February 27, 2009

Ivorian newspapers today reported on a press briefing organized yesterday by the Cabinet of the Prime Minister on the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire. The dailies also talked about the next meeting of the CPC – the committee overseeing the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. Other reports shed more light on the spate of corruption in the cocoa and coffee industry in Cote d’Ivoire and on an alleged plan designed by the Ivorian Security Minister to crack down on Ivorian opposition groups. The decision by workers at the customs services to call off their strike and the visit of the French Minister of Commerce in Cote d’Ivoire were the major news items.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A report in this paper said that the Ivorian Prime Minister’s spokesperson met with the press yesterday to evaluate the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. According to the paper, the question of the restoration of state authority throughout the country was one of the major issues addressed during the briefing. The report quoted the Prime Minister’s spokesperson, Meite Sindou, as saying that “the transfer of power from the New Forces military commanders to the government-appointed prefects [District Chief Executives] is a sensitive issue.” The Prime Minister’s spokesperson, however reportedly promised that “Despite the delay, the process is on track.” “The military commanders will one day disappear, but this will happen progressively,” Mr. Meite reportedly said. He also underscored the Prime Minister’s “commitment” to allow customs officers to collect revenues and taxes in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces.

2. Still on the peace process, Fraternite Matin said that the 5^th meeting of the CPC – the committee overseeing the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement – is scheduled for March 11, 2009 in Yamoussoukro. According to the paper, this was announced yesterday by the Prime Minister’s spokesperson during his press conference. Questions relating to the electoral process and the population identification are likely to be high on the agenda, the paper predicted. Regarding the identification program, the paper quoted Mr. Meite as saying that more than 5 million people have so far been counted; representing 60 percent of the voting population in Cote d’Ivoire. The Prime Minister’s spokesperson reportedly said that financial problems continue to hold back the disarmament program that concerns “about 36,000 ex-fighters and 50,000 members of militia groups.” The process, the paper quoted him as saying, is however on “track”.

3. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party): A prominent story in this paper said that the 5^th meeting of the CPC, which is scheduled for March 11, 2009, could be delayed. According to the paper, President Laurent Gbagbo is maneuvering for the postponement of the meeting. The paper suggested that Gbagbo’s willingness to defer the meeting is to delay the much-awaited presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. On the same issue, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) had a different story. It allegedly accused former Ivorian President Henri Konan Bedie and opposition heavyweight Alassane Dramane Ouattara for fomenting a plan “to block the next CPC meeting.” The plan, the paper suggested, was to step up pressure on the Independent Electoral Commission to come out quickly with a date for the presidential elections.

4. Le Patriote carried another prominent story alleging that recent nominations in the police were part of a plan designed by the Ivorian Security Minister to crack down on Ivorian opposition groups.

5. A story in Soir Info (an independent daily) said that an arms embargo that has been imposed on Cote d’Ivoire since November 2004 constitutes a security threat for the country. According to the paper, this situation is making it difficult for the police and the gendarmerie to fight the increasing armed robbery in the country.  

6. On other issues, a prominent story in Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that more than 600 billion FCFA (about one billion dollars) had been siphoned off in the cocoa and coffee sector from 2001 to 2007. According to the paper, this was disclosed by sources investigating allegations of fraud and embezzlement committed by top officials in the cocoa and coffee industry in Cote d’Ivoire. The report further said that the court looking into the matter has frozen the assets of the top officials who are being held in custody pending their trial.

7. Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party): A report in this paper said that customs workers have called off their strike. According to the paper, the two-day movement has cost the state nearly 4 billion FCFA (about $7.7 million). 

8. Reporting on French Minister of Commerce Anne-Marie Idrac’s visit to Cote d’Ivoire, Fraternite Matin carried a prominent headline saying that the visit is to reinforce France’s presence in Cote d’Ivoire. Mrs Idrac is leading an important delegation of French businessmen. According to the report, Cote d’Ivoire is the home of about 700 French companies that provide about 40,000 jobs for Ivorians. The delegation was received by Ivorian authorities including President Gbagbo and visited the Abidjan Port.    

February 26, 2009

Reports in today’s Ivorian press said schools were closed yesterday throughout Cote d’Ivoire following a protest staged by FESCI – a powerful student association. The decision by the Ivorian government to review the age for retirement for civil servants; controversy over revenue collection in the zones formerly under the administration of the New Forces; and new developments in the case of a French-Canadian journalist who went missing in Cote d’Ivoire since April 2004 were the other major news in the newspapers. A daily also reported on the conference organized yesterday by the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan on the topic: “Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave.” 

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A front-page story in this paper said that public and private schools in Cote d’Ivoire were closed yesterday, as the Federation of Students of Cote d’Ivoire (FESCI) called for demonstrations. According to the paper, FESCI called the three-day movement to protest against the decision by the Ivorian authorities to increase tuition at the University from 6,000 FCFA to 50,000 FCFA (about $11.60 to $97). The students were also protesting against the decision by striking teachers not to release examination results to press for salary increases. Reporting on the same issue, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) quoted Secretary General of FESCI Augustin Mian as saying “Though we are not against the teachers’ grievances, we cannot accept that students become victims of this situation,” adding that yesterday’s movement was “just a warning.”

2. In a related development, a report in Le Quotidien (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that two students were severely injured yesterday in the central city of Daloa following clashes between members of FESCI and the police. According to the report, the violence occurred as the students were demanding the release of their comrades who were arrested after a demonstration organized by FESCI in Daloa.   

3. A prominent story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that the Ivorian government has decided to review the age for retirement for civil servants in Cote d’Ivoire. The report quoted a government decree as saying that the age for retirement, which was formerly set at the age of 55, has now been raised to 57, 60 and 65 based on the grade of the civil servants. This decision, according to the report, took effect on January 1^st, 2009.

4. A front-page story in L’inter (an independent daily) said that the New Forces have decided to suspend the program designed to allow government officials to collect revenues in the zones formerly under the control of the former rebel group. According to the report, the program has been halted, as elements of the New Forces are claiming “their share” of taxes collected by customs officials in Bouake – the former New Forces’ stronghold. The report further said that some New Forces’ elements yesterday prevented customs officers from doing their job. In a separate story, the paper quoted spokesperson of the New Forces Alain Lobognon, who had another version.  He claimed that the Prime Minister has indicated that the revenue collection has not been suspended. In a separate story, the paper expressed concerns about security in the regions formerly under the control of the New Forces. It further opined that “the redeployment of government services would not become effective unless the disarmament of the former rebels is fully completed.”   

5. A front-page story in Le Quotidien said that the Director of Abidjan Port has called the Ivorian Chief of Defense for “rescue” during his campaign against racketeering in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces. According to the report, roadblocks continue despite recent commitments by the Chief of Defense to remove them. In a bid to facilitate free movement of goods and services between the Port of Abidjan and other parts of the country, the port’s director demanded that the Chief of Defense provide security forces to escort vehicles, reported the paper.

6. L’inter also reported on the destruction of properties, looting and arrests of people after New Forces attacked a village 5 km from Bouake. According to the report, the attack came as the New Forces were hunting down a group of armed robbers.

7. Regarding the case of Guy-Andre Kieffer, the French-Canadian journalist who has been missing in Cote d’Ivoire since April 2004, Fraternite Matin told readers about a new development. According to the paper, the Ivorian First Lady, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, and the Minister of Planning and Development, Paul Antoine Bohoun Bouabre, have finally agreed to be heard by the French judge who is investigating the case. In July 2008 Mrs Gbagbo and Mr. Bouabre were formally called for questioning by a French investigative judge examining the disappearance and presumed death in Abidjan of the French-Canadian journalist, reported the paper. According to the report, the First Lady’s lawyer then responded that “Mrs. Gbagbo did not receive any summons from the French investigator, and that she has nothing to do with this dossier.”

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

Nord-Sud Quotidien today carried a positive report on the U.S. Embassy program on the topic: “Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave.” The paper noted that the event was part of a series of Embassy activities marking the celebration of Black History Month.             

February 25, 2009

The voter registration process underway in Cote d’Ivoire in preparation of the long-delayed presidential elections was one of the main subjects in today’s Ivorian press. President Laurent Gbagbo’s anti-corruption campaign was again a major highlight in the press. Speculations on President Gbagbo’s current week-long visit to Yamoussoukro; clashes between rival student groups; controversy over a Nigerian aircraft that “illegally” landed at the Abidjan International Airport and an anti-polio campaign to be launched on Friday in Cote d’Ivoire were the other major stories in today’s Ivorian press. The newspapers also reported on past and coming programs to be organized by the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan.

1. Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party): A prominent story on the front page of this paper said that the voter registration program has run into “difficulties,” as the registration workers have embarked on strike to press for their allowances. According to the report, SAGEM – a French technical body in charge of the operation – could not pay its workers, because they were short of money. “Out of the 36 billion FCFA (about $70 million), the government only provided the body with 500 million (about $96000),” said the paper. It further indicated that the protest launched by registration workers could “undermine” the identification process because of the important role that SAGEM plays in this program.
 
2. In a related story, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) cataloged what it called “the weaknesses” that are hampering the voter registration program. According to the report; beside the financial problems, the program is hitting against administrative bottlenecks; suspicions among the different political groups and difference between bodies in charge of the operation over their role. Against this background, the paper expressed skepticism over the February 28 deadline set by the Independent Electoral Commission to complete the process.  

3. The coming presidential election in Cote d’Ivoire was a prominent topic in Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) which announced the candidature Jean-Louis Billon President of Cote d’Ivoire Chamber of Commerce and Industry. According to the paper, the news about Billon’s candidature was disclosed his entourage. However, the paper wondered whether the Ivorian business tycoon, who is a leading member of the PDCI-RDA party, will be running for presidency under the ticket of the former ruling party or as an independent. The daily further suggested that the recent election of Barack Obama as the President of the United States might have put water into mouth of Billon’s cronies who are trying to compare Billon, a young Ivorian half-cast to the Black American President. 

4. Reacting to the continuous delay of the presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire, a leading member of the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, quoted by Le Nouveau Reveil, held President Gbagbo responsible for this situation; adding “Gbagbo is making a big mistake.” Another prominent story in Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) explained how the Ivorian leader is maneuvering to delay the polls. The paper hinted that Gbagbo and his ruling FPI party have crafted a plan including the use of diversionary tactics to delay the elections until 2010.

5. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) told readers that “unlike his predecessors – namely Henri Konan Bedie (the former Ivorian President) and Alassane Dramane Ouattara (the Ivorian main opposition leader and also one time Prime Minister in the previous administration) --, President Gbagbo is waging a war against corruption, mismanagement and embezzlement in order to restore accountability in the country.” The paper went on to state that “Gbagbo’s fight against corruption has no political motivation, because as a man whose hands are clean, Gbagbo cannot cope with an entourage or appointees who are suspected to be corrupted.” 

6. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned) reported that President Gbagbo left Abidjan (the Ivorian economic capital) for a week-long visit in the country’s political city of Yamoussoukro. The paper quoted sources close to the Presidency as saying that “after intense professional activities, the president needs rest.” But Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) speculated that the Ivorian leader could use his vacation in Yamoussoukro to prepare a cabinet reshuffle.  Le Temps also predicted that Gbagbo may use his vacation “to evaluate the peace process and then come out with decisions that would boost the process.”  

7. On other issues, Soir Info (an independent daily) reported that scores of students were injured in Agboville (north Abidjan) following clashes yesterday between members of FESCI -- the powerful Ivorian student association [a movement that is widely known to be violent] and those of UNESCI – another students’ association. According to the report, clashes occurred as FESCI refused to tolerate dissenting views among the students.  

8. A front-page report in Fraternite Matin said that the controversy over a Nigerian aircraft that “illegally” landed at the Abidjan International Airport a few days ago has taken a dramatic turn. According to the report, the aviation officials who granted permission to the plane were arrested and put in custody in MACA – a prison Abidjan. The paper quoted sources close to the aviation service in Abidjan as saying that the permission that was granted was not genuine.  

9. On health issues, a report in Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) said that a nationwide campaign against polio is due to kick off on February 27 in Cote d’Ivoire. The campaign, which is part of a regional vaccination program, will concern about 6 million children aged between 0 and 5 years.

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

1. Two Ivorian newspapers – Le Nouveau Reveil and Soir Info – announced that the U.S. Embassy in Cote d’Ivoire is to organize today a conference on the topic: “Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave”. The reports said that the conference is part of activities marking the celebration of the Black History Month.

2. L’inter (a privately-owned daily) reported on U.S. Embassy Abidjan’s February 19 conference on the history of African-American in the United States. The positive report highlighted achievements of African-Americans and the non-violence philosophy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

3. A report in L’intelligent d’Abidjan (a privately-owned daily) said the American hip hop group Vice Verse All Stars organized a series of performances in Abidjan. The positive and intensive report said that the shows also featured other hip hop maestros from Cote d’Ivoire. According to the report, PAO, Sharon White, saluted this cooperation between the American hip hop group and its Ivorian counterparts; adding “the promotion of culture is an important engine for cooperation between the United States and Cote d’Ivoire.”            

February 24, 2009

Reports in today’s Ivorian newspapers said that the Ivorian peace process underway was one of the major issues during talks between President Laurent Gbagbo and his Burkinabe counterpart, Blaise Compaore, who is in Cote d’Ivoire as part of an unofficial visit to Cote d’Ivoire. Other reports focused on how the principal political parties in Cote d’Ivoire are maneuvering to have the powerful Ivorian Student Association – FESCI – on their side. Some dailies also predicted “a house cleaning” operation at the Ivorian Presidential Palace in connection with President Gbagbo’s anti-corruption campaign. The dailies also reported on an international conference on conflict prevention; the spate of violence against women in Cote d’Ivoire; and a move to find ways to manage medical waste.

1. A prominent story in L’inter (an independent daily) said that Presidents Gbagbo and Compaore [facilitator in the Ivorian peace process] took “major decisions” during their meetings on Sunday in Abidjan. The two leaders, the report said, managed to find a date for the next meeting of the CPC – the committee overseeing the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. The paper cited reliable sources as saying that this committee could convene during the first two weeks of March and may allow the Ivorian political stakeholders to finalize a new timetable for the long-delayed presidential elections due to be held in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the two leaders also talked about the reestablishment of birth and death registers that were destroyed during the Ivorian conflict and stressed the need to find ways to accelerate the process. 

2. A front-page report in Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) explained how major political parties in Cote d’Ivoire are struggling to gain the support of FESCI -- the powerful Ivorian student association [a movement that is widely known to be violent]. The story said: “The time that FESCI was seen as a devil is now over. Apparently convinced that this movement is the best engine for power control and preservation, Ivorian businessmen as well as political stakeholders are sparing no effort to win its favor.” The report quoted the leader of FESCI, Augustin Mian, who claimed that after 18 years of activity, the movement has gained in “maturity” to become what he called “a FESCI that respects everybody and that commands respect and that is trying to be no political group’s wing.” The report further went on to suggest that political leaders, who are trying to use FESCI as “a power-conquest-machine,” are likely to be disappointed because “the movement goes according to its own interests.” In an interview with this paper, a civic rights activist predicted that “FESCI could one day disappear from the socio-political arena if it continues to maintain its violent stance.”

3. FESCI’s activities were also a subject of a front-page story in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition). According to the paper, the New Forces’ leadership has called on the Ivorian student movement not to indulge in any activities that could jeopardize peace in the zones formerly under the control of the former rebel group. “The New Forces will not accept any act of violence in their zones,” warned a leading member of the former rebel group quoted by the paper. According to the paper, the New Forces’ leader was speaking during a meeting with a delegation of FESCI that was in Bouake to launch its activities.

4. A front-page story in L’inter said some top officials serving at the presidential cabinet could lose their job, as President Gbagbo is preparing to launch what the paper called “a house cleaning operation” in connection with the president’s anti-corruption campaign. According to the report, Gbagbo wants to get “his hands clean” before the coming elections and to convince international donors with his campaign for good governance. Still on the same topic, Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) hinted that the Ivorian leader could also use his anti-corruption campaign as a pretext to crack down on those who are using public funds to support opposition leaders.

5. On the role of Cote d’Ivoire in the West African sub-region, Le Temps also informed readers that the Ivorian leader has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy designed to help his country regain its leadership position. According to the paper, the ongoing first African Nations Championship Tournament that is taking place in Abidjan and Bouake [the stronghold of the former rebel group] is part of this plan. The report further said that Gbagbo is also committed to resume the Entente Council, a regional body that has become inactive for some time now.

6. A report in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said an international conference on conflict prevention opened yesterday in Abidjan. According to the report, the conference, which is sponsored by the West African Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), is designed to find efficient mechanisms aimed at preventing crisis in the world. The report also said that experts will use the case of Cote d’Ivoire as an example of conflict resolution.

7. On Human right issues, a report in Fraternite Matin said that the Ivorian Social Affairs Minister called on women who were raped to break their silence. According to the report, the Minister was speaking yesterday in Abidjan at a conference organized as a prelude to International Women’s Day. Though Cote d’Ivoire has passed a law that punishes rape, many women continue to be victim of this scourge, the report said, adding “every hour, 11 women are raped and 40 percent of the victims are young girls.”

