February 28, 2007  

1. Reports saying that two Ivoirian journalists were briefly detained yesterday in connection with a story their paper published a week ago, and the inter-Ivoirian talks underway in Ouagadougou, are the main subjects in today’s Ivoirian papers.

2. "Defamation of the head of State: Two journalists of Le Nouveau Réveil arrested," says a front-page story in Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party. "Denis Kah Zion, publisher, and Andre Silvere Konan, investigative reporter from the daily Le Nouveau Réveil were briefly detained yesterday by the Gendarmerie investigation squad in connection with a story entitled: ‘Seven years of rule by the FPI regime: Gbagbo’s 100 crimes’ published in February 22’s edition of the paper," reports the paper.

3. "Kah Zion and Silver Konan thrown into prison yesterday and then released," says a banner headline of Le Nouveau Reveil, which denounces what it calls, "a serious attack on the freedom of the press." The paper says, "The two journalists are accused of revealing ‘Gbagbo’s 100 crimes’." According to the paper, "The two journalists are to appear before the Attorney General this morning."

4. It quotes their lawyer as saying, "The story published by the paper was not a fabrication." It also reports that, "The leader of the youth wing of the PDCI-RDA party has called the youths and women of the party to invade the court of justice." "Let’s go to the court this morning," the paper quotes Konan Kouadio Bertin as saying.

5. The state-owned daily Fraternite Matin carries the reaction of four national media watchdog committees – CNP, CNCA, OLPED, and GEPCI – following "the detention of the two journalists of Le Nouveau Reveil." They issued yesterday a joint communique demanding, "The immediate release of the two journalists in accordance with article 68 of the press law." The statement states that, "The new press law of December 14, 2004 bans the imprisonment of journalists for any offense," reports the paper.

6. Le Patriote, a daily close to opposition RDR party, denounces "The zeal of the Attorney General, Tchimou Raymond." The paper indicates that, "For some time now, the Attorney General has committed himself to jailing journalists." In another development, the paper says, "After 23 days of negotiations in Ouagadougou, there is a total blackout surrounding the preliminary results of the direct dialogue."

7. A front-page story in Fraternite Matin announces that, "The French Co-operation Minister, Brigitte Girardin, is expected to hold talks today with the mediator in the Ivoirian crisis, President Blaise Compaore, in the Burkinabe capital."

8. The paper also announces that, "Mrs. Girardin is due to meet President Laurent Gbagbo tomorrow in Abidjan." "The Minister will also meet with the Ivoirian Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, and leaders of the opposition, including former head of state, Henri Konan Bedie, and Alassane Dramane Ouattara, president of the RDR party," says the paper. It indicates that, "The resolution of the Ivoirian crisis will be top on the agenda during these meetings."

9. "France to back the agreement that will be signed between Gbagbo and Soro," writes Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. "The decision by the French Minister for Co-operation to be present at the final stage of the direct dialogue is to show that France has not been sidelined and that the international community supports the protocol agreement that will help resolve the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire."

10. Finally, Soir Info, a privately-owned daily, carries a front-page story saying, "Mrs Safiatou Ba N’Daw, the Chairperson of a national committee set up by the government to oversee the toxic waste problem, is at the center of a three billion francs CFA scandal."

February 27, 2007  

1. The inter-Ivoirian talks underway in Ouagadougou are again the dominant issue in the Ivoirian papers, while the news that the leader of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro, could be nominated as the new Prime Minister continues to generate uproar.

2. Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, carries a banner headline entitled: "New Forces for the post of Prime Minister." The paper calls the offer, "a political trap designed by President Laurent Gbagbo in a bid to divide the G7 [an opposition and New Forces’ alliance] and reign." Offering advice, the paper suggests, "The ex-rebels have to think twice before accepting the offer." It also suggests that, "The ex-rebels have to turn down the offer." With a picture of the five leaders of the G7 on its front page, the paper indicates that, "The sacred union continues to survive… and the common opponent is the presidential camp."

3. Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, explains "why Soro is to become the Prime Minister." The paper calls the post of Prime Minister, "An assurance for the New Forces…and the boss of the ex-rebel movement is aware that his political survival depends on the successful completion of the transitional period." While speculations on Soro’s nomination as the Premier continue, the paper tries to give a snap-shot of what "the composition of the next government to be set up by the New Forces’ leader" might be.

4. In a related development, Nord-Sud Quotidien explains "how Banny is preparing to bounce back in case they try to remove him from office." According to the paper, "The former bank manager is setting up strategies in an attempt to keep his seat."

5. "Soro’s possible new government" is also the main item on the front page of Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. The paper strongly believes that, "Banny’s tenure is over." It then narrates to readers "the mistakes that have caused the Prime Minister’s downfall."

6. A front-page story carried by Le Courrier d’Abidjan says, "The opposition delegation to Ouagadougou returned home quietly after it failed to torpedo the direct dialogue." According to the paper, "Gbagbo is expected in Ouagadougou on Thursday in order to sign the final agreement," while "The opposition leaders are yet to know the role they’ll be playing in the coming transitional government."

7. Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, also explains to readers "the setback suffered by Alassane Dramane Ouattara, the head of the opposition delegation to the Ouagadougou’s talks."

8. "At long last Soro," says a banner headline in Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan, a daily close to the opposition, which announces "the possible nomination of the leader of the New Forces as the new head of the transitional government." Meanwhile the paper believes that, "the end of the tunnel is still far away, as far as the resolution of the Ivoirian crisis is concerned."

9. A front-page story in Le Nouveau Reveil says, "Soro refuses to be Gbagbo’s Prime Minister." The paper, close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, has brought forward the question of "whether the direct dialogue proposed by Gbagbo has nomination of a new Prime Minister in its purview."

10. In another development, the paper reports that, "Denis Kah Zion, the publisher of Le Nouveau Reveil, and one of the paper’s editors have been summoned by the Gendarmerie." It explains that, "Though the reason for the summons is not specified, it appears that it might be linked to a report recently carried by the paper entitled: ‘Gbagbo’s 100 crimes during his seven years in office."

11. "Two journalists from L’inter summoned by the Gendarmerie investigation squad," reports L’inter, a privately-owned daily. The two journalists are: "Hippolyte Oulai, an editor at the political desk, and Charles D’Almeida, the editor in chief."

February 26, 2007  

1. The inter-Ivoirian talks underway in Ouagadougou are the major news items in today’s Ivoirian press.

2. "The direct dialogue is over," says a banner headline that runs across Notre Voie, the daily close to the ruling FPI party. "Barring the unexpected, the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, which was to have been signed last Wednesday, but which was delayed because of the brutal intrusion of Alassane Dramane Ouattara, leader of the opposition RDR party, will take place next Thursday in the Burkinabe capital," announces the paper.

