emphasized, among other things, how the mother of the civil rights movement in the United States can serve as a role model for students in Cote d’Ivoire.

February 15, 2008

Traffic at the port of Abidjan is a subject of front-page stories in today’s Ivorian papers. The meeting of cadres of the former ruling PDCI-RDA party; the question regarding funding of the upcoming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire; and investigations on the whereabouts of the missing Franco-Canadian journalist, Guy-Andre Kieffer are the other major items in the newspapers.

1. Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition): A prominent item on the front page of the paper said that traffic at the port of Abidjan rose by 13.35 percent in 2007 to reach a record 21.4 million tones. The announcement was made by the port Managing Director, Marcel Gossio, reported the paper. Gossio, said the paper, is optimistic that the increase in freight at the port of Abidjan could make it recover its position as one the economic and commercial hubs in Africa. Gossio was further reported as saying that these results owe much to the economic recovery in Cote d’Ivoire and to the lobbying efforts by the port management to landlocked countries in West Africa – including Burkina Faso and Mali -- to persuade them to ship goods via Abidjan.

2. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): The paper quoted Gossio as saying that "racketeering by the New Forces" can deter clients from resuming business with the port of Abidjan." Gossio, reported the paper, hinted that "each trucker traveling from the port to landlocked countries pays about 389 dollars." The Managing Director of the port therefore called upon the Ivorian government "to play its part," otherwise efforts by the port management to convince clients who turned to other regional ports to move their goods would remain "useless," reported the paper.

3. Reporting on the same issue, Le Temps (a daily close to Gbagbo) carried a front-page story saying that businessmen denounced "harassment" in the New Forces-controlled zones. The paper accused the New Forces of hindering the economic recovery that Cote d’Ivoire is experiencing following the signing of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.

4. The issue on where to get funds to organize the Ivorian presidential elections is the major news on the front page of Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party). According to the paper, the Ivorian government and international donors "differ over the question of funding for the elections." The paper commented that the Ivorian authorities were optimistic after the signing of an agreement on Wednesday between the government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) aimed at funding the peace process. However, commented the paper, "France and its partners seem to be concerned only by the identification of voters. The disarmament process seems to receive little attention."

5. In a separate story, Notre Voie suggested that it is important "to preempt post-election tensions" in Cote d’Ivoire, because if the upcoming elections are not well planned, "they could not resolve the crisis facing the country." The paper believed that it is the "responsibility" of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) to make sure that things are well done. The paper noted that the Chairman of the electoral commission is a cadre of the former ruling PDCI-RDA party and that all the local commissions of the electoral body are headed by members of the opposition RDR party. In a bid to scale down "suspicions of fraud," and to ensure Ivorians of "fair elections," there is a need to have some of the local commissions be chaired by members of the ruling FPI party, suggested the paper.

6. "DDR – the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration program – and the electoral process will go side by side," Fraternite Matin quoted the head of the UN in Cote d’Ivoire as saying. According to the paper, Y.J. Choi, who spoke yesterday after a meeting with Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, said that both schemes need "significant financial support."

7. Reporting on "the crucial meeting" that brought together yesterday leaders of PDCI-RDA in Abidjan, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to this party), told readers the Ivorian former President Henri Konan Bedie, who is also the president of this party, has set up his campaign team for the coming elections. According to the paper, Bedie and his supporters used the occasion to come out with a strategy designed to "secure power" during the next elections.

8. A front-page item in Fraternite Matin said that three Ivorian soldiers and a civilian were interrogated yesterday in Abidjan by a French judge as part of the investigation on the whereabouts of Guy-Andre Kieffer, a Franco-Canadian journalist, who disappeared in April of 2004 while working in Cote d’Ivoire.

Media Coverage of Embassy’s Activities

AIP – Ivorian News Agency: The news agency published on its web site a report on the US Embassy’s HIV/AIDS Roadshow program for students in Agboville on Wednesday. The positive item said that students from secondary and high schools were sensitized as they watched a series of films on how avoid the AIDS virus.

Another report on the web site of the news agency said that the US government is to support the government of Cote d’Ivoire in its efforts to provide anti-retroviral drugs to 77,000 people living with the HIV/AIDS virus through its PEPFAR program by 2009.

February 14, 2008

Today’s news reports said that US Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire Wanda L. Nesbitt met yesterday with Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo. Efforts by authorities in Cote d’Ivoire to get funds to organize the forthcoming elections, an agreement signed yesterday between the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) and local media on coverage of the elections, and the outbreak of a meningitis epidemic in Cote d’Ivoire were also covered. Papers also said that the former Ivorian ruling PDCI-RDA party is set for "a crucial" meeting today. Other reports said that the trial of the former Ivorian sergeant Ibrahim Coulibaly, aka IB, accused of plotting against the state, is slated for March 10 in Paris.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): The paper reported that the political situation in Cote d’Ivoire and the upcoming presidential elections were high on the agenda during a meeting yesterday between Gbagbo and Ambassador Nesbitt. The paper also reported that they spoke about the renewal by the United States of international sanctions against Ivorian political figures. It quoted the US Ambassador as saying that "The United States simply renewed the sanctions that were imposed in 2006." The paper recalled that, in a news agency report, the United States indicated that: "Although considerable progress has been made in implementing the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, the situation in Cote d’Ivoire poses a continuing threat to national security…" Ambassador Nesbitt, reported the paper, explained that the United States had used "the same language," just like the United Nations did "a few months ago." However, Ambassador Nesbitt was reported as saying that "The situation in Cote d’Ivoire is becoming more and more stable since the signing of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement." Regarding the upcoming presidential elections, the paper quoted the Ambassador as saying that "The United States wants to see Cote d’Ivoire quickly put an end to the crisis."