8. On matters concerning health issues, a front-page report in Fraternite Matin said that mismanagement of medical waste poses a real danger in Cote d’Ivoire. The report further quoted experts meeting in Grand-Bassam as saying that the mismanagement of medical waste can become a source of contamination of HIV/AIDS. About 80,000 to 160,000 people were infected by HIV/AIDS in the world due to mismanagement of medical waste, said the report. It said that the District of Abidjan alone produces about 5156 kg of medical waste a day.

9. In its February 23’s issue, Nord-Sud Quotidien carried a story explaining how an Ivorian couple that was looking for U.S. visa has been defrauded. According to the story, the visa seekers were swindled by people including a government official with the promise to help them get the visa.

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

Over the weekend, RTI-TV1 (a state-owned television network) carried footage of Embassy Abidjan’s book presentation to Aç Habul Kahaf Islamic Center in Abidjan at the end of an outreach program.

February 23, 2009

News in the Ivorian press today was dominated by the first African Nations Championship Tournament that kicked off on Sunday in Abidjan. The latest developments in the Ivorian electoral process were also the subject of front-page items in the press. The World Bank’s financial assistance to support good governance in Cote d’Ivoire; the impact of racketeering on activities in the Port of Abidjan; reports on a financial scandal at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan; and the health of a French journalist incarcerated in a prison in Abidjan were the other news highlights. 

1. Reporting on the ongoing African Nations Championship Tournament that kicked off on Sunday in Abidjan, most of the dailies described the performance of the Ivorian soccer team as “a humiliation.” The host country yesterday slumped to a shocking 3-0 defeat to Zambia in Abidjan, as the first African Nations Championship got off to a dramatic start. “The Elephants [name of the Ivoirian national team] humiliated Gbagbo,” said a front-page story in L’inter (an independent daily) that carried a picture of the Ivorian leader flanked by other African leaders watching the game.

2. In a separate story, L’inter suggested that the arrival of President Blaise Compaore in Abidjan for this soccer tournament has given “a political stamp” to the first African Nations Championship. “The arrival of Compaore, who is also the mediator in the Ivorian peace process, is a sign that political issues would dominate discussions between the Burkinabe leader and President Gbagbo,” wrote the paper. “Though Compaore is in Cote d’Ivoire as part of an unofficial visit, his arrival after 10 years was a strong signal that peace is irreversible in Cote d’Ivoire,” the paper quoted a political observer as saying.

3. A front-page story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that President Compaore and his Beninois counterpart, Yayi Boni, were in Abidjan “to express their solidarity to Cote d’Ivoire.” According to the paper, President Compaore told the media that he was “happy” to see “a vigorous country that has put itself right and that intends to consolidate peace and stability.”

4. Regarding the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire, Fraternite Matin published a statement issued on February 22, 2009 by the Independent Electoral Commission. The document said that the electoral body is taking “necessary measures to announce a revised timetable” for the coming presidential elections. In the statement, the commission reminded the public that the deadline for the voter registration exercise is set for February 28. However, “The process will be extended for a few days in some areas where it faced some difficulties,” the statement said.

5. “There will be no election as long as Gbagbo is in power,” L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) quoted a leading Ivorian political figure as saying. Anaky Kobena, leader of the opposition Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir, reportedly called for “a new political order in Cote d’Ivoire.”

6. A scandal of “ghost” workers at the Ivorian Presidential Palace was also a subject of front-page stories in the press. A prominent story in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) said that this malpractice has cost the state 3.6 million Francs CFA a month (about $7,000). One by one, the paper listed financial scandals that have recently hit the Presidency and called on the Ivorian leader to take measures “to ensure good governance in his cabinet.” In a related development, a prominent story in Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) said “Gbagbo must resign” instead of “chasing thieves that have been operating under his regime.” In the same vein, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) saw these series of scandals in which the Presidency was “involved” as a “bad omen for the regime in Abidjan.”  

7. A report in Saturday’s issue of Fraternite Matin said that the World Bank is to provide $150 million to Cote d’Ivoire to support the country’s effort to improve the management of the public sector and to ensure good governance in other sectors including energy and cocoa. According to the paper, an agreement was signed on February 19 in Washington to that effect.

8. Still on economic issues, a report in Fraternite Matin explained how roadblocks and racketeering in northern Cote d’Ivoire are affecting activities at the Port of Abidjan. According to the report, the port, which constitutes a major economic engine in this West African country, could lose its customers as a result of roadblocks and racketeering organized by the New Forces – the former rebel group. The paper referred to a 2008 report documented by port officials saying that traffic between the port and neighboring countries (Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso) has dropped as much as 22 percent in 2008.

9. A report in Saturday’s issue of L’intelligent d’Abidjan said that Jean-Paul Ney, a French journalist incarcerated in a prison in Abidjan, was taken to a hospital in Abidjan after he got sick. [NOTE: The French freelance photojournalist was arrested in Abidjan in December 2007 and was charged with “an attempt against national security”.]

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported on U.S. Embassy Abidjan’s February 19 conference on the history of African-American in the United States. The positive report highlighted the achievements of African-Americans. The paper further quoted the Head of the GSO at the Embassy, Martin Darryn, as saying that “Anyone in the United States can achieve success if he or she is willing to.”

February 20, 2009

Reports in the papers today talked about developments in the peace and identification processes; the presidential elections; the medical staff strike, as well as concerns about youth unemployment. On US related events, papers reported on Embassy Abidjan’s conference commemorating Black History Month and President Obama’s first foreign trip. 

1.  Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported that Hamadoum Toure, the spokesman of the United Nations Organization Mission in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) hosted a press conference, in which he talked about the “unification of the state treasury”.  According to the paper, Hamadoum Toure explained that the state treasury, (which is currently divided between the central government and operatives in the former rebel held zones), when unified will contribute greatly to the funding of the peace process, including funding for the disarmament operation.  According to the paper, Toure also said “We encourage everybody to facilitate the unification of the state treasury.” Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) also reported on Hamadoun Toure’s assertion that “The electoral timetable is a requirement from donors.”
 
2.  Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reporting on the identification process said in a headline story that “ONUCI evaluates its support to the Independent Electoral Commission (EIC).” The paper said that the head of ONUCI operations, Young-Jin Choi, urged for staff commitment to their mission to support Cote d’Ivoire.  According to the paper, Hamadoun Toure, ONUCI’s spokesman defined the scope of the ONUCI’s contribution, which includes technical and logistic support, as well as the mobilization of funding from the international community for the peace process. On the same subject, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) reported on what it calls a “dilemma.”  The paper said that the presidential elections, which are supposed to be held this year, are obstructed by disputes over the end date of the identification process, as well as other difficulties hindering implementation on the field. 

3.  More on the UN’s role, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) said that Choi, the head of ONUCI operations is determined to lead the country to implement free and fair elections.  The paper explained that Choi requested a “realistic schedule for the electoral process,” from the Independent Electoral Commission during the 6^th meeting of the Evaluation Committee of Ouagadougou Political Agreement, which was held on February 16 in Ouagadougou.

4.  On youth unemployment, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported on a launching ceremony of the World Bank’s peace and development initiative.  According to the paper, youth unemployment was the focus of the discussions during this ceremony; one speaker explained that the question of unemployment for an increasing young population is a time bomb that needs to be quickly defused.

5.  On the medical staff strike, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported that “health related services are still slow.” According to the paper, patients were herded to the military hospital, yesterday. In two separate articles the daily said that the government should take his responsibilities and that the patients’ parents in Daloa accused the Minister of Health. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that health facilities were not used yesterday. The paper added that the strike, which was supposed to stop today, has slowed down all operations at public hospitals.

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

1.  Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) had a positive report on Embassy Abidjan’s conference on February 19.  The conference, which was part of Black History Month celebration activities, was based on Nicole Bacharan’s book “Black Americans:  From Cotton Fields to the White House.”  The newspaper quoted American Officer Darryn Martin, who said “Everything is possible in the United States to anyone who wants to succeed.”  According to the paper, Martin explained the opportunities that the US government offers to his people, and also talked about the changes that have occurred in American society over the years.

2.  Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said, one month after the inauguration the US president took his first foreign trip yesterday. According to the paper, President Barack Obama and Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper talked about issues on security, commerce, environment, and the economic recession impacting the two countries automobile industry.  The paper added that Prime Minister Harper said that President Obama’s visit highlights the importance of trade relations between the two countries.

February 19, 2009

Today’s Ivorian press reports focused on economic revival projects; the ongoing medical staff strike; the identification process; and the redeployment of administrative structures in ex-rebellion zones (Center, North, and West) in Cote d’Ivoire. One paper reported on human rights concerns over police checkpoints. 

