January 31, 2007  

1. Reports say the long-awaited talks between President Laurent Gbagbo and the leader of the New Forces Soro Guillaume finally got underway yesterday in Bouake. Papers wonder whether the meeting can succeed, and help restart the stalled peace process in Cote d’Ivoire.

2. A banner headline running across the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin, says "Direct talks have begun in Bouake." The Ivoirian presidential spokesman is quoted saying, "Let’s embrace each other, and quit the battle field," to which Soro responds, "I salute President Gbagbo’s commitment to talk with us." Looking on, the Burkina Faso Security Minister comments, "Now that your messages have been heard, the time has come for you to build peace."

3. According to the paper, Burkinabe President Compaore, speaking on the sidelines of the just-ended AU Summit in Ethiopia, invited "his peers to support the Ivoirian talks." Speaking to reporters in Abidjan yesterday, Gbagbo said: "We’ve everybody’s backing."

4. A front-page story in L’evenement, a daily close to the Ivoirian Prime Minister notes, "Compaore is engaged in a difficult task, and the question now is how to make the two protagonists [Gbagbo and Soro] keep their promises." The paper believes that "The big challenge ahead for Gbagbo and Soro will be to cool down their hardliners." The paper suggests that, "The talks will be seen as a time bomb, if the two protagonists fail to respect their own commitments."

5. In the wake of the first round of talks, Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, announces that "Gbagbo and Soro are set to meet in Ouagadougou on February 15." The paper quotes Gbagbo as saying, "Compaore is committed to playing a positive role in resolving the crisis."

6. "Gbagbo says the task of resolving the crisis now falls on the shoulders of Ivoirians," reports Le Temps, another daily close to the president.

7. "The roadmap to peace is Resolution 1721, not the direct talks," Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, quotes the UN Secretary General’s Representative in Cote d’Ivoire as saying. Pierre Schori, who departs Cote d’Ivoire February 15, welcomed the election of Ghana President John Agyekum Kufuor as the new Chairman of the African Union, saying, "It’s good news for Cote d’Ivoire," reports the paper.

8. With Schori in the departing lounge, "The Young Patriots [a group close to Gbagbo] celebrates," reports Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan. On other issues, the paper announces that "Government has disbursed 9.6 billion CFA to support the cocoa sector, which is confronted with difficulties as a result of the ongoing political crisis."

9. According to 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, the Ivoirian government and humanitarian organizations "need 28.6 billions CFA to save vulnerable populations."

10. Six months after the dumping of toxic waste in Abidjan and its environs, the privately-owned daily L’inter carries a full-page investigative report to reveal "the role and responsibilities of those believed to be involved in this scandal."

January 30, 2007  

1. Ivoirian papers say Ghana President John Agyekum Kufuor, newly elected Chairman of the African Union, has made “a strong comeback” in the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire. This at a time when his Ivoirian counterpart is set to engage in a direct talks with leaders of the New Forces, in an attempt to resolve the lingering national crisis.

2. “Mediation in the Ivoirian crisis: Kufuor arrives as a backup,” says a banner headline that runs across the privately-owned daily Nord-Sud Quotidien. The paper comments, “The election of the Ghanaian leader as the AU Chairman marks his return in the Ivoirian crisis.” “Kufuor knows well the situation in Cote d’Ivoire, having brokered three agreements aimed at resolving the Ivoirian crisis… With the support of Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore, current chairman of the ECOWAS, Kufuor should have control over the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire.”

3. “Back to square one,” writes the privately-owned daily L’intelligent d’Abidjan. As Kufuor becomes the new boss of Africa, observers think that “This could bring a new momentum to the Ivoirian peace process, particularly talks between Gbagbo and the New Forces leader.”

4. “The first round of talks is set to begin today in Bouake,” says a banner headline running across Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan. According to the paper, close to the opposition, “the first meeting will let both sides explain their views about the upcoming talks.”

5. Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, writes, “The leader of the New Forces, the president’s legal advisor and spokesperson, and the Burkinabe Security Minister, meet today in Bouake, to pave the way for the talks.”  

6. “Reconcile your plan with Resolution 1721, Ban Ki-Moon told Gbagbo,” says a front-page story in L’evenement a daily close to the Ivoirian Prime Minister. The paper also points out the “strengthens and weaknesses of the upcoming direct dialogue.”

7. “Direct dialogue: Ban Ki-Moon congratulates Gbagbo,” writes Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party. According to the paper, they met on the margins of the African Union summit in Ethiopia.

8. In a front-page story, the privately-owned daily Soir Info explains “Compaore’s strategy to resolve the Ivoirian crisis.” The paper indicates, “The fundamental question is how Compaore, who has been accused of being the ‘tutor’ of the rebels, can bring peace to Cote d’Ivoire.”   That said, the paper quotes several observers who say, “Compaore’s involvement in the peace process will yield positive results.”    

9. While the direct dialogue between Gbagbo and Soro has become the main focus, Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling party PDCI-RDA, says, “It’s high time to engage in talks with exiled military officers.” The paper recalls how “250 junior officers took Gbagbo by surprise on September 19, 2002.” It then wonders, “What are the 150 senior officers, who deserted the Ivoirian army, planning?”

10. 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition carries a prominent story that notes, “With Gbagbo’s amnesty law, as part of his alternative peace plan, some exiled soldiers are preparing to return home.”

11. Concerning the militia groups operating in western Cote d’Ivoire, another daily close to the opposition, Le Jour Plus, believes that they could “constitute a threat to the talks.”

12. Finally, Nord-Sud Quotidien comments, “The battle to control RTI, the state-run Broadcasting Corporation, during the course of the upcoming elections, has taken a dramatic turn.” The paper accuses RTI’s new management of “manipulating information, while the opposition and Prime Minister are simply banned from the air.”

January 29, 2007  

1. Direct talks between President Gbagbo and New Forces leader Soro continue to be the main focus in Ivoirian papers.  The peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire is likely to be one of the issues on the agenda of the African Union Summit, due to open today in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia.     

2. “African Union opens today: Gbagbo to meet Ban Ki-Moon,” says a front-page story in the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin. The paper comments, “The meeting between the Ivoirian leader and the UN Secretary General offers them the opportunity to discuss Gbagbo’s initiative to hold direct talks with the New Forces leader.” A meeting notes the paper, that “could help Gbagbo and Soro deal directly with their grievances.”

3. Regarding the direct dialogue, the paper announces that “Negotiations are due to start tomorrow in Bouake, the New Forces’ stronghold.” Tomorrow’s discussions will bring together “The leader of the New Forces, Soro Guillaume, President Gbagbo’s legal advisor and spokesperson, Desire Tagro, and the Burkinabe Security Minister, Djibril Bassole.” According to the paper, “An agreement could be reached before February 15.”   

4. Explaining the contours of the peace plan designed by the Burkinabe President, Blaise Compaore, as part of the direct dialogue, the privately-owned daily 24 Heures ponders “what the future holds for the Ivoirian opposition leaders and the head of the transitional government.” The paper, however, indicates that, “The Ivoirian opposition leaders will effectively take part in the dialogue, as the mediator is to hold talks with them.”  

5. Speaking over the week-end, the President of the Economic and Social Council, Laurent Dona Fologo, said: “Direct talks are the remedy needed to resolve the crisis,” reports Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party. As the African Union Summit begins, the paper comments, “The African Union is on the brink of collapse due to several burning issues, including the controversy over Sudan’s assumption of the African Union’s chairmanship.”

6. A front-page story in L’evenement says, “The African Union summit may point to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s peace plan as a solution to the Ivoirian crisis.” The paper, close to the Ivoirian Prime Minister, writes “If this proposal is accepted, Gbagbo will remain the President of the Republic, and will be flanked by Henri Konan Bedie, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, and Soro Guillaume as Vice-Presidents, while Charles Konan Banny will keep his post as a Prime Minister.”