3. "Soro new Prime Minister," writes Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. According to the paper, "The major decision from the direct dialogue between President Gbagbo and the New Forces’ (FN) delegation is the appointment of the FN leader, Guillaume Soro, as the new premier, in order to bring new momentum to the Ivoirian peace process." The decision, comments the paper, "definitely marks the end of Banny," who it describes as "a political novice."

4. Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, announces in a front-page story "a split between the RHDP [an Ivoirian four-party opposition alliance] and the rebellion." The bone of contention between the two groups, the paper indicates, "is the thorny question of any power-sharing arrangement that could result from the Ouagadougou agreement." "A new political dispensation in which the opposition RDR and the former ruling PDCI-RDA parties are striving to play a leading role," comments the paper.

5. Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, publishes what it calls, "the key points of the Ouagadougou Agreement." According to the paper, "The identification and disarmament schemes are the major issues contained in the draft document."

February 22, 2007  

1. A row caused after a deal signed between the Ivoirian government and Trafigura, the Dutch-based oil trader (in which the company agreed to pay 100 billion francs CFA in a settlement after ten people died and thousands fell ill as a result of toxic waste dumped in Abidjan last August) has yet to conclude. Today’s Ivoirian papers also comment on a meeting held yesterday in Ouagadougou between President Blaise Compaore and Ivoirian opposition leaders, as part of the direct talks aimed at resolving the political crisis in Cote d’Ivoire.

2. Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, sees the direct dialogue underway in the Burkinabe capital as “A poisoned trophy that could lead to a long transitional period without elections.” The paper notes, “The talks, which were originally designed to find a way out of the political impasse in Cote d’Ivoire, have now taken the form of a power sharing negotiation.” “Yet this power sharing arrangement between ex-belligerents has already been seen elsewhere – notably in DRC,” comments the paper, “but the question is whether this blueprint can work successfully in Cote d’Ivoire.”

3. Speaking after a meeting with President Compaore, the mediator in the Ivoirian crisis, the Ivoirian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, said: “We want a final and applicable agreement,” reports the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin. Ouattara, who was heading an opposition delegation to Ouagadougou, is also reported as saying, “Our priority is the upcoming elections.” According to the paper, Compaore called this meeting in a bid “to explain to the Ivoirian opposition leaders the rationale behind his mission.”

4. “Ouattara calls for disarmament,” says a banner headline that runs across Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party. The opposition leader is reported as saying, “Our hope is that this direct dialogue leads to the reunification of Cote d’Ivoire, and disarmament, in order to pave the way for democratic elections.”

5. “The RHDP [an opposition alliance] continues to block the inter-Ivoirian negotiations in Ouagadougou,” writes Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. According to the paper, the sticking points concern, “sections of the draft agreement that envisage power sharing between the two ex-belligerents.” “The RHDP is also concerned by the duration of the identification scheme and the peace process, which, according to insiders at the talks, are planned to end in 2009 or 2010.”

6. As the Ivoirian opposition leaders held talks with Compaore, Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan believes that, “The talks have been extended.” The paper, which is close to the opposition, is also of the opinion that, “Ouattara and former Ivoirian President Henri Konan Bedie have decided to appear in person to negotiate; as they fear that after the talks they may fall into oblivion.”

7. A banner headline carried by Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, says, “The Ouagadougou talks have been stalled, as Bedie and Ouattara claim the posts of vice-presidents.”

8. Soir Info, a privately-owned daily, denounces what it calls, “the incoherence of the leaders of the G7 [a coalition of Ivoirian opposition parties and the New Forces].” It comments, “The credibility of the alliance is at stake and its leaders have to bear in mind that they can only win the confidence of the people, and constitute a reliable alternative, if they come out with united and coherent strategies.”

9. A deal signed between the Ivoirian government and Trafigura has again come to the fore, as L’evenement, a paper close to Banny, discloses that, “50 per cent of babies being born in Abidjan could be affected as a result of the dumping of the toxic waste a few months ago in the Ivoirian economic capital.” Citing medical sources, the paper also indicates that, “20 per cent of people who are hospitalized may be cases linked to the toxic waste.”

10. According to 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, “The victims of the toxic waste are threatening to take the issue to court, despite the 100 billion franc settlement proposed by Trafigura.”

11. Finally, L’inter, a privately-owned daily, reports that, “Police have impounded 345 cartons containing 9.5 kg of heroin at Abidjan International Airport.”          

February 21, 2007  

1. Reports that the principal Ivoirian opposition leaders –former President Henri Konan Bedie and Alassane Dramane Ouattara, leader of the RDR – have been invited to Ouagadougou by the mediator, as part of the direct dialogue between the presidential camp and the New Forces, spark much comment in today’s papers.

2. "Direct dialogue in Ouagadougou: Ouattara rejects the peace accord," says a banner headline that runs across the daily Notre Voie, close to the ruling FPI party. According to the paper, "the signature of the peace agreement between the Ivoirian President and the rebellion could be delayed," because of what it calls, "The inopportune intrusion of Ouattara."

3. Citing reliable sources, the paper indicates that, "The leader of the RDR has obtained a copy of the draft agreement, and expressed his opposition to certain points in the document." "According to the same sources," continues the paper, "President Blaise Compaore – mediator in the Ivoirian crisis – may not be prepared to consider these objections."

4. L’inter, a privately-owned daily, announces that, "Barring the unexpected, the meeting between Gbagbo and Soro planned for today in Ouagadougou in order to sign the agreement may be delayed." "At the time of going to press yesterday," reports the paper, "Gbagbo’s schedule does not include plans to travel to Ouagadougou, where the leader of the New Forces has been waiting since yesterday."

5. According to Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a paper close to Gbagbo, "The presence of Bedie and Ouattara in Ouagadougou in connection with the talks has held back the signature of the agreement concluded between the Ivoirian presidential and New Forces delegations." The paper cites "the registration of voters and the electoral process as the sticking points that have halted the signature of the agreement."

6. In a related development, the paper carries a front-page story entitled: "The Prime Minister has rejected the demands of the rebellion on the conduct the public hearings – a scheme designed to provide identity papers to Ivoirians."

7. A front-page story in Le Patriote says, "France has joined the direct dialogue underway in the Burkinabe capital." The paper, close to the opposition RDR party, notes that France’s decision to "descend into the arena" comes at the time when "the question of power sharing has generated hot debates amongst the main protagonists of the crisis." The big question, suggests the paper, "is whether to keep Banny in office or not."