1.   On economic issues, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the World Bank will contribute to the rehabilitation of roads in the country. The paper said, Madani Tall, the Director of the World Bank projects in Cote d’Ivoire, shared the program plan with President Laurent Gbagbo following the joint mission of the International Monetary, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank. The joint meeting was within the framework of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative (HIPCs). The paper explained that the project for the rehabilitation of the road infrastructures also includes funding for youth employment.  Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) also reported on the World Bank projects, adding that the revival of the agricultural sector was also part of the funded projects. 
    
2.   The medical strike, which went into effect yesterday February 18, made front page stories in almost all the papers today. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) stated that during a visit to public hospitals it was noted that minimum services were being provided to patients. Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) also said minimum service is being provided for emergencies. On the other hand, L’inter’s (an independent daily) front page headline said, “The patients were turned back.” According to the paper, patients were turned away to private clinics and community health centers. In its analysis of the developments, the paper appealed for the medical staff’s attention to the dangers of the strike on the population. Soir Info (an independent daily) quoted a patient at a public hospital in Treivchville, who said, “We have been waiting for the doctors all morning.  We are usually attended to quickly, but as you can see, there is a strike.”
 
3.   Regarding the identification process and the redeployment of administrative structures, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that populations in the central part of the country are now able to obtain the documents required for their identification and electoral census.  The paper explained that Bouake’s court resumed its activities on February 15. The paper also said that the magistrates are back in Man (a major city in the western Cote d’Ivoire).  According to the paper one staff member said, “We are back. For the time being, the court’s work is focused on civil aspects, mainly the issuing of nationality certificates.”  L’inter (an independent daily) reported that the reconstitution of birth registers really started in Man on February 13th.  Soir Info (an independent daily) reported that at least 158 magistrates and 149 court officers returned to work in the ex-rebellion zones (Center, North, and West zones) since last Monday.

4.   On the identification process, Fraternite Matin said that the United Nations Organization Mission in Cote d’Ivoire (ONUCI) has increased its activities to ensure the success of the identification process.  The daily explained that in the framework of ONUCI’s logistic support to the identification process, ONUCI sent four support teams in villages near Adiake, a city located 95 Km far from Abidjan. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) in a headline story said, “Ten days before the end of the identification process: More than 400,000 people to be identified per day.” According to the paper, the Independent Electoral Commission is facing a major challenge to identify more than 426,000 people per day in order to meet with the identification process end date of February 28, 2009. The paper stated that this is an impossible task and will not be accomplished.

5. Fraternite Matin reported on the Ivorian League of Human Rights (LIDHO) section of Yamoussoukro’s project to conduct unexpected visits at city police checkpoints.  According to the paper, the decision to do unannounced visit was because of a recent survey, which revealed that 99% of 550 people surveyed  claimed to have been mistreated at the police checkpoints, at least once.

February 18, 2009

Today, the papers continued reporting on the electoral and identification processes; the peace process including the disarmament of militias. The papers also reported on health issues, including the strike by the medical corps as well as on HIV/AIDS. President Barack Obama’s signing of the $787 billion economic stimulus bill and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton’s visit to Japan were also in the papers, today.

1. On the elections, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) said in a front page headline, “The first round of the presidential election: Mambe’s major concerns.”  The paper said that after the meeting of the Evaluation Committee (EC) of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement (OPA), the President of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Beugre Mambe, is pressed to set the election date or to suggest a plan for the first round of the presidential election.  The paper further said that Beugre Mambe has delayed the publication of a schedule because he is concerned that the schedule may be impacted by the difficulties in the identification process. The daily listed funding for the elections, re-establishing birth registers, re-establishing administrative structures and the disarmament of the militias as some of the major obstacles. L’inter (an independent daily) reported that presidential elections will not be possible in 2009.  According to the paper, the President of Cote d’Ivoire Refoundation Party (Parti pour la Refondation de la Cote d’Ivoire) identified many problems, including the identification and the population census, and the electoral lists that need to be resolved prior to the election.

2. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the funding of the disarmament, the demobilization and reintegration of the ex-combatants program has become a serious issue for the Ivorian government. The paper stated that the special representative of the peace process facilitator, Boureima Badini, chided the donors in his report on the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. Still on the peace process, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) in a report titled “Resistance of the “Com’Zones” to the implementation of Ouagadougou 4th Supplementary Agreement,” the paper provided a timeline report regarding the implementation of the Agreement, which was signed on December 18, 2008.  The paper said that the Ivorian people had placed much hope in the 4th agreement, but unfortunately, their hope turned to despair given the difficulties impeding its completion.

3. The medical corps’ strike that was announced in previous reports happened today. In a major front page story, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said: “Danger of death in the hospitals.” According to the paper medical doctors, nurses, and laboratory technicians declared a 72-hour strike to protest their dissatisfaction on many issues, including the integration of nursing auxiliaries into public health services. Reporting on the same issue, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) quoted the General Secretary of the Union of Medical staff (SYNACASS-CI), who said “Our discussions ended with no satisfactory solution, therefore, the strike is in effect. We are going on a 3-day strike.” According to the paper, this decision was reached following a meeting between the government and the medical union on February 16. The paper also mentioned that the government has invited the strikers for further negotiations.

4. On HIV/AIDS, which is now viewed as a human rights issue, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) reported in a headline story about “A law to protect the HIV-positive." The daily explained that the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights supported by ONUSIDA organized a workshop aiming at preventing HIV infection and protecting HIV-positive people. The paper added that penalties of 3 months to 3 years imprisonment and 100,000 to 1 million F CFA fine will be charged for the violation of confidentiality; and for the willful transmission on HIV/AIDS through sex, the penalty is set at 5 to 20 years in jail.     

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

1. L’inter (an independent daily) reported that on Tuesday, US President Barack Obama signed “his hard-fought” economic stimulus plan of $787 billion after Congress approved it.  The paper said the plan is aimed at saving or creating more than 3.5 million jobs.

2. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Japan. In a headline story, the daily said “The Secretary of State invited the Japanese Prime Minister to be the first foreign leader to meet Obama on February 24." According to the paper, Hillary Clinton pledged support for Japan with regards to the denuclearization of North Korea.

February 17, 2009

Today, Ivorian newspapers focused on the 6th meeting of the Evaluation Committee of Ouagadougou Political Agreement.  The papers also reported on the joint mission of the International Monetary, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank; the peace process in the context of the unification of the country and the redeployment of administrative structures in the ex-rebel zones; and the disturbances in the health care system.

1.  Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) reported on the 6th meeting of the Evaluation Committee of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement (OPA) held on February 16 in Ouagadougou.  According to the paper, the facilitator of the peace process, President Blaise Compaore appealed to Ivorians and financial partners to achieve and consolidate peace in Cote d’Ivoire. The daily said that the meeting’s participants included the Ivorian Prime Minister, the President of the Independent Electoral Committee (IEC), a delegation from the presidency, donors, including the European Union (UE), the United States, France, Italy, Brazil, the African Development Bank, the World Bank (WB), and the International monetary Fund (IMF). The paper said it is likely that the identification process will not be completed by the deadline date of February 28 because birth registers need to be rebuilt. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on the Evaluation Committee’s demand for a logical schedule for the electoral process. L’inter (an independent daily) said that Compaore urged the Ivorian authorities and the ex-rebels to speed up the implementation of the Ouagadougou 4th Complementary Agreement. Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) also reported on the event.  
 
2.  On the joint mission by the International Monetary, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank to appraise the government budgetary situation in the framework of the Heavily Indebted Pour Countries (HIPCs) initiative, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that at the end of the mission, Arend Kouwenaar, head of the mission said: “We note with satisfaction the progress made by the government to improve control and public reporting of all the state's expenses through structural reforms regarding 2008 program. We particularly salute the reforms in the coffee and cocoa industry and the energy…”   The paper further said that Arend Kouwenaar encouraged the government to accelerate the efforts of the reforms and to also give importance to the sectors dealing with growth and poverty reduction. Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) reported in a headline story that Cote d’Ivoire is on the way to benefit from external debt reduction via the HIPC initiative.

3.      On the Peace process regarding the unification of the administration redeployment, L’inter (an independent daily) said that the zones’ Commandants will give way to the prefects on March 4. In a separate development, the daily reported that since yesterday, the judiciary is operational in Bouake. The paper said that for the time being, three magistrates, three attorneys, and three court clerks will be in charge of the judiciary.  Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) reported that the “Forces Nouvelles” will give way to the prefects on March 4. Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) provided a story on the same subject.