7. A front-page story in Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, says, “Health workers have decided to end their strike following a meeting with the Prime Minister.” According to the paper, “Workers, who were pressing for salary increases, reached an agreement with Banny.”

8. According to the privately-owned daily L’intelligent d’Abidjan, recent news reports that containers of toxic waste were docked at the Port of Abidjan were “false alarms.”

9. Finally, a report carried by Le Patriote says, “Radio ATM [a community station in Port-Bouet District] and the municipal library burned down over the weekend.”

January 26, 2007  

1. Direct talks between President Gbagbo and New Forces leader Soro continue to dominate commentaries in Ivoirian papers, while consultations are still being held to set up the crucial talks.   

2. A front-page story carried by Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, says “Gbagbo, at the Community of Sahelian States’ summit held yesterday in Libya, is seeking support from African leaders for his upcoming talks.” According to the paper, “The situation in Cote d’Ivoire, notably Gbagbo’s plan to hold talks with Soro, was high on the agenda of the summit.”

3. The paper also indicates that, despite the Ivoirian opposition alliance’s decision to support the dialogue between Gbagbo and Soro, “the former ruling PDCI-RDA party is against the move.” The paper then quotes the leader of the New Forces as saying, “It is important for the belligerents to talk.”

4. Still on the talks, “The leader of the New Forces held separate meetings with an ECOWAS and African Union joint mediation group, and the French Ambassador, yesterday in Bouake,” reports the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, “All the parties agreed on the need for direct talks, but insisted that they must be carried out in the spirit of Resolution 1721.” On a related issue, Soro is reported as saying, “The national identity problem remains at the heart of the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire.”

5. Regarding presidential elections due to be held in October 2007, the paper quotes the UN Secretary General’s Representative in Cote d’Ivoire, Pierre Schori, as saying, “Out of 12 months, three have been already wasted, as far as the preparation of these elections is concerned.” The UN boss was speaking yesterday in Abidjan during a seminar on the electoral process.

6. According to the privately-owned daily, L’inter, “The first round of talks between Gbagbo and Soro are scheduled for Tuesday in Bouake.” The paper quotes Soro as saying, “I’m not skeptical.” The paper predicts that the talks could run into “difficulties” for the simple reason that, “the Burkinabe leader, Blaise Compaore, who is also a mediator in the talks, and the New Forces leader are linked. It’s clear that this kind of mediation won’t go against Soro’s interests.”

7. “What way out, in case the talks fail?” wonders the paper. It suggests that, “Despite the commitment from both sides to a dialogue, there is still a fear that the process may end up being a fiasco.” To avoid this happening, “Players at both the national and international levels who are involved in this dialogue, must do everything possible to guarantee its success,” suggests the paper. 

8. On the front-page of Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan, a paper close to the opposition, Soro outlines “his three conditions to sit down at the negotiation table.” Soro is reported as saying, “This dialogue must transparent. It must take place under the supervision of the international community. Finally, this dialogue must be all-inclusive.” 

9. Le Temps, close to Gbagbo denounces what it calls “The double standard posturing” of Soro. The paper opines that, “Direct talks between Gbagbo and Soro mean that UN Resolution 1721 has no raison d’etre.”

10. In another development, Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling party, carries a front-page headline entitled: “It’s true: toxic wastes are here.” According to the paper, “The Director General of the Port of Abidjan is at the center of this new affair regarding the toxic wastes.”

January 25, 2007  

1. While Ivoirian President Laurent Gbagbo and New Forces leader Soro Guillaume get ready for their one-on-one talk, papers consider whether the meeting can succeed and help restart the stalled peace process in Cote d’Ivoire.