8. After wondering about the future of the Ivoirian Prime Minister, the paper asks, "Has Banny failed in managing the transitional period?" The paper is of the opinion that, "Banny is in tight corner….as Gbagbo is using the ongoing direct dialogue to take control of the situation."

9. In a front-page story, Le Jour Plus, a privately-owned daily close to the opposition, explains "How the direct dialogue is trying to bring down Banny." The paper insinuates that, "The main purpose of the talks is a power-sharing arrangement to be concluded exclusively between the armed belligerents."

10. In a commentary, the paper wonders whether, "Compaore is part of the plot aimed at kicking Banny out." The paper notes that, "Both Banny and Gbagbo are still in office thanks to UN Resolution 1721." It concludes: "If Banny had to get out, as his detractors wish, then Gbagbo would also quit."

February 20, 2007  

1. Today’s papers are dominated by the direct dialogue underway in Ouagadougou and a row over a deal recently signed between the Ivoirian government and Trafigura, the Dutch-based oil trader, which has agreed to pay 100 billion francs CFA in a settlement after ten people died and thousands fell ill as a result of toxic waste dumped in Abidjan last August.

2. The state-owned daily Fraternite Matin carried a front-page story entitled: "Compaore consults the UN Mission in Cote d’Ivoire and the French peacekeeping force on disarmament and identification schemes." According to the paper, "President Blaise Compaore, mediator in the Ivoirian crisis, met with a delegation from the UN mission and the commander of French forces in Cote d’Ivoire in Ouagadougou yesterday in a bid to gain a broad understanding of the situation on the ground." The paper quotes the head of the UN delegation as saying, "The talks are yet to be concluded. However, much progress has been made."

3. In a related issue, the paper reports that, "The Independent Electoral Commission will begin the installation of local commissions in both the territory under the control of the government and the New Forces’ held zones today." "A total of 31 commissioners – representing political parties and state’s institutions - will be installed in the 24 regions," reports the paper. The move, it says, "is to prepare free and fair elections."

4. "Direct dialogue: Gbagbo and Soro want to co-rule the country," writes Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. Citing reliable sources, the paper indicates that the final document termed "Ouagadougou’s Political Agreement" – that will be signed soon by Gbagbo and Soro – seeks to confer the ability "to co-manage the country" on the two leaders. Before the signature of the document, "Compaore has invited former President Henri Konan Bedie and Alassane Dramane Ouattara, leader of the opposition RDR party, for a meeting today in Ouagadougou."

5. "Gbagbo wants to change the dates of the upcoming elections," writes 24 Heures, a privately-owned daily close to the opposition. According to the paper, "Gbagbo’s negotiators at the talks have proposed the organization of parliamentary and local elections before presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire." Speaking to the paper, the president of the Ivoirian Women’s Leaders Caucus, Mariam Dao Gabala, said: "We’re proud of the direct dialogue."

6. While negotiators are working to put together a substantial agreement that could help end the lingering political crisis in Cote d’Ivoire, Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, suggests that the Ouagadougou talks may result in what it calls "a still-born agreement."

7. A front-page story in Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, says, "The die is cast. Soro is to sign a peace agreement with Gbagbo despite pressure from the opposition groups on the leader of the New Forces." The paper suggests that "Bedie and Ouattara are trying to discourage Soro from signing any agreement with Gbagbo unless the opposition parties are included."

8. In a related development, "The UN boss in Cote d’Ivoire is satisfied with the progress made by the two sides involved in the talks." The paper also comments, "The direct dialogue is an opportunity for Compaore to seal a new peace pact with the leaders of the West African sub-region."

9. Commenting on a deal signed a week ago between the Ivoirian government and Trafigura, Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, carries a banner headline saying, "Gbagbo is a despot." According to the paper, the G7 [an opposition coalition] "is crying foul" and vows to challenge what the paper calls "a masquerade."

February 16, 2007  

1. Today’s Ivoirian papers devote their columns to commenting on the direct dialogue between President Laurent Gbagbo and the New Forces in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

2. "For the sake of peace, we’re prepared to make concessions," the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, quotes the head of the New Forces’ delegation to the Ouagadougou’s talks as saying. Louis-Andre Dacoury-Tabley was speaking yesterday in Bouake after "a meeting with New Forces military top brass," reports the paper. "We need them because their views are important on army-related issues."

3. Regarding the talks underway in Ouagadougou, the paper announces that, "Each delegation is to submit its observations on a draft agreement proposed by the mediator." According to the paper, "Gbagbo and Guillaume Soro are due to meet in Ouagadougou on February 21."

4. "The draft agreement is ready," writes Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI. "Entitled ‘Direct dialogue: Ouagadougou’s political draft agreement’, the 20-page document is the fusion of the proposals from the two sides."

5. "Identification, power sharing, disarmament: Blaise Compaore has brokered an agreement," says a banner headline that runs across the Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. "Would any agreement signed in Ouagadougou exclude the Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny?" asks the paper. It quotes the UN Special Representative in charge of elections, Gerard Stoudmann, as saying, "Banny is not part of the belligerents who are engaged in the talks. He’s there to implement the peace plan."

6. "The direct dialogue draws to an end: Peace on the way from Ouagadougou," writes Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. The paper comments, "Gbagbo and Compaore know each other very well. Nobody can love Cote d’Ivoire more than a Burkinabe. There is no Burkinabe who does not have a relative in Cote d’Ivoire. If Blaise Compaore has agreed to mediate the Ivoirian conflict, this shows signs of hope."

7. Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, announces "The peace agreement includes two blueprints." According to the paper, the first political arrangement is to name "Soro the Prime Minister," and the second one suggests a new political arangement made up of "a President of the Republic and three Vice-presidents."

February 15, 2007  

1. The French and African Leaders Summit due to kick off today in Cannes, France is a dominant issue in today’s Ivoirian papers. Dailies are also divided over a deal signed on Tuesday between the Ivoirian government and Trafigura, the Dutch-based oil trader, which agreed to pay 100 billion francs CFA in a settlement after ten people died and thousands fell ill as a result of toxic waste dumped in Abidjan last August.

2. In a front-page story, Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, publishes the full text of the agreement signed between the Ivoirian government and Trafigura and calls the deal “The shameful accord”. It denounces “the haste and the secrecy that surrounded the deal.” According to the paper, “Trafigura’s representatives, who were arrested in connection with the toxic waste scandal, were released from prison yesterday.” The paper then asks, “What about the Ivoirian prisoners?”

3. “Trafigura, Gossio Gnamien, Amoindji: They killed Ivoirians for 100 billions” says a banner headline carried by Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. It describes the deal as “a revolting act of corruption.” It comments, “The deal, which was signed just a few days after the conclusion of a seminar on good governance, showed that the issue of good governance is only designed for a certain category of people.”