4.  Reporting on the scheduled strike by the medical corps, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said in a headline story: “Strike announced by the health personnel: a time bomb.”  The daily further explained that health services may be heavily impacted tomorrow if the government did not find a solution to the demands of physicians, nurses, medical technical staff…  L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) reporting on the same issue said: “Medical doctors will go on strike.”

February 13, 2009

Today’s press reported on corruption; the peace and identification processes; as well as the redeployment of administrative structures in the “Forces Nouvelles” zones. The papers also talked about gender equity in the country’s leadership as well as the issue of child soldiers.  
 
1. On corruption, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) talked about “ghost” civil servants at the presidency.  The paper said that following the cases of fraud involving MTN and the Cocoa and Coffee industry, the republic has intensified its efforts to stop these dangerous practices of corruption that are “impeding good governance.”  According to the report, President Gbagbo said that Cote d’Ivoire experiences evils such as corruption, misappropriation, embezzlement, racketeering, overcharging, lying, and cheating. The daily reminded readers about the president’s warning last November, when he said “Those who steal public finances must be pursued and brought before the courts.” In a separate article, the daily reported on some of the political leaders concurrence with the president plans to fight against corruption. Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) reported that there are some 400 “ghost” employees in the presidential palace.

2. The peace, the identification and the electoral processes continue to dominate the papers. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that yesterday, Young-Jin Choi, the Chief of the United Nations Mission in Cote d’Ivoire gave an evaluation of the peace process at press conference, where he said, “Without a schedule, we are waiting in darkness.” According to the paper, Young-Jin Choi requested that the Independent Electoral Commission provide a new plan for the electoral process immediately in order to avoid undermining the ongoing peace process. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported on the same issue highlighting Choi’s request from the Independent Electoral Commission a “logical schedule” for the electoral process. Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) also carried Choi’s request, in which he said “Provide without delay a new timetable for the elections.” The report further said that Choi stated that there is no funding problem and demanded the Independent Electoral Commission to come up with a new program schedule for the elections. 

3. L’inter (an independent daily) reported Young-Jin Choi on the safety of the elections as saying: “We have the means to reinforce our capacities during the electoral time...” The paper said that he assured the political players on the security of the presidential elections yesterday during a press conference at UNO-CI headquarters. In a separate story reporting on the peace process funding, the daily said that the donors were not pleased with the public finances management.  According to the paper, Arend Kouwenaar, the chief of the delegation of the joint mission including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and The African Development Bank to assess the government budgetary situation in the framework of the Heavily Indebted Pour Countries initiative, expressed his discontent regarding the 2008 budget overrun.  

4. Still on the peace process, Fraternite Matin reported that President Gbagbo met with the Special representative of the peace process facilitator, Boureima Badini. The report also said that Badini announced that Prime Minister, Soro Guillaume has been invited to Ouagadougou, February 16, to participate in the meeting of the Evaluation Committee of the Ougadougou Agreement.  According to the paper, Soro Guillaume will have to  report on the advancement of the Ouagadougou 4th Supplementary Agreement. The paper said the agenda will include the electoral process funding and especially the implementation of Ougadougou 4th supplementary Agreement. 

5. Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) reported on the redeployment of the police in the “Forces Nouvelles” zones.  In a major front page story the paper said: “2,000 Police officers assigned to the Forces Nouvelles zones”.  It published the whole list of the assigned staff. On the other hand,  Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) reporting on the same issue said that the 2,000 assigned police were reluctant to go to the ex-rebel zones (Central, North, and West part of the country).  According to the paper, their reluctance is due to the lack of arms for the police and also because the “Forces Nouvelles” still have their administrative bodies in place.

6. On gender issues, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) reported that on February 5 to 6, the West African Network for Peace-building Ivorian Section (WANEP-CI) jointly with the Ivorian Women Coordination for the Elections (COFEMCI) organized a discussion on “Women citizenship” and recommended the integration of  a quota of 30 per cent women in the country’s decision-making process. 

7. Soir Info (an independent daily) reported that as a result of the Ivorian political crisis, 3,000 children were used as soldiers and were sexually abused. According to the paper, the associations (Forums des ONG et associations d’aide à l’enfance en difficulté) advocating for children’s rights deplored the situation and decided to conduct an awareness-raising campaign to address the issue.

February 12, 2009

Today’s newspapers continue to report on the MTN - presidency trial; the identification and election processes; and the discussions on the country’s economy vis-a-vis the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries’ (HIPCs) initiative. The papers also reported on concerns about public health, especially Hepatitis B and toxic waste impacts in Cote d’Ivoire.

1.  Contrary to yesterday’s reports that President Laurent Gbagbo’s former secretary was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment in the trial involving MTN, today’s dailies said that Mrs. Gome and “her accomplice”, Mrs. Umviga Mette Elise will be incarcerated for five years, each. (NOTE: Mrs. Umviga Mette, is said to be the President’s outside collaborator).  A front page story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said: “Five years in prison…for Mrs. Gome and her accomplice.”  According to the report, in addition to the five year sentences, Mrs. Gome and her accomplice were also fined 300,000 F CFA; 10 years' deprivation of their civil rights; 3 years prohibition from travelling around the country; and a symbolic sum to be paid to the president for defamation.  Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) said “The verdict to defraud MTN of 65 million was confirmed yesterday at 14:10pm.” Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said “The judge was unmerciful to Mrs. Gome and her accomplice: 5 years imprisonment for each of the women.”

2.  On the Ivorian peace process, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that on February 11, the Representative of the UN General Secretary’s Mission in Cote d’Ivoire, Y. J. Choi and Prime Minister, Soro Guillaume held a  meeting  to discuss the issue. According to the newspaper, Choi requested a schedule for the peace process and said “In the absence of a timetable with specific dates, you must have a schedule of events” to avoid missing the timelines laid out in the Ouagadougou Political Agreement (OPA). L’inter (an independent daily) carried a similar report. 

3.  On the identification and electoral processes, papers talked about the crucial challenges facing the peace process.  Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said that international organizations, including the Electoral Division of the United Nations Mission in Cote d’Ivoire, the National Democratic Institute, and the Carter Center talked about funding in a seminar titled “The electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire: Contributions from international organizations for successful elections.”  According to the paper this meeting was initiated by an Ivorian Human Rights Activists NGO (RAIDH). The paper said that according to the NGO, the international community’s assistance is needed to guarantee the success of the elections. L’intelligent d’ Abidjan (an independent daily), reporting on the event, said that RAIDH organized the discussion in the framework of its monthly conference program.

4.  On the country’s economy, L’intelligent d’ Abidjan (an independent daily) said that representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank mission in Cote d’Ivoire met with Prime Minister, Soro Guillaume on February 11 to assess the government’s budgetary situation.  This meeting is within the framework of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPCs) initiative. According to the paper, the Prime Minister, who acknowledged that there is a budget overrun, assured the World Bank and IMF experts that the government will comply with their recommendations. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) reporting on the same issue said, “Soro promised to stop budget overrun.” According to Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily), Arend Kouwenaar, one of the experts, said “The Prime Minister assured us that in spite of the challenges, the Government will make an effort for the 2009 budget to meet the requirements of the international community…"

5.  Soir Info (an independent daily) reported on the disarmament of militias in the context of the peace process.  The paper said that after yesterday’s reporting of the militias’ protest in two papers -  Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) and Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) - the disarmament has actually restarted.  The report said that in Yamoussoukro, the Ivorian political capital, 818 people are in the process of being disarmed. 

6.  On public health issues, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said in a prominent front-page headline - “Hepatitis B: more deadly than AIDS.” According to the paper, the disease is more contagious than AIDS and just like AIDS the transmission is through sexual contact, blood or mother-to-child.  The article also stated that a study conducted in Cote d’Ivoire by the World Health Organization revealed that 18.2 percent of pregnant women are infected. In a separate development, the daily said that an Ivorian medical society (Société ivoirienne de gastro-entérologie et endoscopie digestive) initiated a project called “Hepatitis Network” to fight the disease through awareness-raising campaigns and preventive actions.  On other health matters, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) reported that bundles of toxic wastes were discovered in Abobo, one of Abidjan’s largest neighborhoods. Accompanied by a picture of bundles of toxic waste, the report said that the people of Abidjan are constantly being poisoned.

February 11, 2009

Today, the Ivorian newspapers continued their reporting on the case of corruption involving MTN and the presidency; the peace process; as well as on the ongoing identification/registration process. Other stories in the papers were about agriculture issues, including the cocoa sector; human rights; as well as the issue of strikes. One daily reported on the developments in trials over the September 2006 toxic waste dumping around Abidjan.  Another daily reported on the Iran – United States relationship.