2. “Ivoirian peace process: the chances for a successful dialogue,” is a front-page headline in the Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. According to the paper, both protagonists are going into their meeting with “different agendas.” “Gbagbo’s objective is to arrive at a compromise, or to find some way for him to stay in power,” notes the paper. “For the New Forces leader, this dialogue could be an opportunity to find a solution to the identity problems facing his parents, and to the integration of soldiers who fought for him.”

3. Though the Burkinabe head of State, Blaise Compaore, is working to broker an agreement between the two protagonists, the paper wonders whether “the mediator will be able to succeed.” “Though Compaore has a good understanding of the situation in Cote d’Ivoire,” comments the paper, “the fact that he was accused by Gbagbo of supporting the rebellion could constitute a handicap for his mission.”

4. The state-owned daily Fraternite Matin says, “The face to face meeting between Gbagbo and Soro is due to begin early February in Ouagadougou.” According to the paper, this announcement was made yesterday after a meeting between Gbagbo and Compaore in Bobo-Dioulasso. Soro, who was in Ouagadougou earlier on Tuesday, told reporters that “peace will come to Cote d’Ivoire with the support of  neighboring countries.”

5. A front-page story in Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan says, “Leaders of the ruling FPI party are divided over the Gbagbo-Soro dialogue.” According to the paper, “The party’s hardliners believe that a dialogue might be seen as an honor bestowed on those who took up arms against Cote d’Ivoire, while its moderates welcome the move on the grounds that it could bring back peace.”

6. A front-page report carried by Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, says “Containers filled with toxic waste are still at the Port of Abidjan.” According to the paper, “the carrier left the port, after customs services impounded the containers.”

7. Still on the same issue, L’intelligent d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily, carries a prominent story entitled “Alert: Ivoirians continue to be intoxicated.”

8. “Cote d’Ivoire footballer, Didier Drogba has been named a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Program,” reports L’inter. According to the paper, “The 28-year-old footballer will receive symbolic earnings of $1 per year for his work in UNDP’s anti-poverty campaign.”

January 24, 2007  

1. Ivoirian President Laurent Gbagbo and New Forces leader Soro Guillaume have been engaged in diplomacy ahead of their talks, aimed at resolving the political impasse in Cote d’Ivoire. Wednesday’s papers ponder what their real motives are in finally coming to the negotiation table, and the outcome of the much-anticipated dialogue. 

2. “Soro in Ouagadougou, Gbagbo in Libya: The secrets behind the diplomatic shuttles,” says a headline that covers almost the front page of the privately-owned daily L’inter. The paper suggests that, “The peace process in Cote d’Ivoire has reached a crucial turn, and each of the two protagonists [Gbagbo and Soro] is taking necessary precautions.” “Soro, who is still in a defensive mood, wants to obtain a minimum guarantee before being engaged in this adventure… By meeting President Blaise Compaore of Burkina Faso [before the crucial talks], Soro is indirectly seeking the support of the Elysee.”

3. Regarding Gbagbo’s visit to Libya, the paper indicates that, “The Ivoirian leader is not pleading for backing by his Libyan counterpart.” The real motivation behind Gbagbo’s decision to meet Kadhafi is to give the rebellion his assurance.” The paper foresees “a dialogue of the deaf between Gbagbo and Soro, as the two sides will adamant as far as their interests are concerned.”

4. On the front-page of the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin, Soro states: “I’m ready for the dialogue.” The leader of the New Forces spoke yesterday after talks with Compaore, and “welcomed” the mediation of the Burkinabe leader. According to the paper, “Gbagbo, en route to Tripoli this morning, will stop in Bobo-Dioulasso to meet with Compaore about the Ivoirian crisis.” Speaking to the paper, Ivoirian Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny says, “I hope that this dialogue will be sincere.”

5. “It will be difficult to sideline me,” L’intelligent d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily, quotes Banny as saying about the upcoming talks between Gbagbo and Soro.

6. Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, comments that “The question of who takes the post of the Prime Minister will be a big issue during their dialogue.” But if Soro becomes the premier, wonders the paper, “would he take it with the powers given a Prime Minister by the Ivoirian Constitution or with the powers recommended by Resolution 1721?”