4. The paper, which believes that, “Only God will avenge those who were killed after the dumping of the toxic waste in Abidjan”, accuses President Laurent Gbagbo of “betraying the people.” The paper quotes Salimata Porquet, President of FIFEM – an Ivoirian Women’s Association – as saying, “100 billion cannot replace human lives.” 

5. “Toxic waste scandal: Gbagbo nips justice in the bud,” writes 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition. According to the paper, Greenpeace – an international environmental campaign group – denounces “Trafigura’s attempt to buy its immunity.”

6. “Gbagbo and Trafigura’s 100 billion arrangement: Greenpeace denounces a devilish pact,” writes Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. According to the paper, the toxic waste victims and Human Rights association expressed “their indignation.” Rachel Gogoua, spokesperson of the victims, is quoted as saying, “The government did consult us.” “This agreement is a reward for those who killed Ivoirians,” Traore Drissa, Vice-president of the Ivoirian Movement of Human Rights, is reported as saying. Meanwhile, the paper quotes a British law firm, which is handling the case of the toxic waste victims, as saying, “The deal won’t halt our action against Trafigura.”

7. While French and African leaders are gathered in Cannes, France for their 24th Summit, Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI, quotes the French Socialist presidential candidate, Segolene Royal, as saying, “The French left party is responsible for the unprecedented chaos on the African continent.” Royal is also reported saying, “France should send a new message of democracy, solidarity, peace and defense of human rights to Africa.”

8. Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, wonders whether the French and African Leaders Summit is not “a summit of France against Africa.” According to the paper, “This summit comes at a time when France’s influence in Africa is diminishing.”

9. Le Courrier d’Abidjan, another daily close to Gbagbo, runs a four-page story on President Jacques Chirac’s “achievements” in Africa. It culls a story from the French newspaper Le Monde saying, “The departure of Chirac from the presidency will signal the end of an era that was marked by the personal relationships between the Elysee and African leaders.”

10. Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, explains to readers “how France has lost credibility in Africa.” Commenting on the ongoing summit, the paper says, “Though Chirac’s cozy friends are in attendance, the decision by Gbagbo and his South African, Rwandan and Libyan counterparts to stay away from the gathering is a setback for the French leader.”

February 14, 2007  

1. A deal signed yesterday between the Ivoirian government and Trafigura is the main subject in Wednesday’s Ivoirian press. Under the term of the agreement, the Dutch-based oil trader would pay 100 billion Francs CFA in a settlement after ten people died and thousands fell ill as a result of toxic waste dumped in Abidjan last August.

2. “Toxic waste: Trafigura is to pay 100 billion,” says a banner headline that runs across the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, “Presidential legal advisor and spokesperson, Desire Tagro, signed the deal on behalf of the Ivoirian government, while Roald Goethu represented Trafigura at a ceremony held at the Presidency yesterday in Abidjan.”

3. Out of the 100 billion Francs CFA to be paid by the Dutch-based oil firm, “73 billion will go to the victims, 22 billion will be used to reimburse the debts incurred while removing the waste, and 5 billion will go to support work at the rubbish dump in Abidjan,” indicates Fraternite Matin. 

4. “Gbagbo sells out the deaths to the tune of 100 billion francs CFA,” says a banner headline carried by Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party. The paper describes the agreement signed between the Ivoirian government and Trafigura as “indecent business.” The paper goes on accusing “Gbagbo of protecting his associates involved in the toxic waste affair, and hence soiling the rule of law in Cote d’Ivoire.” 

5. In the wake of the deal, the privately-owned daily, L’intelligent d’Abidjan, discloses, “Those who have been held in custody in connection with the toxic waste scandal will be freed today.”

6. “Gbagbo wins a 100 billion jackpot,” comments Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. The paper quotes Gbagbo as saying, “I’ll fight anybody who would try to embezzle this money.”

7. “Gbagbo promises to integrate 4000 new recruits into the army after their revolt,” reports the privately-owned daily, L’inter. “The new recruits have stated their problems and the President sees no inconvenience,” the paper quotes a source as saying after a meeting between Gbagbo and the soldiers yesterday. In another development, L’inter reports that “Gbagbo has rejected the choice of the UN Secretary General, who has named the Algerian diplomat, Said Djinnit, to take over from the outgoing Head of the UN Mission in Cote d’Ivoire, Pierre Schori.”

8. A front-page story in Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, says, “The former ruling PDCI-RDA is embroiled in a power struggle.” According to the paper, “the barons of the party have abandoned Henri Konan Bedie, the president of the party.”    
 
9. In a long interview with Le Nouveau Reveil, Lawyer Ahoussou Jeannot and a leading member of the PDCI-RDA unveil “moves underway in a bid to restore order in the party.”

10. A front-page story in 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, says, “The European Union has renewed the embargoes on arms and diamond traffic in Cote d’Ivoire.” Regarding the direct dialogue between Gbagbo and the New Forces in Ouagadougou, the paper says, “The two sides have reached an agreement on the identification program.”

11. According to Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, “Army reform will be the next issue on the agenda during the talks.” The paper also suggests that, “The RHDP [an opposition alliance] is trying to torpedo the talks.” It alleges, “Opposition leaders have stepped up pressure on the delegations involved in the talks.”

12. “The direct dialogue yields good results,” writes Le Temps, another daily close to Gbagbo. The paper quotes the UN Representative in charge of elections in Cote d’Ivoire, Gerard Stoudmann, as saying, “Let’s stick to the direct dialogue.”   

February 13, 2007  

1. Yesterday, Guinea’s President General Lansana Conte declared a state of emergency to stop nationwide demonstrations demanding him to step down. The decision has triggered commentaries in Ivoirian papers. Today’s top stories also include the inter-Ivoirian dialogue underway in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and the launching of the national civic education scheme designed President Laurent Gbagbo to stem the employment problem in Cote d’Ivoire.

2. On the front page of the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin, Gbagbo announces, “The direct dialogue will be concluded by next week Wednesday.” “At the current stage, we can say that the dialogue is going on smoothly. We’re discussing quietly…” Gbagbo who, was speaking yesterday in the southern city of Grand-Bassam at a ceremony designed to launch the national civic education scheme, is reported as saying, “The dialogue alone cannot help resolve the problem unless there is hope for the youths.” Commenting on this scheme, Gbagbo said: “It’s designed to provide bread for each youth today and tomorrow.” “Gbagbo proposes professional training for the youths instead of arms,” comments the paper.