1. Almost all the dailies reported on the developments in the fraud case involving MTN’s Executive Manager and President Laurent Gbagbo’s former Secretary, Mrs. Gome. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that Mrs. Gomé who, was “illogical in her explanation” during the trial was sentenced to 12 months incarceration. Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the party) quoted Mrs. Gome as saying: “I verbally informed the president.”  Soir Info (an independent daily) reported that the president’s chief of protocol and his chief of staff were named as persons contacted in an attempt “to arrange” an appointment for the MTN’s Executive Manager with the President.

2. On the peace process, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that delegations from the presidential office, the “Forces Nouvelles,” and the United Nations Mission in Cote d’Ivoire (ONUCI) will meet in Ouagadougou on February 16 to evaluate the peace process. According to the paper, the main issues to be discussed by the Committee for the Evaluation of the Peace Process will include the identification process and electoral census; the proposal of an agenda for presidential and legislative elections in 2009; military issues; the funding of electoral process; and the restoration of the State authority all over the country as stated in the Ouagadougou Fourth supplementary Agreement, which was signed in December 22, 2008.
Still on peace process, Fraternite Matin reported on the refusal of ex-combatants from the central part of the country to be disarmed. According to the paper, militias are refusing to be disarmed because they have not been paid 3,000 FCFA for transportation. Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) reported on the issue saying that due to 3,000 F CFA, the militias refused to apply to the disarmament process. 
 
3. On the elections, L’inter (an independent daily) in a headline story said “Choi and Compaore agree for the elections in 2009.”  According to the paper, the Representative of the General Secretary of the United Nations Mission in Cote d’Ivoire, Y. J. Choi, and President Blaise Compaore from Burkina Faso discussed this issue during a meeting held in Ouagadougou on February 10.  Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) reported that populations in many villages may not registered February 28 deadline.  Soir Info (an independent daily) also reported on the identification process quoting the President of the Independent Electoral Commission as saying: “if the operation of identification continues at the current pace, it will be an extraordinary challenge to complete it by February 28."

4. On agriculture, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on the Minister of Agriculture’s concern about difficulties threatening the cocoa sector. According to the paper, the Minister talked about difficulties, such as the lack of adequate infrastructures in cocoa producing countries; the low revenues earned by African producers; the poor product quality on the international market; and the decline of the productivity. On the same subject, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) reported on the Minister’s urging of cocoa to unite to deal with these difficulties.

5. On economic matters, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that “The Economic Community of West African Countries (CEDEAO) loaned 7 Billion to Cote d’Ivoire.” According to the report, the state of Cote d’Ivoire signed a loan agreement with the Investment and Development Bank of CEDEAO for this sum to implement a project that is designed to attract investors in the field of biotechnology as well as information and communications technology.  Grand-Bassam is named as the project site. Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) and Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) also reported on this loan.

6. On human rights issues, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on the difficulties encountered by the West African Program for Youth Social Reintegration. According to the article, 2,000 children needed assistance.  During a workshop in Grand-Bassam, the actors and partners of the program concluded that for a successful implementation of the program they need to network, to create shelters to receive children, to create orientation and listening centers, as well as the need for actual social and professional reintegration.

7. On strike issues, Soir Info (an independent daily) reported that 9 out of the 13 Ivorian farmers unions went on strike on February 10 as was called by the Union. Still on strikes, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the party) reported that following many strikes in the educational sector in Bouake, Colonel Bamba Sinima, president of school and examinations committee in the Zone of Confidence (CNO) appealed to students to refrain from strikes and said that the Forces Nouvelles are ready to assist them. 

8. On the toxic waste issue, Soir Info (an independent daily) reported on the compensation to victims of this disaster.  In a headline story, the paper said “The toxic waste continues to make victims.”  In an interview with the president of the Federation of the Associations of Toxic waste victims, the paper reported that he encouraged the victims to stand firm and remain hopeful as plans are underway for trials in the case by the end of 2009 in Great Britain.

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

A report in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that Iran President made a statement on the relationships between Iran and the United States, during the celebration of 30 years after the revolution.  The paper reported that Iranian President told the crowd that the Iranian nation is ready to hold talks with Washington. 
 

February 10, 2009

Major issues reported in today’s Ivorian dailies include the peace and identification processes; the alleged corruption involving Mobile Telephone Company, MTN and the presidency; the African Union (AU) on the crises in Madagascar; the increase in the price of rice; the strike planned my medical doctors; and the increase in civil servants’ salaries.   

1. On the identification and registration process scheduled to finish on February 28, 2009, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the ruling FPI party’s president, Affi N’Guessan said that “the registration process should be extended beyond February 28.” According to the paper, Affi N’Guessan enrolled to be registered in his own village in order to sensitize the population about the identification process. 

2. Papers continued reporting on the corruption issue involving the Mobile Telephone Company, MTN and the Presidency. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) published an article explaining that the Minister of Interior made the decision to expel MTN’s Executive Manager from Cote d’Ivoire. (NOTE: The Executive Director is the key defendant in this case, which is scheduled to go to trial today.) Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) reported that the Executive Manager is leaving Abidjan for Ghana today. In a letter published in this newspaper, the Executive Manager exhorted his staff to raise the image of the company and to remain committed to its values. L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily)’s report on the same issue focused on the protest of NTN’s personnel against the expulsion. Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) questioned the fairness of the trial, which will be conducted in the absence of the main defendant. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reporting on the same issue said that MTN group and MTN Cote d’Ivoire apologized. The article further explained that the Executive manager did not intend to harm the reputation of the Ivorian state institution.

3. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that Ivorian former foreign minister Amara Essy has been appointed by the African Union as an envoy to Antananarivo to assess the situation of Madagascan political crisis. He is scheduled to have consultations with all parties involved. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) and Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) also reported on the issue.

4. On the increase in food prices, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) said that the price increase for rice is was not effective. According to the daily, many challenging issues still need to be addressed in order to avert famine.

5. Negotiations are scheduled to avert the medical doctors’ call for a strike on February 18.  According to Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the party) the Ministry of Health has invited the doctors for negotiations. Soir Info (an independent daily) on the other hand said that nurses have dismissed the idea of a strike. According to the paper, this statement was made by the National Nurses trade Union’s General secretary during an assembly they had last Saturday.  

6. On economic issues, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) carried a prominent front page story saying: “Let’s motivate domestic savings.” According to the report, President Laurent Gbagbo presiding over the 33rd assembly of the Federation of insurance companies urged the actors in the insurance field to increase their activities.  In a separate article, the newspaper carried a story saying that the heads of the insurance companies met to discuss about the contribution of the insurance sector to the African countries economic development. During this meeting they declared that more than 148 billion CFA profits were generated in 2007.

7. Still on economic matters, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported on an interview with the Minister of employment about civil servants salary increases, which were effective in January 2009. According to the paper, the minister said: “The government will pay what it owes you.” The Minister said, according to the article, that the government has started paying part of the dues and will pay the balance in early 2010.

February 9, 2009

The Ivorian newspapers today reported on matters relating to the peace and identification processes; the African Union; the issue of corruption surrounding the Mobile Telephone Company, MTN; and the increase in food prices.

1. On the peace and identification processes, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on the difficulties impacting the processes.  The paper focused on issues, such as missing birth certificates. Soir Info (an independent daily) said that according to the spokesman of the Independent Electoral Commission, 4,200,000 out of 8,663,149 people have been registered.

2. Reporting on the African Union, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that despite all efforts, the union is still confronted with many difficulties, including the lack of integration; failure to promote democracy and human rights; and the absence of peace between some African states.

3. Many papers reported that the expulsion of the MTN’s Executive Manager, was a violation of human rights. According to the papers, this decision was taken by the Minister of Interior, after President Gbagbo’s secretary allegedly swindled 65 million CFA from the mobile phone company; this amount is associated with the account of the presidency with the phone company. Soir Info (an independent daily) quoted the President of a Human Rights Organization (APDH) as saying that “something is wrong” with this arbitrary decision, because the expulsion of the Executive Manager is effective the day (Tuesday February 10)the case is to go to trial.

4. On the increase of food prices, L’intelligent d’ Abidjan (an independent daily) reported in a front page story that the price of rice will be increased today.  According to the report, the quality of the rice will dictate the increase; prices will raise from 300 CFA to 400 CFA and from 450 CFA to 700 CFA per kilo. L’inter (an independent daily), reporting on the same issue said that the president of rice importers stated that the increase in the price of rice is due to the increase of customs taxes.

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

In its weekend edition February 7 & 8, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on Embassy Abidjan’s conference on ‘Gender, Sexual Violence and Therapy.’ According to the paper, the conference which targeted medical doctors and NGOs advocating against sexual violence, was well attended.  The paper applauded the guest speaker, Dr. Lawrence Siegel, an American Sexologist, who discussed the methods and approaches for assisting and successful treating victims of sexual violence.