7. In another development, Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR, reports, “The second stage of the identification scheme, launched last Friday, has totally failed.” The paper notes, “Some observers wonder whether the program’s organizers sensitized the population before launching this second stage.” 

8. Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, publishes a communique from the office of the Prime Minister saying, “The identification program will continue today.”

9. Barely six months after the toxic waste scandal hit Abidjan, the economic capital of Cote d’Ivoire, Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, reports that, “Ten containers of toxic waste were discovered yesterday at the Port.”

10. Finally, the privately-owned daily Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan, devotes its front page to what it calls, “The bloodbath unfolding in Guinea,” Cote d’Ivoire’s neighbor. The paper says “The days of President Lansana Conte are numbered, as the popular uprising throughout the country has resulted in the death of 40 people.”

January 23, 2007  

1. The much-anticipated talks between Ivoirian President Laurent Gbagbo and the New Forces leader Soro Guillaume, along with consultations aimed at saving the stalled peace process in Cote d’Ivoire, are the top stories in today’s Ivoirian papers.

2. A banner headline running across Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, quotes Gbagbo as saying, “Soro and me first, others will come later.” According to the paper, the Ivoirian leader is “mocking” the opposition. “Sheep may move together, but they aren’t the same price,” Gbagbo is reported as saying. Gbagbo, speaking at presentation ceremony yesterday, told his audience that, “The idea for direct dialogue is not new, since the start of negotiations in Lome proposals have been made, but were rejected.”

3. “Shuttle diplomacy before direct dialogue: Gbagbo in Libya, Soro in Burkina Faso,” writes the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, “Gbagbo is due to travel to Libya tomorrow to meet his Libyan counterpart as part of his preparations for talks with the New Forces leader.”

4. Citing sources close to the presidency, the paper says, “After meeting with Kadhafi, Gbagbo could travel to Addis Ababa to attend the African Union Summit scheduled for January 29-30.” In a bid to get more “details” on the direct dialogue, “Soro is expected today in Ouagadougou to meet President Compaore, a mediator in the Ivoirian peace process.”       

5. A banner headline that running across the paper says, “Charles Konan Banny did not attend the New Year Ceremony at the Presidency.” The paper publishes a statement from the Prime Minister’s office saying, “The head of the government was absent from the ceremony on medical grounds.”

6. Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, publishes the full text of Gbagbo’s speech during the ceremony. The Ivoirian leader is quoted saying, “We can now build peace.”

7. Speaking during the ceremony, the Ivoirian Chief of Staff, General Philippe Mangou said: “Our priority remains disarmament,” reports Le Jour Plus.

8. “Direct dialogue this week: Soro says no,” reports Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. The paper has the leader of the New Forces saying, “We’ve booked no meeting with Gbagbo this week.” The paper also publishes a full-page statement by the PDCI-RDA on how “The Ivoirian national army should be reformed.”

January 22, 2007

1. Political developments resulting from last Friday’s meeting in Ouagadougou, where ECOWAS leaders endorsed President Laurent Gbagbo’s proposal to hold direct talks with the leader of the New Forces, are the major issues in today’s Ivoirian papers.  

2. Barely three days after the ECOWAS summit, the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin carries a banner headline entitled: “Direct dialogue with the leader of the New Forces: Gbagbo is to meet Soro this week.” Speaking to reporters in Abidjan last Saturday, Gbagbo announced, “Talks will start in the coming week, and we can conclude them by the end of this month.”

3. The paper quotes the Chairman of the ECOWAS Commission saying, “We support President Gbagbo’s proposal to hold direct talks. We believe that it’s a good initiative that will pave the way for the organization of upcoming elections, and for the restoration of peace. We encourage the president to engage in dialogue… this won’t infringe on Resolution 1721.” Regarding the controversy over the post of the Prime Minister, the ECOWAS Commissioner is reported saying, “Direct dialogue doesn’t mean a change of Prime Minister.”

4. Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, holds another point of view. According to the paper, “Direct dialogue could hinder the implementation of Resolution 1721.” “Appointed by the international community to implement UN Resolution 1721, what is Banny’s role if the key players in the conflict decide to hold direct discussions?” wonders the paper.  

5. Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, comments that, “After the ECOWAS leaders’ recommendations for dialogue between the head of state and the New Forces, the Ivoirian Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, has lost part of responsibilities bestowed on him by Resolution 1721.”

6. Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA, questions the “efforts by ECOWAS leaders to find a solution to the Ivoirian crisis.” The paper suggests that “The RHDP [an alliance of four major Ivoirian opposition parties] must be on guard in connection with Gbagbo and Soro’s dialogue.”

7. Speaking over the weekend, Charles Ble Goude, the leader of the Young Patriots [a group close to Gbagbo] said: “I encourage Soro to talk with Gbagbo,” reports the privately-owned daily L’inter.

8. A front-page story in Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, says, “Henri Konan Bedie and Alassane Dramane Ouattara have reached an agreement with Soro, that during his discussions with Gbagbo he will press for the creation of two vice-presidents, to be filled by them.”

January 19, 2007

1. Today’s ECOWAS summit in Ouagadougou and the decision by the Ivoirian opposition alliance, G7, to allow the New Forces’ leader, Soro Guillaume, to hold direct talks with President Laurent Gbagbo are the major issues in Friday’s Ivoirian papers.  

2. A front-page story in the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin says, “Gbagbo’s proposal to hold direct talks with Soro, and the controversy over Banny’s succession, will be on the top of the agenda of the ECOWAS summit.” Citing sources close to the Ivoirian Presidency, the paper says, “Gbagbo –who arrived yesterday in the Burkinabe capital – will ask his West African counterparts to adopt his alternative peace plan.” The President, writes the paper, will also try “to convince his peers to see his plan as the only way out of the Ivoirian crisis.”  

3. Commenting on an agreement reached yesterday by leaders of the G7, allowing Soro to hold direct talks with Gbagbo, the paper says, “The loser is ex-President Henri Konan Bedie, who earlier insisted that any dialogue between Gbagbo and Soro should include other signatories of the Ivoirian peace accords.”

4. A banner headline carried by Le Patriote, a paper close to the opposition RDR party, calls yesterday’s G7 meeting “a sacred union.” According to the paper, “The opposition leaders signed a new pact of loyalty, and reaffirmed their support to the UN Resolution 1721.” During the conclave, reports the paper, “The leader of the New Forces showed a high sense of maturity, pointing out that any solution to the Ivoirian crisis which requires a new Prime Minister would effectively nullify UN Resolution 1721.”

5. The privately-owned daily L’inter believes that, “Soro – who has boycotted the Council of Ministers for some time now – is playing a double-standard role.”

6. “Abandoned by his allies and sponsors, Banny wants to resign,” writes Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. Citing reliable sources, the paper suggests that, “The only honorable exit for Banny – who has been entangled in a political mess – is to tender his resignation.”

7. In another development, Nord-Sud, a daily close to the opposition, reports that “Gbagbo has vetoed plan to install local electoral commissions.” According to the paper, “The Ivoirian leader sent a letter to the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, asking him to suspend the program, which is due to start on January 22.” “To justify his decision, Gbagbo points to the upcoming direct talks with the New Forces’ leader, aimed at resolving the Ivoirian crisis.”

8. The state of the Ivoirian economy is another issue carried by the paper. According to the paper, “Banny failed to revive the economy, as more Ivoirians became impoverished in 2006.” During the same period, the paper explains, “The economic growth was 1% instead of 1.8%, as previously projected.”

January 18, 2007  

1. Commentaries in today’s papers are dominated by yesterday’s meeting of the Council of Ministers – the first one since the vote of the UN Resolution 1721 –and the meeting between leaders of the opposition alliance, G7.     