3. “Reinsertion of the youths: Gbagbo explains the civic education scheme,” says a banner headline that runs across Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party.

4. While the direct dialogue continues in Ouagadougou, the privately-owned daily L’inter unveils “Gbagbo’s plan to bring down the Ivoirian opposition leaders.” “The former ruling PDCI-RDA and the opposition RDR parties are likely to lose their privileges,” comments the paper. It adds, “In the next government that would be formed after the talks, the ruling FPI and the New Forces could take the lion share.”

5. Another prominent headline on the front page of the paper says, “GPP [a militia group based in Abidjan] and soldiers exchanged fire yesterday in the Ivoirian economic capital, Abidjan.” According to the paper, “A group of the militiamen, who were pressing for the payment of their allowances and their inclusion into the civic education scheme, tried to take control of a key bridge in central Abidjan.”       

6. With a picture of the former President Henri Konan Bedie and opposition leader Alassane Dramane Ouattara on its front page, Le Patriote writes, “We’ve already done our direct dialogue.” According to the paper, close to the RDR, these words are those of Ouattara, “who was speaking yesterday after a meeting in Abidjan with Bedie.”

7. “We’ve hammered out our strategy,” Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA, quotes Ouattara as saying. The strategy, comments the paper, is aimed at “pushing forward the peace process.”   

8. Barely a week after the talks got underway, “The direct dialogue runs into difficulties,” reports 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition. The sticking points, comments the paper, concerns “The identification and the electoral process.” 

9. Nord-Sud Quotidien devotes its front page to the events unfolding in the neighboring Guinea saying, “Conakry slides into chaos.” The paper believes that, “The demonstrations that rocked Guinea during the past days signal the end of General Conte’s regime.”

10. “Conte declares state of siege,” writes L’evenement. With commentaries illustrated by pictures of demonstrators parading in the streets of the Guinean capital Conakry, the paper says, “The opposition parties have now joined trade unions to demand the resignation of General Conte.

February 12, 2007  

1. Violence in Conakry and several cities across neighboring Guinea, where trade unions have launched a second nationwide strike to demand the resignation of President Lansana Conte; and the latest from Ouagadougou where Ivoirian presidential and New Forces delegations have been meeting for the past few days in a bid to resolve the political impasse in Cote d’Ivoire, are the top stories in today’s Ivoirian papers.

2. In a commentary entitled, “Ouagadougou: No room for failure,” the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, says, “Light must finally come from the direct dialogue… The direct dialogue must not fail, because the new momentum established in 2007 to ensure the return of peace through press campaigns and caravans… shall not be taken hostage.” The paper quotes the Ouagadougou’s Arch-bishop, Monsignor Jean-Marie Compaore, as saying, “The direct dialogue is a hand extended by God.”

3. Commenting on the talks that are due “to resume this morning after a break over the weekend,” the Burkinabe opposition leader, Lawyer Herman Yameogo, believes that, “Compaore is the right man to resolve the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire.”     

4. L’evenement, a privately-owned daily close to Banny, reports that, “The meeting between President Laurent Gbagbo and the leader of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro – originally scheduled for last week – has been cancelled.” “The father and the son will meet at the conclusion of the talks to sign a final agreement,” indicates the paper. 

5. A front-page story in Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan, a paper close to the opposition, announces that, “Gbagbo and the Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore, mediator in the Ivoirian  crisis, are to meet on February 19 to evaluate the talks due to be concluded by the end of February.”

6. 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, says, “While the negotiations continue in Ouagadougou, Ivoirian opposition parties have submitted a Democratic Republic of Congo’s style peace plan to the mediator.” Reacting to this proposal, Sidiki Konate, spokesperson of the New Forces, said: “We haven’t come here to share power.”

7. Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, publishes a two-page interview with the spokesperson of the former ruling PDCI-RDA party who predicts the “failure of the ongoing direct dialogue.”

8. Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, quotes a European diplomat warning, “In case the direct dialogue fails, the international community will get tough with the protagonists of the Ivoirian crisis.”

9. According to Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, “The identification and disarmament programs are the key issues on the agenda of the talks.” The paper notes, “Though the two sides are prepared to work for peace, they differ on how the two programs should be conducted.”

10. Regarding the identification and disarmament programs and the general elections due to be held in Cote d’Ivoire in late October 2007, Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, quotes the outgoing Head of the UN mission in Cote d’Ivoire, Pierre Schori, as saying, “We’re still at ground zero.”

11. In another development, a front-page story carried by the Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, says, “3000 police officers are threatening to protest the decision by the Ivoirian Security Minister, Joseph Djah Ble, to flush out police officers who are holding fake diplomas.”

12. The other major story in the paper is the situation unfolding in neighboring Guinea. According to Nord-Sud Quotidien, “25 people were killed over the weekend.” The paper quotes Bah Mamadou, a leading opposition leader, as saying, “Our problem is how to replace General Conte.” 

13. L’evenement devotes two pages to the violence in Guinea mired in what it calls, “a general uprising” after Conte named Eugene Camara as Prime Minister last Friday.

February 9, 2007  

1. Reports that President Laurent Gbagbo may boycott the French and African leaders’ summit to be held in Paris February 15-16, latest developments after the death of a French diplomat in Abidjan, and the talks underway in Ouagadougou between Ivoirian presidential and New Forces delegations are the major stories in today’s Ivoirian papers.

2. With a picture of Laurent Gbagbo and Guillaume Soro on its front-page, Nord-Sud Quotidien announces, “Power sharing between the two has started.” The paper, close to the opposition, comments, “Though the thorny issue of national identification continues to hamper the talks, negotiators are looking at a transitional period with Gbagbo and the New Forces as the key players.” 

3. “There have been major and interesting achievements,” the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin quotes the Burkinabe negotiator as saying, four days after the talks got underway. Speaking to the paper, the New Forces’ spokesperson, Sidiki Konate asserts, “There’ll be no disagreement.” According to the paper, “The UN’s Mission in Cote d’Ivoire is ready to back the conclusions of the talks.”

4. The paper carries a two-page feature story on the upcoming French and African leaders’ summit to be held in Paris February 15-16. The paper notes that, “It’s difficult to know whether Gbagbo will take part to the conference.” To the question what Gbagbo may lose or gain by staying away from the Francophone forum, the paper suggests that, “If Gbagbo attends the summit, his French counterpart, Jacques Chirac will be the big winner.”

5. In a front-page story, Le Courier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, tells readers “why Gbagbo refuses go to France, despite backdoor negotiations.” According to the paper, “Recent statements made by the French Cooperation Minister, Brigitte Giradin, spoiled everything.”