2. Other newspapers including Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party), Le Temps (a daily close to Gbagbo) and Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) reported on the meeting between Ambassador Nesbitt and President Gbagbo. Still on the question regarding the renewal of international sanctions against Ivorian political figures, Le Patriote carried a headline reading, "Cote d’Ivoire constitutes a threat to the United States."

3. Efforts by Ivorian authorities to get funds for the organization of the forthcoming presidential elections are also a subject of a front-page story in Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, the Ivorian government and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) – yesterday signed an agreement for a "Basket Fund." According to the paper, after the signing of this agreement, UNDP can now look for funds estimated at 54 millions dollars to add to the nearly 27 millions dollars that the Ivorian government should provide as part of funding the elections. The paper explained that the signing of this deal was in response to a demand made by Ivorian authorities to international donors in 2005 to help finance the presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire.

4. Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party): The paper published the full text of an agreement signed yesterday between the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) and local media associations on how to cover the coming elections. According to the paper, the Chairman of the CEI, Robert Beugre Mambe, used the occasion to reassure Ivorians that "the polls will be modern and credible." He also exhorted journalists to support the electoral process.

5. In a separate story Le Nouveau Reveil announced that cadres of the former ruling PDCI-RDA party are due to meet today. According to the paper, this "crucial" conclave would focus on issues such as the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire and the forthcoming presidential elections scheduled for June 2008. The paper predicted that the party of Henri Konan Bedie – the former Ivorian President – would take "important decisions" during this meeting regarding the peace process underway in this West African country.

6. A front-page item in L’inter (a privately-owned daily) said that the trial of the former Ivorian sergeant Ibrahim Coulibaly, aka IB, who was accused of plotting against the state and 12 accomplices, is due to begin on March 10 in Paris. According to the paper, French authorities have accused IB of "recruiting mercenaries tasked to physically assassinate the Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo."

7. Another front-page item in L’inter said that a meningitis epidemic is causing havoc in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper reported that about 120 people have been affected by the disease, which has already left 28 people dead. The paper quoted Ivorian authorities as saying that the outbreak is centered along the border with neighboring Burkina Faso.

8. In its yesterday’s edition, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a privately-owned paper) reported that the Iranian Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire denounced "American hegemony in the Middle East." Amin Nejad Mohammad, said the paper, was speaking in Abidjan when his country celebrated the 29th anniversary of its independence.

9. Le Temps (a daily close to Gbagbo) yesterday ran a commentary reading: "Barack Obama: our pride." The paper believed that the political rise of this Black American is a testimony that "the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. for change is realizable." The change, the paper further commented, is also shown in the fact that Hillary Clinton, who is running for the presidency, represents the hope of women to be in the White House.

February 13, 2008

Today’s Ivorian papers reported that there was a clash between two police companies in Williamsville, a suburb of Abidjan. The papers also reported difficulties in the disarmament and the peace process that could delay the elections

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A front-page story in this paper said there were heated discussions between the security and defense forces and the New Forces soldiers yesterday. The paper reported that during a meeting between general staff of the security and defense forces and the New Forces yesterday at the Prime Minister’s office, the Minister of Defense recognized that disarmement is facing material and financial difficulties. He said that it is urgent that these problems be resolved as quickly as possible. He promised that the government will make every the effort to hold elections.

2. The paper also reported that the security and defense forces and New Forces announced that they would put an end to their participation in the public hearings operation if their per diems are not paid. According to them, these operations were funded, so they don’t understand why their per diems are not paid.

3. “Payment of war allowance, uprising of policemen yesterday in Abidjan” is the front-page story of Soir Info (a privately-owned daily). According to the paper, the 2005-2006 promotion of the police took to the streets yesterday, obstructing them with barricades and throwing stones to protest against the non-payment of their war allowance. During 5 hours there was fighting between the police strikers and their colleagues who were chasing them with tear gas.

The paper also reported that President Gbagbo visited RTI, the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation in Abidjan where a fire broke out on Monday night to show his support to the staff.

The paper also reported that the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General met the President of the National Assembly yesterday to discuss the funding of the elections in Cote d’Ivoire. He is quoted as saying:    “We must think about a financing method which is acceptable for everybody.”

4. L’Inter (a privately-owned daily) also reported that the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General met the President of the National Assembly yesterday to discuss the peace process and different steps of the Ouagadougou Peace agreement. They focused on disarmament, demobilization and reinsertion and certification of the elections by the U.N., as well as the contribution of the international community to the peace process.

The paper also reported that Mr. André Janier, the French Ambassador, met former President Bedié at his residence. During the discussions, Mr. Janier said that his country expects concrecte actions to be taken as far as the electoral process is concerned. If crucial operations relating to the electoral process are done quickly, France will give money to fund the elections.