February 6, 2009

The visit of a joint delegation of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Cote d’Ivoire to work out a debt relief plan for Cote d’Ivoire was widely covered in the papers, today.  The papers, which continue to report on the electoral process, also reported on security issues, including threats of attacks by Liberian mercenaries, and the deployment of UN forces to Man. The papers also reported on President Gbagbo’s campaign against corruption, as well as the potential strike by medical doctors. One paper questioned the objectivity of United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) in the peace process.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that a joint delegation of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is currently in discussions with authorities in Cote d’Ivoire to evaluate possibilities for post-crisis economic support for Cote d’Ivoire. The report said that the delegation, which also includes officials from the African Development Bank (ADB) and the European Union, met yesterday with the Minister of Economy and Finance, Charles Diby Koffi. According to the paper, discussions focused on a three-year economic program that would qualify Cote d’Ivoire for debt relief programs, including the Highly Indebted and Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. The paper further explained that the post-crisis programs are designed, among other things, to alleviate poverty in Cote d’Ivoire during the  peace process.

2. On the electoral process, Fraternite Matin said that Ivorian women’s associations meeting in Abidjan yesterday called on the Independent Electoral Commission to delay the voter registration exercise that is scheduled for completion  February 28, 2009. According to the paper, the women said: “To resolve the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire, there is a need to address once for all the problem of identity, which was used as a pretext for the rebellion.”   In her response, the Vice-president of the Independent Electoral Commission, Dr Fatoumata Traore-Diop, said: “Technically the voter registration exercise will end. However, the Interior Ministry will continue the population identification program.”  A prominent story in Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) echoed similar concerns that the vast tasks, which have not been completed, make it impossible for the holding of presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire in 2009.

3. On matters concerning security in Cote d’Ivoire, a front-page story in L’inter (an independent daily) said that thousands of Liberian mercenaries are threatening to attack Cote d’Ivoire. According to the report, these mercenaries, who fought alongside government forces during the war in Cote d’Ivoire, are now demanding the Ivorian government to pay Francs CFA 800,000 (about $1,571) to each mercenary.

4. In a related development, a report in Fraternite Matin said that after recent clashes between factions of the New Forces – the former Ivorian rebel movement – the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) has deployed blue helmets in the western city of Man. In another story on the demobilization of the militia groups operating in the western region of Cote d’Ivoire, the paper quoted a youth leader who described the program as “unrealistic and expensive.” Eugene Djue, leader of the National Front for the Total Liberation – a movement close to President Gbagbo – reportedly said that “given the current situation in Cote d’Ivoire, the government cannot afford to pay Francs CFA 500,000 (about $982) to each militiaman that accepts to be disbanded.” 

5. On the role of the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) in the Ivorian peace process, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) denounced what it called “oriented rhetoric, political activism and suspected instructions” on the part of the U.N. envoy in Cote d’Ivoire, J.Y. Choi. The paper went on to question whether “Mr. has been bought by President Gbagbo.” The paper attributed comments to “observers,” who according to the paper have begun to question “the credibility of a referee or a gendarme from the international community, who seems to be supportive of the presidential camp.”  

6. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) devoted its front page to what it called President Gbagbo’s crusade against corruption and mismanagement. The paper quoted the Ivorian leader who vowed: “Nobody will be spared.” According to the paper, President Gbagbo was reacting after a secretary serving in his office was arrested in connection with an alleged fraudulent activity, which has cost a mobile phone company more than Francs CFA 65 million (about $1.3 million). Fraternite Matin said that the matter, which involved President Gbagbo’s secretary, has taken a dramatic turn. According to the paper, the managing director of the mobile phone company has been deported by the Ivorian authorities for “attitude and behavior calculated to kill the reputation of the President of the Republic.”  Le Quotidien (another daily close to the ruling FPI party) hailed President Gbagbo’s fight against corruption in a report about this incident.

7. Finally, a story in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) said that medical doctors are calling for a three-day strike, beginning February 18, to demand salary increases. According to the paper, the decision was taken yesterday during a meeting by the Union of Senior Health Workers of Cote d’Ivoire(SYNACASS-CI).

February 5, 2009

Reports in today’s Ivorian press said that a major gold deposit was found in the northern Cote d’Ivoire. The newspapers also reported on the latest developments in connection with the electoral process; the arrest of a staff member at the Presidential Palace; as well as the opening of Human Rights offices in other parts of the country. The papers also reported on the impact of HIV/AIDS on Cote d’Ivoire’s educators. Yesterday, the state-run TV carried footage of Ambassador Wanda L. Nesbitt in its “New Year’s Wishes” special program.

1. In a front-page report, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that Randgold Resources – an African mining company – announced yesterday that the company has discovered the biggest gold deposit in the north of Cote d’Ivoire, a region under the control of the New Forces – former rebel group. At a press conference, Dennis Marc Bristow, Randgold's General Manager said: “The 120 tons gold reserve represents the biggest mining unit in Cote d’Ivoire.” Bristow further said that “the reserve is expected to be viable for nearly 10 years and mining will start by September 2010.” He also said that “about 140 billion CFA francs (nearly $274 million) will be needed to invest in developing the mine.” According to the paper, this mining activity, which will require the transportation of some 4,000 containers between the Port of Abidjan and the mining site as well as create about 1,000 jobs, will greatly impact the social and economic situation of the country.

2. On political issues, a prominent story in L’inter (an independent daily) said that the plan to hold presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire this year hangs in a balance. According to the paper, this is because there are “huge stumbling blocks,” such as what the paper calls “many military obstacles to be addressed before the polls could be conducted.”  The paper also said that other obstacles that are yet to be completely addressed are the disarmament of the former rebels as well as the demobilization of militia groups. According to the paper, the militia groups are believed to be close to President Laurent Gbagbo. The paper also described the ongoing population identification program as “a difficult” exercise.  This is in reference to the recent war of words between the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) and the Commission for the Supervision of the Identification (CNSI) over the completion date of the voter registration. Funding is also identified by the paper as a “thorny” problem holding back the electoral process.  

3. In a related development, a report in Fraternite Matin said President Gbagbo yesterday reassured Roman Catholic clerics meeting in Abidjan that “The elections will be held this year.” President Gbagbo reportedly said that the most important stage to be completed before these elections is “the expensive and long identification program that has already cost the state Francs CFA 100 billion (about $196 million).” Regarding the demobilization of the militia groups, Fraternite Matin quoted Maho Glofiehi, leader of Resistance Forces of Grand West, as saying that “The Resistance Forces are still waiting for their demobilization.” The leader of the militia group, who was speaking to the paper, reportedly said that his movement is “prepared to work closely” with the body in charge of the disarmament.

4. The issue of fraud in the Presidency was a front-page story in Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, a secretary serving in the office of President Gbagbo was arrested in connection with an alleged fraudulent activity, which has cost a mobile phone company more than Francs CFA 65 million (about $1.3 million). A statement from the Presidency, which was part of the news report, reminded the staff as well as family members of the president that whoever is charged with any wrongdoing will face “the severity of the law.”

5. On human rights issues, Fraternite Matin reported that that Cote d’Ivoire’s National Commission for Human Rights plans to expand its activities to regions formerly under the control of the New Forces. According to the paper, this was announced a few days ago by Victorine Wodie, Chairman of the National Commission for Human Rights. According to the announcement, the commission’s activities in these areas will include collecting complaints and denunciations on matters relating to human rights violations; conducting investigation; and putting in place measures to protect people’s rights.

6. On HIV/AIDS and education, a report in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) said that at least five teachers die every week as result of HIV/AIDS pandemic. According to the paper, the head of an NGO fighting the disease provided this information from a 2006 survey by the Ministry in charge of HIV/AIDS. The report said that the high mortality rate among teachers as a result of HIV/AIDS is having negative impacts on the country’s education system.

February 4, 2009

The meeting of the committee for the restructuring and rehabilitation of the “New” national army; and the zone commander’s reaction to the clashes between former rebels in the western town of Man were major items in today’s Ivorian papers.  The papers also talked about President Gbagbo’s “shadow cabinet.”  PEPFAR support to Cote d’Ivoire was highlighted in one daily.

1.  A front-page story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that decisive actions were discussed to end the Ivorian crisis during a recent meeting in Bouake. The paper reported that the military meeting, which was chaired by the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defense and the Chief Commander of the UN Forces, was designed to finalize the integration of the ex-rebels into the national army as stipulated in the Ouagadougou IV agreement.

2. Reporting on the same issue, L’Intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) reported that it took seven hours for the parties to draw a matrix to accept to integrate about 5000 ex-rebels in the national army in accordance with the Ouagadougou agreement.