6. While negotiations are underway in Ouagadougou to resolve the political impasse in Cote d’Ivoire, Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, says, “The case of the exiled Ivoirian army commander, Mathias Doue, and other exiled military officers constitutes a thorn in the flesh of Gbagbo and the talks’ mediator, President Blaise Compaore.” The paper discloses that, “Gbagbo had opted for a radical solution in the case of those military officers seeking asylum in Ghana, asking Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor to hand over the disgruntled soldiers… A demand rejected by Agyekum.”

7. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily L’inter says, “There is grumbling in the Ivoirian national army.” According to the paper, “Soldiers recruited during the events of September 2002, went on a rampage a few days ago in many cities around the country for salary increases, and are now demanding their integration into the national army.”

February 8, 2007  

1. The controversy surrounding the death of a French diplomat in Abidjan, and the talks and meetings underway in Ouagadougou between Ivoirian presidential and New Forces delegations are the major stories in today’s Ivoirian papers.

2. “Death of a French diplomat: Paris wants full light to be shed,” says a banner headline appearing in the state-own daily Fraternite Matin. The paper says, “The wife of Michel Niaucel is a suspect in the death of her husband, a 53-year old diplomat shot dead at his home in Abidjan.” It quotes French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy as saying, “I want there to be full light shed on this horrible assassination.”

3. Regarding the talks underway in Ouagadougou, the paper reports, “Yesterday, the leader of the New Forces Soro Guillaume, accompanied by his Chief of Defense, flew to the Burkinabe capital to meet Blaise Compaore.” According the paper, “The UN Representative in-charge of elections in Cote d’Ivoire, Gerard Stoudmann, was also in Ouagadougou.” “The presence of Stoudmann, who is the Burkinabe capital for second time within a week,” comments the paper “shows that at this stage the talks are focusing on the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire.”

4. “Compaore summons Soro for an emergency meeting,” writes the privately-owned daily Soir Info. The paper suggests that, “The meeting between Compaore and Soro was part of the mediator’s strategy to listen to both parties, in order to broker a peace plan.” Speaking to the paper, a leading member of the opposition RDR party calls the direct dialogue “a hoax.”

5. Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, says, “The issue of identification is blocking the inter-Ivoirian talks in Ouagadougou.” In a related development, the paper indicates that, “Charles Konan Banny has sent his men to Ouagadougou, to lobby for the future of the Ivoirian Prime Minister.”

6. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily L’inter says, “The main suspect in connection with the death of the French diplomat is the wife of the diplomat, who is under arrest.  A team of French forensic experts is expected in Abidjan, to participate in the investigation,” indicates the paper. The paper also published a statement by the Police Superintendent of Abidjan that “investigations are underway.”

7. Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, alleges that, “Even as the talks continue, the ruling FPI party is planning to assassinate opposition leaders.” Citing reliable resources, the paper indicates that, “Party hardliners have been meeting for the past few days, in order to design scenarios as part of ‘a final transition’.” “The objective of this plan,” the paper goes on, “is to carry out a national political cleansing.”

8. With a picture of President Bush on the front-page, Le Nouveau Reveil writes, “UN sanctions: The United States renews sanctions against Ble Goude, Fofie and Eugene Djue, who are accused of blocking the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire.” The paper suggests that, “A peace campaign, launched recently by Ble Goude, the leader of the young Patriots [a group close to Gbagbo], was aimed at dissuading the international community to renew the sanctions.”

9. A banner headline carried by Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, says, “The Ivoirian leader has declined an invitation from French President Jacques Chirac to attend the French and African leaders’ summit to be held in Paris February 15-16.” According to the paper, “Laurent Dona Fologo, the President of the Economic and Social Council, will represent Gbagbo at the conference.”

10. “Gbagbo to wage a war against mismanagement,” says a front-page story in Le Courrier d’Abidjan. The paper close to Gbagbo says, “The president made the announcement yesterday at a Council of Ministers meeting held in Abidjan.”              

February 7, 2007  

1. Papers in Cote d’Ivoire cover the talks and meetings underway in Ouagadougou between Ivoirian presidential and New Forces delegations.

2. “Direct dialogue: Peace is in the offering,” reads a banner headline in Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo. The paper comments, “There are signs of hope in Ouagadougou, where Ivoirians have been meeting for the past three days in a renewed attempt to find a solution to the crisis facing their country.” Citing insiders, the paper indicates that, “In a few days, white smoke may appear from these talks.” According to the paper, “The talks have caused panic in the leadership of the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, because it fears that their success could mark the end of the reign of the RHDP [an opposition alliance], and hence weaken the PDCI-RDA.”

3. “The two delegations meeting in Ouagadougou yesterday submitted their memorandum to the mediator, President Blaise Compaore,” reports Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces. According to the paper, “The presidential delegation is demanding disarmament by the New Forces and the redeployment of the government administrators throughout the country.” The New Forces, on their side, are pressing for “the dismantlement of the militia groups, and completion of the national identification program.”

4. Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the PDCI-RDA, runs a commentary explaining “why the talks could collapse.” The paper quotes a European diplomat, who notes, “The talks will be long, and look uncertain.” It also reports that, “The talks begun on a wrong foot, as presidential and New Forces’ delegations are speaking at cross purposes … the government delegation insists on strengthening the state’s role, while the New Forces support UN Resolution 1721.”  

5. A front-page story carried by Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan, a daily close to the opposition, says, “Some hardliners inside the ruling FPI party have yet to accept the talks.” The paper comments that, “These hardliners want the talks to fail, because most of them are profiting from the current political stalemate.”

6. Soir Info, a daily privately-owned daily, reports that, “Gbagbo has invited former Sergeant Ibrahim Coulibaly to join the Ouagadougou talks.” By inviting the exiled soldier, “The Ivoirian presidency wants to take into account every and any detail that could hamper the peace process,” suggests the paper.  

7. “The talks have restored confidence among Ivoirians,” the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin quotes the Ivoirian Reggae Star and UN Peace Ambassador Alpha Blondy saying. According to the paper, Blondy spoke after a meeting with Gbagbo in Abidjan. Regarding the ongoing talks in Ouagadougou, the paper runs a commentary inviting Ivoirian political stakeholders “to draw lessons from the mistakes made during the 2002 negotiations in Lome.”

8. The major story on the paper’s front page, however, is “The war being waged by the Ivoirian Security Minister to flush out police officers holding fake diplomas.” Joseph Djah Ble vows, “We’ll check on every diploma since 2003. Those holding fake diplomas will be fired.”