5. An article in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI) reported that at four months from the election dates, it looks like political actors are not concerned about the difficulties ahead to put in place conditions for the presidential elections. According to the paper, the Ouagadougou Agreement recommended the deployment of the administration, public hearings, identification and disarmament. However, identification has not started and the ex-combatants still occupy their positions on the front line. The paper wonders if under thoses conditions, it is humanly and technically possible to hold election in June unless we opt for a “suicide” decision to have election without disarmament.

6. “Mr. Robert Mambé, the President of the Independent electoral Commission, met Gbagbo, Soro and Choi; the big concerns that make Mambe run” is the front-page story in  24 Heures (a daily close to the opposition). According to the paper, the president of the Independent electoral Commission is holding several meetings with political authorities and persons involved in the electoral process in order to talk about transparent conditions for the election and its funding. During his meeting with Mr. Choi, the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary General, he was told that even though the government finances the elections, it still needs the help of the international community.

When he met the Prime Minister on January 8, 2008, they discussed the funding and the security of the electoral process. The Prime Minister informed him that there were funds available and once they sign the financing agreement with the UNDP, funds will be made available.

Last Monday, February 11, 2008, Mr. Mambé met President Gbagbo to discuss the organization of the upcoming elections, specifically the electoral lists. According to the paper, it is clear that the president of the independent electoral commission is concerned about the technical aspects of the process.

7. The paper also reported that the 2005-2006 promotion of the police protested yesterday in their headquarters. According to them, Gendarmes of the same promotion have received their war allowance but not them. One of the protesters said: “Our brothers in arms, the gendarmes, have received their allowance, so why not us. This is a warning just to draw the authorities’ attention. We want it to be peaceful, that is why we don’t use our arms, but if nothing is done, we will accept our responsibilities.”

8. “Presidential election in June 2008, Andre Janier, the French Ambassador warns against botched elections; without concrete operations, no disbursement of funds from the international community” is the headline of Le Nouveau Réveil, (a daily close to the former PDCI). According to the paper, after a meeting at the former president Bedié’s residence yesterday, the French diplomat said that his country is willing to help Cote d’Ivoire organize clean elections. He is quoted as saying: “Elections must quickly take place but not under any conditions. Elections yes, but democratic elections, not botched ones. We are ready to help Ivorians if they wish it. But we warn the government; there are examples on the continent that when elections are not correctly organized not only do they not resolve the situation but they will not permit an end to the crisis and risk aggravating the situation in Cote d’Ivoire.”

February 12, 2008

Today’s Ivorian papers reported that a fire broke out yesterday at RTI – the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation in Abidjan. Dailies also expressed concerns about the delay in the disarmament of New Forces’ ex-combatants. Papers also reported on infighting among the leadership of the opposition Rally of the Republicans party. 

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A front-page story in this paper said that a fire caused heavy damage at the state-owned Broadcasting Corporation in Abidjan. According to the paper, the fire, which broke out last night, completely destroyed a technical unit. Programs on both radio Cote d’Ivoire and the national television networks were briefly interrupted, reported the paper, which showed pictures of firefighters who came in for rescue. It also quoted eyewitnesses who indicated that the fire came from an air-conditioner. 

2. A prominent story on the front-page of Soir Info (a privately-owned daily) said that “the disarmament of the former combatants of the New Forces hangs in the balance.” The paper indicated that since the beginning of the peace process, the disarmament of the ex-combatants has virtually become “the main obstacles” in the peace process. It also quoted New Forces’ soldiers as saying that they will lay down their guns after the elections. The paper further reported that the leadership of the New Forces has expressed concerns regarding the capacity and the state of the sites designed for the cantonment of the former combatants. These problems are “real” commented the paper, which called upon the government to help resolve them. 

3. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI): The paper also carried a front-page item saying that the disarmament of former fighters in Man, in the western region of Cote d’Ivoire, is running into “difficulties,” as the sites, where they are supposed to gather, are not yet “operational.” According to the paper, “the cantonment of the ex-combatants has not got underway, and the former fighters continue normal business.” It quoted a military commander of the New Forces in this region as saying, “We need a minimum of comfort for our soldiers.”
 
4. Le Temps (a daily close to Gbagbo) also carried a two-page in-depth report explaining the delay of the disarmament of the former fighters. According to the paper the CCI – Integrated Command Center (a joint government forces and New Forces unit) is “aware of the problems” that are delaying the disarmament scheme. The paper quoted a source close to the CCI as saying that, “The delay is due to technical and not financial problems.” The source, reported the paper, indicated that the CCI is doing everything possible to resolve the problems.

5. After noting the impediments that are blocking the disarmament scheme, Soir Info predicts that the upcoming elections planned to be held in June this year could be “delayed.” The paper commented that the New Forces have welcome the idea of holding elections without  disarmament, while the presidential camp, led by the ruling FPI party, is pressing for disarmament before the polls.

6. In a related development, Fraternite Matin reported that the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), Robert Beugre Mambe, yesterday gave “an overview of the electoral rolls” that will be used during the upcoming elections. Speaking after a meeting with President Laurent Gbagbo, the Ivorian electoral commissioner said that the components of voter register will include: “The 2000 electoral rolls, potential voters who did not register in 2000, and those who have come to age or those who will have 18 years by March 31 of this year.” 