3.  On the clashes between the ex-rebel forces in Man, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) reported that Prime Minister Soro, also the Secretary General of the Forces Nouvelles is facing serious troubles.  According to the paper, the Government’s decision to impose taxes in the ex-rebel zone, where no taxes had been collected for the past eight years, will threaten the “apparent stability” in the region.   The paper also said that the disarmament of ex-combatants poses a big security issue. The paper pointed to the recent clashes in Man as an example.  Also reporting on the clashes in Man, L’inter (an independent daily) said that the clashes are weakening the peace process and they are indication of an increased lack of confidence between the Forces Nouvelles and the local population.

4. Questioning the power of President Gbagbo, L’Intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) carried a banner headline, which said:  “Those men and women who make Gbagbo: a trip to the core of the Gbagbo system.”  The paper listed some twenty people that it claims are influential in President   Gbagbo’s “shadow cabinet.”

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

A headline in L’inter (an independent daily) said “PEPFAR supports ANADER event in the fight against AIDS.”   The paper’s report was on the National Agency for the Support to Rural Development’s (ANADER) national contest for the best rural committee in the fight against AIDS. The Ivorian Minister for Fight against AIDS and the national PEPFAR coordinator attended the contest, which was launched on February 2, 2009.

February 3, 2009

Clashes yesterday between former rebels in the western town, Man, were a major item in today’s Ivorian press. The dailies also reported that Cote d’Ivoire’s authorities welcome France’s decision to trim down its troop levels in Cote d’Ivoire. The Ivorian electoral processes, as well as the issue of revenue and tax collection in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces were the other major stories in today’s newspapers.

1.  A front-page story in L’inter (an independent daily) said that three people were killed and many were injured yesterday, as factions of the New Forces clashed in the western city of Man. Reports said that the disturbances started last Friday following attacks on residences in Man by elements of the New Forces. According to the reports, activities in the city were brought to a stand-still when New Forces’ soldiers backed by UNOCI troops tried to track down the elements behind the clashes.

2. On the same incident, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the movement was organized by former rebels that were against the peace process and wanted to carry out subversive acts against the commander. The paper also quoted an official from the New Forces, who said “we cannot stop the peace process.” The officer further said, “The military commander in the area is fully committed to the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. He is asking all the soldiers to fully support the program designed to resume revenue and tax collection in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces.”

3. Regarding the revenue and tax collection, Fraternite Matin informed readers that the program effectively started yesterday in Bouake – the former stronghold of the New Forces. A report in Le Quotidien (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) noted that the revenue and tax collection began timidly.

4. On the France’s decision to withdraw 1,100 of its soldiers from the Cote d’Ivoire, the Ivorian Defense Minister, Michel Amani N’Guessan said “this decision is a proof that the Ouagadougou Political Agreement is on track.” According to Fraternite Matin, the Minister said that he was delighted about the decision and that “Paris’ decision is a good mark attributed to Cote d’Ivoire. It’s a testimony that the situation is better.” Mr. N’Guessan was addressing a press conference yesterday in Abidjan. The French Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Andre Janier, the Commander of French troops in Cote d’Ivoire, General Philippe Houblon and other top military officials were also present at this press conference. The French Ambassador explained that the decision to trim down troop levels in Cote d’Ivoire was part of “plan designed by President Nicolas Sarkozy to review defense treaties with its partners.”

5. Reporting on the same issue, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said that the reduction of French troops will not change the capacity of the contingents in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the French troops have put in place a new intervention plan to respond to any situation on the ground. “We’re always ready to back the UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) in case there is a problem,” the paper quoted Philippe Houblon as saying. 

6. On the electoral process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, Soir Info (an independent daily) carried a front-page story speculating on the date of the long-delayed presidential elections. According to the paper, the date will be announced very soon, probably after the 5^th meeting of the committee overseeing the Ouagadougou Political Agreement planned to be held at the end of February or early March 2009. The paper also cited diplomatic sources saying that the elections, which are considered as the only way out of the political crisis in Cote D’Ivoire, could be held on June 28, 2009.          

February 2, 2009

Today, the Ivorian newspapers paid tribute to the late President of the National Council for Audiovisual Communication (CNCA), Mr. Diegou Bally. Other stories in the papers were on the electoral process; demobilization of militia groups operating in western Cote d’Ivoire; France’s decision to trim down its troop levels in Cote d’Ivoire; as well as the issue of revenue and tax collection in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces. A daily also reported on a digital video conference on the American new administration that was organized by the U.S. Embassy last week.

1. The death of the President of the National Council for Audiovisual Communication (CNCA), Mr. Diegou Bally, who died in Tunisia on February 2, 2009 was widely covered in almost all the dailies, including Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily), which said “Cote d’Ivoire has lost a great man and a high caliber media professional.” (NOTE: CNCA is a state-owned broadcast media watchdog.) The paper praised Mr. Bailly as one of those media professionals, who spearheaded the campaign for free press in the 1990s when multi-party democracy was a focus for many African countries, including Cote d’Ivoire. The late journalist was also a writer. On the same subject, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) reported that Mr. Bailly died from gout.

2. On another media story, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) said that the publisher of this newspaper, Toure Moussa, was questioned last Saturday by the gendarmerie. According to the paper, Mr. Toure was summoned following an article his paper published a few days earlier alleging that “a presidential special advisor was caught carrying drugs.”

3. On matters concerning the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire, Soir Info (an independent daily) published a statement by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), which said that delegations from the electoral body will be travelling to 20 countries to launch the population identification program. The statement also said that out of more than 8,000, about 4,000 potential voters have already been registered.

4. Regarding the presidential elections, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) quoted a leading member of the PDCI-RDA party who predicted “chaos in Cote d’Ivoire if polls were not conducted in 2009.” According to the paper, in an interview, the political leader also said that “the disarmament program should be completed before elections.” In a related development, Le Nouveau Reveil quoted a Member of Parliament for PDCI-RDA, Kobena Kouassi Adjoumani, who said “President Gbagbo came to power through street demonstration; he will leave power through street demonstration.” According to the paper, the MP, who was addressing a rally over the weekend, said “under the ruling FPI party’s regime, Ivorians are disillusioned because of misery and suffering.”  

4. In its weekend issue, Fraternite Matin reported that the demobilization of militiamen in Cote d’Ivoire, which was suspended in 2008, is due to resume today. According to the paper, this was announced by the head the Integrated Command Center – a joint government and New Forces security unit – in charge of the operation. The paper also said that demobilization of the militiamen will be conducted in accordance with the 4^th Ouagadougou Political Agreement signed on December 22, 2008 by the protagonists.

5. As the demobilization of the militias begins today, L’inter (an independent daily) informed readers about its skepticism over the completion of the program. The paper reminded readers that the first attempt to disarm the militia groups in May 2007 ended in “a fiasco;” and it quoted one of the leaders of the groups, who recently said “I’ll be the last to depose the guns.” Soir Info shared the same views; this paper predicts that “the disbandment of the militia groups, believed to be close to President Gbagbo, is doomed for failure.” 

6. On national revenue, Fraternite Matin said the revenue and tax collection in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces is due to begin today. However, in its reporting, L’inter, insinuated that the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, who has committed himself to make revenue and tax collection program effective, is now in “an embarrassing situation.” The paper pointed out that by accepting this program, the former rebel leader knew that “he was committing suicide, because the New Forces owe their survival to the tax and revenue collection in the zones they control.” The paper further suggested that this revenue collection together with the restoration of the state authority throughout the country could lead to “the dissolution of the rebellion.” The paper also questioned whether “the progressive dissolution of the New Forces would not affect the legitimacy of the Prime Minister.”

7. Reporting on France’s decision to trim down its troop levels in Cote d’Ivoire, Fraternite Matin in its weekend edition quoted the Commander of Licorne – French troops in Cote d’Ivoire, General Philippe Houblon, who said that “1,100 French troops will definitely quit Cote d’Ivoire by June this year.” According to the paper, the French military commander also announced the closure of a French military base in Bouake – the former New Forces’ stronghold. In a related report in today’s issue, Fraternite Matin reported on the Ivorian Speaker of the National Assembly, Mamadou Koulibaly’s demand for France to pay for damages caused to the State of Cote d’Ivoire and to Ivorians following what he called “the destruction by French troops of Ivorian war planes and the killing of many Ivorians during the November 2004 event in Cote d’Ivoire.”   

MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES

A report in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported on U.S. Embassy Abidjan’s January 30 DVC on the U.S. new administration. The positive report highlighted speaker, Edward Errante’s contribution President Barack Obama’s plan to tackle human rights issues during his tenure of office.