9. A front-page story in Le Patriote says, “We fight, and they amass wealth.” According to the paper, this was what “some disgruntled soldiers recruited by the government in September 2002 told the Ivoirian Chief of Staff, General Philippe Magou, at a meeting held Monday.” Regarding the Ouaga talks, the paper, close to the opposition RDR, quotes the French Cooperation Minister asserting, “Cote d’Ivoire needs a legitimate and elected president.”

10. Commenting on a recent meeting between the French Cooperation Minister and Gbagbo, L’inter, a privately-owned daily, discloses that “The Ivoirian leader wants the 8000 French nationals who left Cote d’Ivoire during the November 2004 events to come back.” In response, “The French diplomat said their return will depend on the security and political situation in the country,” reports the paper.

February 6, 2007  

1. Negotiations between Ivoirian presidential and New Forces delegations began yesterday in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, a renewed attempt to resolve the political impasse in Cote d’Ivoire. The talks are the main focus in Tuesday’s Ivoirian papers.

2. “The first round of talks opens in Ouagadougou,” reads a headline in the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, “The five-member presidential delegation is led by President Laurent Gbagbo’s Legal Advisor and Spokesperson, Desire Tagro, while the New Forces’ delegation is headed by the Minister for Solidarity and war victims, Louis Dakoury Tabley.”

3. The newspaper devotes two pages to the talks, and quotes the mediator, President Blaise Compaore, as saying, “Direct dialogue has not really begun yet.” The mediator also said: “We’ll have a clear cut understanding of the situation by the end of this week,” explaining, “The time hasn’t come yet for the delegations to debate… each side is making proposals on the sticking points.”

4. The head of the presidential delegation is reported as saying, “The New Forces’ concerns will be thoroughly examined.” The spokesperson of the New Forces is said by the paper to have expressed “his optimism.” Citing sources close to the Burkinabe Presidency, the paper suggests that, “The inter-Ivoirian talks are similar to those held for the Togolese, where the mediator proved his skills.” 

5. On the front page of the privately-owned daily L’intelligent d’Abidjan, Compaore vows, “There’ll be no room for failure.” Citing reliable sources, the paper reports, “President Gbagbo is likely to travel to Ouagadougou today.” Meanwhile, the UN Secretary General’s Representative, Pierre Schori, is quoted saying, “Gbagbo and Soro must compromise.”

6. While the talks are underway in the Burkinabe capital, Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, indicates that the direct talks -- proposed by Gbagbo as a way out of the political stalemate in Cote d’Ivoire -- are part of what the paper calls, “The Technique of the Elephant.” Designed by the ruling FPI party “to confiscate power,” the paper explains, “This is part of a strategy to delay the peace process, to let Gbagbo keep power until 2010.”

7. The leader of the Young Patriots, Charles Ble Goude is quoted by the privately-owned daily L’inter as saying, “They want to kill me.” In a two-page interview, the youth leader tells the paper, “I’ve no plan to destabilize the opposition RDR party in its stronghold.”

8. In a front-page story, Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, accuses Ivoirian Reggae Star and UN Peace Ambassador Alpha Blondy of “inciting the population to stand against the French soldiers.” The paper comments, “Blondy has shifted from musician to politician. Despite his mantle as Peace Ambassador, Blondy is backing the presidential clan to wage a war against the French army.” It also publishes a two-page interview with the Reggae man about his song entitled: “French Army.” The paper calls it “an anachronistic campaign.”

9. “The Ivoirian Chief of Defense, General Philippe Magou, met yesterday with soldiers who were recruited in September 2002,” says a front-page story in Le Courrier d’Abidjan. According to the paper, “The soldiers have given the army commander a 48-hour ultimatum to pay their allowances.”

10. Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, says, “Activities at the Supreme Court in Abidjan were brought to a standstill yesterday, as workers have embarked in a strike to press for salary increases.”

February 5, 2007  

1. The identification process, and the talks being held between President Gbagbo and the leader of the New Forces Soro Guillaume, are the two major issues in Monday’s Ivoirian papers. 

2. “Crucial talks begin today in Ouagadougou,” says a front-page story in Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party. The paper announces that “The true inter-Ivoirian negotiations – aimed at resolving the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire – are due to start this morning in Ouagadougou, under the auspices of the President of Burkina Faso.” Regarding the talks’ agenda, the paper says, “It may focus on many issues, including the New Forces’ role in a new government that could be formed after this dialogue.” A day before the start of the Ouagadougou talks, “Gbagbo traveled to Accra, to revive bilateral relations between Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana,” reports the paper.

3. “Ivoirians hold their breath, as Cote d’Ivoire’s destiny is at stake today in Ouagadougou,” writes Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan, a daily close to the opposition. In a commentary entitled: “Direct talks between Gbagbo and Soro: myth or reality,” the paper suggests that, “In order to find a compromise that could liberate the entire Ivoirian population, Gbagbo and Soro must put aside any partisan interests.”

4. “Direct dialogue: Gbagbo has my blessing,” Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, quotes the Ghanaian President as saying.

5. “Banny claims ownership of the direct dialogue,” says a front-page story in Le Matin-d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. The Ivoirian Prime Minister met journalists over the weekend, and is quoted as saying, “Gbagbo is the Commander of the Ivorian armed forces, and Soro the chief of the rebels’ armed forces. The two of them must work together, through direct talks, to pave the way for an effective disarmament, which will allow free movement of people throughout the country.”

6. L’evenement, a daily close to Banny, says, “The Premier has decided to take the bull by the horns in a bid to resolve the Ivoirian crisis.” According to the paper, “Banny will soon sign an ordinance to allow the resumption of the identification process.” The questions of “disarmament and identification will be high on the talks’ agenda,” reports the paper.

7. According to 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, “The identification program – aimed at providing nationality certificates to the Ivoirians – will last seven months.”

8. “Dialogue is my credo,” the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin quotes Banny as saying. Calling upon journalists “to work for peace,” reports the paper, the Prime Minister “promised them a one billion CFA government grant to support the work of the media in Cote d’Ivoire.” In a commentary, the paper believes that, “Peace is finally close, as direct talks resume today in Ouagadougou.”

9. While representatives of Gbagbo and Soro are scheduled to meet today in Ouagadougou, Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, questions “The sincerity of the dialogue.” Looking at the composition of the people representing Gbagbo at the talks, the paper wonders whether one should call the ongoing talks, “A dialogue between Cote d’Ivoire and the rebellion, or a dialogue between the ruling FPI party and the rebellion.”

10. A front-page story in Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, says, “Supporters of former Ivoirian leader, Henri Konan Bedie, and those of Laurent Dona Fologo, the President of Economic and Social Council, are engaged in an in-house fight over the leadership of the PDCI-RDA.”