7. A banner headline that ran across Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said that cadres of the opposition RDR party have been engulfed in “a power struggle” over the executive positions within the party. The paper suggested that the president of RDR, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, should quickly settle “these infightings” that are likely to throw the party into disarray.  

Media Coverage of Embassy’s Activities

L’inter (a privately-owned daily): The paper reported positively on a conference organized by the US Embassy on the role of religion in society. The gathering featured five International Visitor returnees who used the occasion to share their experiences and insights gained during their visit to the United States.

February 11, 2008

Today’s Ivorian papers reported on security concerns for the forthcoming elections; Prime Minister Soro's meeting with local and international media; relations between Cote d’Ivoire and France; as well as the issue of child trafficking in Cote d’Ivoire.

1. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) reported on key concerns over the forthcoming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire in a front-page story. The headline reads - "How to prevent Gbagbo from rigging the 2008 presidential elections." The paper then outlined measures to be put in place to ensure transparency at the polls. These include "the certification of the whole electoral process by the UNOCI (UN Operation Cote d’Ivoire) and an equitable census of potential voters." The paper also emphasized that "the credibility" of certain state institutions, like the Constitutional Council, will ensure free and fair elections. According to the paper, there are looming questions about "the independence" of the president of the Constitutional Council, Yanon Yapo; many people suspect Yapo has cozy relations with President Laurent Gbagbo. The paper also expressed concerns about security during the electoral process. In an other election-related story, the paper quoted the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), Robert Beugre Mambe as saying, "All the parties will have representatives in the polling stations," during the polling day.

2. Over the weekend, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the budget for the coming elections is currently estimated at 36.5 billion Francs CFA (about $81 million). According to the paper, this announcement was made yesterday by the Electoral Commissioner, following a meeting with Prime Minister Guillaume Soro.

3. The upcoming presidential elections were also a major story on the front page of L’inter (a privately-owned daily). Speaking to the paper, the leader of the youth wing of the former ruling PDCI-RDA party predicted the "defeat of Gbagbo" in the coming polls. Kouadio Konan Bertin was addressing a rally over the weekend in Abidjan, where he accused the Ivoirian leader of being "responsible of all the problems now facing schools in Cote d’Ivoire."

4. On the meeting between Prime Minister Soro and representatives of local and international media organizations, Fraternite Matin reported that Soro pleaded with journalists to "Help us to bring peace back to Cote d’Ivoire." According to the paper, the Ivorian premier used this meeting to recommend "a partnership" between the press and the government. He also underscored "the independence and the responsibility" of the media, with the regards to the efforts underway in the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.

5. In a separate development on the relations between Cote d’Ivoire and France, Fraternite Matin quoted the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mamadou Koulibaly as saying that "it is high time for Cote d’Ivoire to create its own currency." Koulibaly reported the paper, blamed the poverty in this West African country on the fact that it continues to use the CFA Franc – a currency pegged to the French Franc – and which has the same value as the Deutsch Mark. Koulibaly, who was speaking at a political rally over the weekend, cited examples of countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Guinea, South Africa and Tanzania, which have their own currencies.

6. L’inter reported that Ivoirian police have arrested a vehicle carrying 11 Ivorian children, who were victims of child trafficking. According to the paper, the children, with ages ranging between 11 and 17 years, including two girls, were destined to work mainly in the vast plantations in the Soubre region, southwest of Abidjan. The paper reminded readers about the visit of US Congressmen, who came in Cote d’Ivoire in January to evaluate the implementation of the Harkin-Engel Protocol; this protocol is aimed at eliminating the worst forms of child labor and adult slave labor in the cocoa sector.

February 8, 2008

Preparations for the forthcoming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire continue to be the dominant issue in today’s Ivorian press. Papers also talked about the problems facing businessmen in the former zones of the New Forces as well as the "disappointing final performance" of Les Elephants –Cote d’Ivoire's national soccer squad – against the Pharaohs of Egypt, yesterday.

1. The certification of the electoral process was a major story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily). According to the paper, President Laurent Gbagbo and the UN boss in Cote d’Ivoire, Y.J. Choi discussed the issue yesterday in Abidjan. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Choi said, "As the electoral process moves forward, there is a need to clearly define the role of the certification." Gbagbo and Choi also talked about the DDR – Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration program. The paper said the two also talked about the financing of the peace process. The paper further quoted Cho, who said "this year will be crucial for Cote d’Ivoire," with regards to the preparations that are underway for the coming elections. [It is widely believed that these elections will resolve the political crisis in Cote d’Ivoire.]

2. In a story on the identification process, 24 Heures (a pro-opposition newspaper) reported that the identification program continues to be delayed because of the difference between the President’s camp and of the Prime Minister's camp over the terms of the reference of the technical operator in charge of the program. According to the paper, this program will cost about $155 million, and it is expected that the Ivorian government will turn to the international donors to help finance the program.

3. In a front-page story, Soir Info (a privately-owned daily) said that the UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) continues to dismantle its posts in the former confidence zone. According to the paper, the dismantling of these posts is part of the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.

4. The proposal of the Ivorian opposition figure, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, to form an alliance with the New Forces continues to generate fierce debates in the dailies. Ouattara made the offer last weekend during the congress of his Rally of the Republicans – RDR. In a two-page comment, the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin questioned Ouattara's proposal. The paper noted that Ouattara's call for the New Forces to join the RDR to form "sacred union" could throw the former rebel movement, which is currently confronted with internal disputes, in disarray and this in turn could derail the New Forces efforts to push the peace process forward. The paper also suggested that as one of the roles of Prime Minister, Soro in the transitional government is to implement the Ouagadougou Political Agreement; he should remain "neutral." For these reasons, the paper opined that Ouattara’s proposal was "embarrassing" and could "undermine the credibility" of the Prime Minister vis-à-vis the head of State, the international community, political parties, and civic groups. The paper further said that the invitation from Ouattara to Soro to join "a sacred union" has definitely brought to the surface the issue of "the future" of the New Forces.

5. L’inter (a privately-owned daily) reported that truck owners, businessmen and animal farmers have sent a letter to the leadership of the New Forces to protest difficulties, such as racketeering, which they continue to face in zones formerly under the control of the ex-rebel movement.

6. Cote d’Ivoire's national soccer squad tried BUT the papers were not so kind in the end. A day after Les Elephants lost 1-4 to the Pharaohs of Egypt (Fraternite Matin said that "Les Elephants got drown in the Nile." Le Nouveau Reveil called the match "a nightmare," while Notre Voie told readers that the dream of the Ivorian national soccer team to get to final was "shattered."

February 7, 2008

Today’s Ivorian press reported on a meeting yesterday between US Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Wanda L. Nesbitt, on the peace process underway in this West African country. Papers also reported that President George W. Bush has extended for one-year the freezing of the assets of three Cote d’Ivoire political figures, who were charged with instigating violence in Cote d’Ivoire and breaking international law. Other reports were on the identification process and the issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that France and the United States are "ready" to support the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the Ivorian presidential elections – scheduled for June 2008 -- was one of the main topics of discussion during a meeting between Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, the ambassador of France Andre Janier and US Ambassador, Wanda L. Nesbitt, yesterday. According to the paper, Ambassador Nesbitt told reporters that the United States is working to see how they can contribute to what other international donors are doing. The report quoted Ambassador Janier saying, "The Prime Minister has confirmed that there had been a consensus between Ivorian key political players after the meeting of the CPC – a committee overseeing the Ouagadougou Political Agreement-," to create better conditions for the organization of the elections.

2. In a separate story on media access for political parties, Le Patriote (a paper close to the opposition RDR party) reported that the new chairman of the board of Directors of RTI- government Broadcasting Corporation – has vowed "to guarantee equitable access to the state-owned media." According to the paper, Honore Guie, who was speaking a week after his nomination to this position, said "To abide by the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, our priority is to guarantee an equitable access to the state-controlled media for all political groups throughout the country."

3. Reporting on the identification process, Fraternite Matin said that the working group on this process met yesterday to talk about the mode of operation and the terms of reference of the technical operator in charge of the identification scheme. According to the paper, the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, who chaired the meeting, called on each of the actors involved in this process to work in a way to ensure that "we meet the deadline and that the coming elections in Cote d’Ivoire should take place in transparent and fair conditions."

4. Still reporting on Ouattara’s proposal for a coalition with the New Forces, 24 Heures (a pro-opposition daily) had prominent item on its front-page, today saying "big political maneuverings" are unfolding in the run-up to the June presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. With pictures of President Laurent Gbagbo and opposition leader Alassane Dramane Ouattara on the front-page, the paper suggested that the Ivorian leader is "courting" the leader of the opposition RDR party.

5. On the freezing of the assets of Charles Ble Goude, Eugene Djue, both leaders of "Young Patriots" a movement loyal to Gbagbo and Martin Kouakou Fofie – a military commander of the New Forces --, 24 Heures reported that President Bush extended sanctions against the three Ivorian political figures for another year. The paper quoted news agency reports, which quoted President Bush as saying, "Although considerable progress has been made in implementing this agreement [Ouagadougou Political Agreement], the situation in Cote d’Ivoire poses a continuing unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States." The paper commented that this decision shows that despite efforts that are being deployed by the political stakeholders, George Bush is still "on his guard," and he has "no intention to lift the sanctions now." These sanctions were imposed on February 7, 2006 by the United Nations on the three Ivorian political figures, who were charged with instigating violence in their country and breaking international law, reported the paper.

6. Yesterday was the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation. Reporting on the events marking the day, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said that about 45 per cent of women in Cote d’Ivoire are victims of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and that "the age of the victims ranges between 15 and 49 years." According to the paper, Ivorian authorities and NGOs announced their determination to attain "a zero tolerance" by 2010, at an event to mark International Day against Female Genital Mutilation, yesterday.

7. On the intense "soccer fever" in West Africa, the dailies devoted many columns to the ongoing African Cup Nations competition, as Les Elephants – Cote d’Ivoire national soccer squad –, is set to clash today in Kumasi, Ghana, with the Pharaohs of Egypt in a crucial semi-final. "Here comes the time of revenge," said a prominent headline in Notre Voie. "Today is the big day," said a banner headline in L’intelligent d’Abidjan, with a picture of Les Elephants in a praying position.