February 2, 2007  

1. Today’s news commentaries say Ivoirian stakeholders are engaged in intensive political bargaining, ahead of the talks between President Gbagbo and New Forces leader Soro Guillaume in Ouagadougou next week.

2. A front-page story in 24 Heures says, "Each Ivoirian political leader is getting ready for the talks that will bring Gbagbo and Soro together in Ouagadougou." According to the paper, close to the opposition, "Apart from the two main protagonists, opposition leaders – including ex-President Henri Konan Bedie, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, leader of RDR, and the Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny -- are planning to attend Ouagadougou’s talks, slated for February 5." It also indicates that, "Executives of each political party have been meeting, in a bid to come up with some proposals." Meanwhile, Guei Bombet, leader of the Renaissance Party, questions "the ruse behind these talks."

3. "Burkina Faso is invaded by Ivoirian political leaders," says Nord-Sud Quotidien’s banner headline, a daily close to the opposition. According to the paper, "ECOWAS mediator President Compaore is to meet today with Gbagbo and Soro’s negotiators." It reports that, "Banny arrived yesterday in the Burkinabe capital, in a bid to meet Compaore." "He might be seeking support, just in case the talk’s conclusions are not in his favor… He’s also aware that he has lost his post as the Governor of the West African Central Bank."

4. Another front-page story carried by the paper says, "The Ivoirian League of Human Rights says no to the talks." In a long interview with the paper, the League’s president, Patrick N’Gouan, presses for "the participation of civil society members in the talks, as they should be all-inclusive."

5. "Marginalized by the direct talks between Gbagbo and Soro, Banny is pushing to meet Compaore," writes Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. "Originally planned for yesterday," reports the paper, "The meeting between Banny and Compaore has been delayed." Regarding the purpose of Banny’s visit to Ouagadougou, the paper says, "The Ivoirian Prime Minister is negotiating for his political survival." As the dialogue gets underway, the President of the Economic and Social Council, Laurent Dona Fologo, has called for "vigilance," reports the paper. Speaking yesterday in Abidjan, Fologo called upon the protagonists "to set aside their partisan interests, and to trust each other."

6. A front-page story in Le Patriote profiles what the paper calls "Soro’s three key men leading negotiations with the presidential camp." They are: "Dacoury Tabley and Kone Mamadou, both ministers in the current administration and the Spokesperson of the New Forces, Sidiki Konate." The presidential delegation will be led by "Gbagbo’s Legal Advisor Desire Tagro, Deputy Chief of Staff, Sarata Ottro, and Affi N’Guessan Chairman of the ruling FPI party." The paper, close to the opposition, notes, "Restoring confidence and trust between the protagonists will be the Mediator’s big challenge."

7. According to the privately-owned daily, Soir Info, "Gbagbo has set up a strong shadow cabinet, made up of close associates – including the First Lady – who have been tasked to push the peace process forward."

8. Regarding what the Burkinabe president will gain from the direct talks, Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, comments that, "His crimes will be wiped out."

9. Still on the talks, Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, quotes the UN Secretary General’s Representative in Cote d’Ivoire saying, "It’s the best method."

10. "There is a radical difference between the Ivorian Constitution and UN Resolution 1721," the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin quotes the Ivoirian Foreign Affairs Minister as saying at a ceremony held in Abidjan yesterday.

11. "Exiled military officers are a threat again," says a front-page story in Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party.

February 1, 2007  

1. The first round of talks that brought together in Bouake the leader of the New Forces, the president’s legal advisor, and the Burkinabe Security Minister are discussed at length in today’s Ivoirian papers. They also announce Gbagbo and Soro will meet for substantial talks in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso next week.

2. "First face-to-face between Gbagbo and Soro on Monday in Ouagadougou," says a story carried by the privately-owned daily Soir Info. Citing sources close to the Burkinabe Presidency, the paper says, "The two ex-belligerents have agreed to meet on February 5 in the Burkinabe capital under the mediation of Blaise Compaore." "As the way has now been paved for direct talks," comments the paper, "There is room to be optimistic that Ivoirians may see the end of the tunnel very soon." The paper, however, warns, "No protagonist engaged in the talks, particularly the leader of the New Forces Soro Guillaume, is ready to be on the losing side."

3. While the dialogue has got underway, "Opposition leaders -- including former Ivoirian President Henri Konan Bedie and RDR’s president Alassane Dramane Ouattara -- who are not associated with the talks, refuse to be just spectators." "Bedie and Ouattara, who are aware of the possible result of the talks," comments the paper, "have been lobbying to meet the ECOWAS mediator."

4. As Soro is engaged in talks with Gbagbo, the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin reports, "Charles Ble Goude, leader of the Young Patriots [a group close to Gbagbo] launched a peace caravan on January 20." The paper suggests that, "Cote d’Ivoire has rekindled hope, as Ble Goude and Soro have decided to cool down their tempers." In an interview, "Ble Goude expressed his desire to take his peace caravan to the zones under New Forces’ control, if his friend and brother Soro allows him to do so," reports the paper. It quotes Ble Goude as saying, "We’ll embrace our brothers in Bouake."

5. "Direct dialogue: Gbagbo’s remedy rekindles hope," says a banner headline that runs across the privately-owned daily, Le Temps. The paper, close to Gbagbo, comments that last Tuesday’s meeting between the leader of the New Forces and the president’s legal advisor in Bouake helped remove "stumbling blocks in the way of talks." On the controversy over "how the current talks can fit into the UN Resolution 1721," the paper states, "the resolution has no hold or priority over them."

6. In another development, the paper warns, "UN agencies in Cote d’Ivoire, and their local partners, need 28 billion CFA Francs to save 4 million displaced people."

7. Back to the talks, a front-page story in Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, says, "The New Forces taught president Gbagbo’s legal advisor a lesson at his meeting with Soro in Bouake." In a related development, the paper comments that the New Forces still "doubts Gbagbo’s sincerity." The paper also alleges that, the new management of the state-run newspaper Fraternite Matin is at the center of what it calls "a 30 million CFA Francs scandal."

8. On the front page of the privately-owned daily L’inter, the Ivoirian Security Minister vows to flush out "police officers who hold false diplomas."

9. According to 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, "Activities at the Independent Electoral Commission have been blocked since early January, after Gbagbo sent a letter to the commissioner demanding him to stop the installation of the local commissions."

10. Regarding issues pertaining to conflict resolution, Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, reports that, "Aubrey Hooks advices Ivoirians to read a World Bank Report entitled: ‘Breaking the Conflict Trap: Civil War and Development Policy’." The American Ambassador spoke a few days ago at a book discussion program held at the embassy in Abidjan.