Media Coverage of Embassy’s Activities

RTI – a government-run television yesterday carried footage of a conference organized by the US Embassy in Abidjan on the philosophy of Rosa Parks. The positive report emphasized, among other things, how the mother of the civil rights movement in the United States can serve as a role model for students in Cote d’Ivoire. Still on the same topic, Le Temps (a daily close to Gbagbo) carried a short piece telling readers who was Rosa Parks. It reported that to mark the Black History Month, the US Embassy in Abidjan paid tribute to the mother of civil rights.

yesterday carried footage of a conference organized by the US Embassy in Abidjan on the philosophy of Rosa Parks. The positive report emphasized, among other things, how the mother of the civil rights movement in the United States can serve as a role model for students in Cote d’Ivoire. Still on the same topic, carried a short piece telling readers who was Rosa Parks. It reported that to mark the Black History Month, the US Embassy in Abidjan paid tribute to the mother of civil rights.

Fraternite Matin: The paper carried a half-page story on the Information Resources Center's presentation of its resources, highlighting the new website America.gov to the management of this state-owned media. The paper said the presentation offered both the Embassy and Fraternite Matin an opportunity to strengthen their relations.

The paper carried a half-page story on the Information Resources Center's presentation of its resources, highlighting the new website America.gov to the management of this state-owned media. The paper said the presentation offered both the Embassy and Fraternite Matin an opportunity to strengthen their relations.

February 6, 2008

The papers today reported on Ivorian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara’s proposition to form an alliance with the New Forces. The papers also reported on  preparations for the forthcoming presidential elections.

1. In a commentary, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that Ouattara’s proposal to work with the New Forces is “a trap.” The paper implied that such an alliance would leave the boss of the New Forces, who is also the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, “politically weak.” The paper further suggested that “Soro should not dream that he could gain something by forming an alliance with Ouattara.” The paper said    “Soro would lose his credibility in conducting the electoral process, since he always presented himself as an impartial referee in the peace process, as he promised not to stand for presidency.” The paper concluded that “the Ivorian premier has become the only one who has the responsibility to control the electoral process.”

2. Notre Voie commented that Ouattara’s offer has thrown Soro into a “big dilemma,” because if he turns down his proposal, “he [Soro] would run the risk of losing the support of many members of New Forces, who are supporters of the RDR, Ouattara's party.” The paper said that Ouattara was just trying to take advantage of this situation and that the main reason for Ouattara’s offer was because the Ivorian opposition figure knows he cannot win the forthcoming presidential elections without “a push” from the New Forces.

3. Le Jour Plus (a pro-opposition newspaper): With a picture of Soro and Ouattara on the front-page, the paper told readers that the two leaders are poised for what it called a “sacred union,” in the perspective of the 2008 presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper suggested that such a strong coalition would help “foster development” of the northern and western regions that were seriously affected by the war. According to the paper, the announcement by Ouattara to form an alliance with the New Forces has triggered “confusion” in the Ivorian political arena, notably amongst the “Reformers [the ruling FPI party].” “Once this alliance is formed, the RDR party would become a heavy electoral machinery,” commented the paper. The paper then made recommendations to the leadership of Gbagbo’s party “to change their political strategy” because reliable sources say that “Soro and Ouattara could negotiate areconciliation before the coming elections.”

4. In a front-page story, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) expressed “optimism” that nothing could thwart the plan aimed at sealing an alliance between the RDR and the New Forces.

5. On the elections, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), Robert Beugre Mambe is looking for funds to organize the upcoming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, this issue was high on the agenda yesterday in Ouagadougou, where Mambe held talks with President Blaise Compaore, who is also the facilitator in the Ivorian peace process. According to the paper, the meeting offered the electoral commission the opportunity to present the mediator with results that have been accomplished in connection with the coming elections. Compaore, who expressed “satisfaction” at these results, “promised to help Cote d’Ivoire obtain the necessary funds for the polls.” On the date of the polls, the electoral commissioner was quoted as saying, “Our objective is to organize these elections in June. We are trying to resolve all technical and financial problems to meet this deadline. The mechanism for the registration of voters has been put in place.”            

Media Coverage of Embassy’s Activities

Notre Voie: The paper carried a story on the Abidjan American Corner's conference and a film show to mark Black History Month. The paper said the event is useful in encouraging Ivoirians to emulate the ideals of non-violence of Martin Luther King Jr. The paper quoted one of the Ivoirian speakers at the conference as saying, “We must teach the philosophy of peace as the country [Cote d’Ivoire] is preparing for elections.”    

February 5, 2008

In today’s press Ivorian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara’s proposition to form an alliance with the New Forces and the state of affairs in the cocoa-coffee sector, were the major news stories.

1. Ouattara’s proposal to work with the New Forces was a subject of a front-page item in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI). In a prominent headline reading: “Wattao says no Ouattara,” the paper said a leading New Forces military commander, Issiaka Ouattara, aka Wattao, has rejected Ouattara’s proposal to the former rebel movement to join his party, the Rally of the Republicans – RDR. The paper reminded readers that yesterday, the former warlord said: “We’re not politicians; we are not a political party. We’re referees and we must be neutral. For the mean time we cannot join any political party. We can do this after the elections. For the mean time, we are working towards just, transparent, and balanced elections. These will be true and clean elections, the first ones that won’t be subject to disputes in Cote d’Ivoire. It’s only after these elections each of us would decide on their own. People should know that the New Forces is only made up supporters of the RDR party.”

2. Still on the debate on whether the New Forces should or should not join the RDR party, Louis-Andre Dacoury-Tabley, the number two in the ex-rebel movement told Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) that “Each member of the New Forces is free to choose its political career.” On Ouattara’s proposal, Dacoury-Tabley, who is also a minister in the current administration, said: “The call was courageous, frank and clear.” He reportedly explained that members of the New Forces come from “different political backgrounds,” and hoped that the plan by the RDR to consult with the movement leadership in the perspective of this proposed political alliance, would take into account this state of affair. Dacoury-Tabley was further reported as saying that “the New Forces is now gripped with divergence,” and this could be “an opportunity for Ouattara to eventually help settle these differences.”

3. Le Temps (a daily close to Gbagbo) told readers that Ouattara is lobbying to form an alliance with the New Forces just to secure “his party’s survival in the north.” The paper quoted observers as saying that Prime Minister Soro’s recent national political achievement has virtually caused Ouattara “to lose control over the northern region of Cote d’Ivoire.” According to the paper, Prime Minister, Soro has become the northerners’ “darling boy” at the detriment of Ouattara, following his appointment by President Gbagbo as the head of a committee overseeing development projects in the north of Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, what has made the situation more complicated for the leader of the RDR was the fact that a leading member of his party, who also hails from the north defected and created his own party.   

4. With the picture of Ouattara on its front page, Le Patriote (a daily close to the RDR party) told readers why the Ivorian opposition leader wants to work with the New Forces. According to the paper, Ouattara said: “We believe that our ideologies, our vision for Cote d’Ivoire, principles that we have defended for the past years are closer to those the New Forces have been fighting for.”

5. On the state of affairs in the cocoa-coffee sector Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA) reported that the Ivoirian cocoa and coffee sector has lost “610 billion Francs CFA (about 1.4 billion dollars) during the past seven years."  According to the paper, the sector is currently plagued with “power struggle and financial scandals.”

6. In a related development, Fraternite Matin reported that the Ivorian government has put in place a mechanism designed to ensure transparency of the petrol resources in the country.

Media Coverage of Embassy’s Activities

Soir Info (a privately-owned daily) carried a story on a conference and film show, which was organized last Saturday by Abidjan American Corner “to pay tribute to Dr. Matin Luther King, Jr.” The paper explained the importance and purpose of the event, which was to launch the celebration of the Black History Month in Cote d’Ivoire.

Nuit & Jour (a privately-owned daily) carried the full text of a Washington File story announcing additional US humanitarian assistance to Kenya for its  internally displaced population - a result of  post-election violence in that country. 

February 4, 2008

The congress of the opposition Rally of the Republicans (RDR) and the outstanding performance of the Elephants – Cote d’Ivoire’s national soccer team, were the subjects of front-page stories in most of Ivorian newspapers, today.

1. 24 Heures (a pro-opposition newspaper): With a picture of the Ivorian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara in a triumphant mood, on its front page, the paper quoted the leader of the RDR party as saying, "We’ll be at the Presidential Palace this year." Ouattara, reported the paper, was speaking over the weekend after he was endorsed as the leader of his party for the forthcoming presidential elections during the party’s congress in Abidjan.

2. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that Ouattara, who will be holding the leadership position of his party for the next five years, has received delegates' approval to form alliances with other political parties. In a separate story, the paper hinted that "Ouattara wants to form an alliance with New Forces," the former Ivorian rebel movement. The paper said Ouattara told reporters at a press conference that "it’s premature to talk about the position that Guillaume Soro – leader of the New Forces -- would be holding in such an alliance. I invited him to join an alliance with my party. We’re still awaiting his reaction, and then we’ll enter into negotiation." Speaking on the reconstruction of Cote d’Ivoire after the crisis, Ouattara suggested that this should take place in what he called "a new environment of peace, security, and union of the intellectual resources of this country."

3. While the RDR’s leadership is waiting for reaction from the New Forces’ boss regarding the party’s proposal to form a coalition, Wattao, a military commander in the former rebel movement told Fraternite Matin that, "After the elections, we can join a party." "We’re not politicians; we are not a political party. We’re referees and we must be neutral." The paper further reported that the ex-warlord also used the opportunity to call upon various political parties in Cote d’Ivoire "to rally behind the Prime Minister in a bid to bring peace back to Cote d’Ivoire."

4. Regarding the upcoming elections, Ouattara warned that "to pre-empt the Kenya syndrome to happen in Cote d’Ivoire, there is a need to resolve problems that come up before the presidential elections," reported Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party.)

5. Fraternite Matin reported on the youth wing of the ruling FPI party's comment that "there can be no elections without disarmament." This comment was made yesterday during the general assembly of JFP – Jeunesse du Front populaire Ivoirien. In their discussions, the youths speculated on how there could be elections in Cote d’Ivoire if citizens of this country are denied "free movement." The paper said the youths' leadership said: "A vote is a free act. One cannot therefore vote under constraint. This is not possible."

6. In another development, Fraternite Matin devoted five pages to the ongoing African Cup Nations competition that is taking place in the neighboring Ghana. The paper hailed Les Elephants – Cote d’Ivoire national soccer squad – which beat Guinea 5-0 in the quarter-finals played yesterday in Sekondi. With the pictures of the goals scorers on its front page, the paper said: "We want more!" After their victory that propelled them into the semi-final, where they will clash with either Egypt or Angola, the coach the Ivorian squad said: "Let’s stay mobilized."

Media Coverage of Embassy’s Activities

Over the weekend, the state-owned television (RTI-TV) carried footages of a conference organized by the US Embassy on the book: "Forgiveness in international politics: An alternative road to peace." The TV report on the event was positive. The same television network also broadcast a late-report on World Aids Day events in Man, western Cote d’Ivoire, featuring the US Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Wanda L. Nesbitt, who spoke on the US’s "huge contributions" to the fight against HIV/AIDS in Cote d’Ivoire.

Islam Info (a weekly Muslim newspaper): In a front-page story, the paper informed readers about books donated by the US Embassy to the National Islamic Council of Cote d’Ivoire. The positive report showed pictures of the Director of American Cultural Center, Sharon White, engaged in discussions with Muslim leaders.

February 1, 2008

Today, Ambassador Wanda L. Nesbitt’s meeting with Ivorian former President Henri Konan Bedie yesterday, was widely reported in several news dailies, including pro-opposition and independent newspapers. The papers also reported on elections; the three-day congress of the Rally of the Republicans (RDR) party; and the government suspension of the operations of Radio France International (RFI) -- a French public broadcaster, transmitting on FM in Abidjan.

1. In a front page story, L’inter (a privately-owned daily) asserted that France and the United States are "favorable for the delay" of the Cote d’Ivoire presidential elections, which was originally planned to be held later in June this year. According to the paper, the US Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Wanda L. Nesbitt's comment to the press after her meeting with Henri Konan Bedie, the Ivorian ex-President and leader of the PDCI-RDA, supports this assertion. On the specifics of the discussions, the paper quoted the Ambassador as saying, "We talked about the current situation in Cote d’Ivoire, preparations of the upcoming elections and the importance of these elections for Cote d’Ivoire." Responding to a question on whether the polls should take place on June 2008 or not, the paper quoted Ambassador Nesbitt as saying, "The most important thing is that the elections should be well conducted, that all the preparation should be put in place. If they happen in June, that is good. If they come one or two months later, I think everybody can understand. Other people have already spoken about it; most important is that elections should be conducted this year in Cote d’Ivoire." [Reminder – On January 28, the Press Review carried media reports on French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner’s pronouncement on the date of the elections. Kouchner said: "It is not that serious if the presidential elections are pushed back by a month or two due to technical obstacles."]

2. The meeting between the Ambassador and Bedie was also a front-page story in 24 Heures (a daily close to the opposition). The story focused on the Ambassador's position on the transparency and fairness of the elections. The paper quoted the Ambassador as saying, "There is a need to organize elections this year… It is important that the elections be transparent and fair. For this reason, all measures must be put in place to ensure that the polls are well prepared."

3. Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) and Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the PDCI-RDA party) also carried stories on the meeting between Ambassador Nesbitt and the Ivorian former President. "Well-organized elections must take place this year," Le Nouveau Reveil quoted the US diplomat as saying.

4.More on elections, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) devoted its front-page to a statement made yesterday by the Prime Minister's spokesperson, Meite Sindou, who elaborated on "the obstacles" that are holding back the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper reported on Sindou's assessment of the peace process and the decrees that Sindou says need to be signed to accelerate the identification process. According to the paper, Sindou said, "One of these decrees should be the one defining how the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the National Statistics Institute (INS), and SAGEM [a French firm that has been appointed as the technical operator for the identification program] should operate."

5. On the three-day congress of the RDR party, which starts today, a big headline in Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) read "ADO’s [Alassane Dramane Ouattara] campaign trail has set off." According to the paper, this congress has many objectives, and the most important one is how the party, which has been fighting for democracy for the past 14 years, can secure power. The paper further commented that this congress is set to rekindle "hope" amongst supporters of the party.

6. In a front-page story, Fraternite Matin said that the CNCA (Conseil National de la Communication Audiovisuelle) – a government broadcasting regulation committee – has imposed a ban on Radio France International (RFI) -- a French public broadcaster, transmitting on FM in Abidjan for "not respecting" an agreement signed between the two sides, two years ago. The suspension is effective January 31, 2008. The paper published a statement issued by the CNCA relating to the reason for the suspension. Excerpts said: "According to a deal signed on May 12, 2006, RFI agreed to pay 9 million CFA Francs in penalty fees for publishing false information, and to appoint a permanent correspondent to ensure a balance report of Cote d’Ivoire." According to the paper, even though RFI has paid the penalty fees it has not appointed a permanent correspondent.

Media on Embassy’s Activities

Fraternite Matin and Le Matin d’Abidjan (a daily close to Gbagbo) reported positively on a conference organized by the US Embassy on the book: "Forgiveness in international politics: An alternative road to peace." Prior to the conference, the US Embassy had presented books to the National Islamic Council of Cote d’Ivoire. The donation was a subject of positive news in 24 Heures and Le Nouveau Reveil (both pro-opposition newspapers).

Radio Al-Bayane – a Muslim radio station and Radio Catholic National in Abidjan also carried positive reports on another Embassy-sponsored conference that focused on the role of the religion in the community. The program featured five religious leaders who had participated in two IV programs in 2006 and 2007.