2. “Banny remains my Prime Minister,” Soir Info, a privately-owned daily, quotes President Laurent Gbagbo as saying. Citing insiders, the paper discloses that, “The Ivoirian Prime Minister [appointed by the international community] won’t be sacked.” “Cote d’Ivoire does not have a problem with the Prime Minister. Part of the Cote d’Ivoire is occupied by rebels who made demands and conditions, which were satisfied. But the rebellion continues. That’s the problem. That’s why we suggested having direct talks with these people. This does not necessary mean that we want to nominate another premier to replace Banny,” Gbagbo is reported as saying.

3. In a related development, Soir Info indicates that, “The Ivoirian opposition alliance, G7, wants to abandon Banny.” The paper suggests that, “The armed and political opposition groups, which have thrown their weight behind Banny, have gained nothing from the head of the transitional government, who refuses to make tough decisions, which the opposition alliance believes would serve their interests.”

4. With a picture of Gbagbo and Banny warmly shaking hands, Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, carries the banner headline: “After two months of defiance, Banny has surrendered.” Regarding Banny’s plan to launch the identification process, the paper indicates that, “This scheme, aimed at providing national identity cards to Ivoirians, is under threat.” According to the paper, the judges assigned to oversee the program are threatening to boycott it unless their allowances are paid.”

5. The state-owned Fraternite Matin describes the atmosphere yesterday at the Council of Ministers as “warm.” Among major decisions taken during the meeting, the paper notes the government will soon organize “a social forum to find solutions to strikes by civil servants.” The government, reports the paper, also outlined plans aimed at “restoring those birth, marriage, and death registration files that were destroyed in central, northern, and eastern Cote d’Ivoire.” The paper says, “Eight ministers, including the Minister of Reconstruction and Reinsertion, Soro Guillaume, did not attend yesterday’s meeting.”

6. “Banny has decided to sign ordinances and decrees,” writes Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. According to the paper, Banny has finally decided “to challenge Gbagbo.” “If Gbagbo refuses to sign, I’ll sign.”

7. According to a front-page story in L’evenement, “Banny still has the support of the international community.” The paper, close to the PM, denounces what it calls, “The dirty game on the part of the leader of the opposition RDR party, Alassane Dramane Ouattara,” who, it explains, “is trying to use Gbagbo’s proposal to hold direct talks with the New Forces as a pretext to bring down the Prime Minister.”

8. A front-page report carried by Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, says, “Ex-Ivoirian President Henri Konan Bedie and Banny held talks yesterday.” Banny, speaking after the meeting, is reported as saying, “It’ll be good for Soro to become a Prime Minister.”

9. “The G7 meets today to decide on its position concerning Gbagbo’s decision to hold direct talks with Soro,” writes L’intelligent d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily.

10. As leaders of G7 are set to meet today, L’inter, another privately-owned daily, suggests that, “The seat of the Prime Minister – that Soro is still willing to take – is likely to constitute one of the bones of contention during the meeting.” 

January 17, 2007

1. Reactions to news reports quoting a former Ivoirian leader saying, “Let’s chase Gbagbo out of power,” and today’s meeting of the Council of Ministers are the dominant issues in today’s papers.     

2. “The first Council of Ministers to be held today,” says a front-page story in Fraternite Matin, the state-owned daily. The paper comments, “Today’s Council of Ministers comes at a crucial time, as Gbagbo and Banny have been embroiled in a serious crisis triggered by the different interpretation of Resolution 1721 and the toxic waste scandal.” The paper continues, “The Council of Ministers comes at a moment when rumors say the Ivoirian Prime Minister is likely to lose his post.” That said, however,  the paper goes on to suggest “This meeting may mark the end of the cold war between Gbagbo against Banny.”

3. Reacting to former President Bedie’s statement, “Let’s chase Gbagbo out of power,” the President of the ruling FPI party, Affi N’Guessan is quoted saying: “It’s a declaration of war” while Anaky Kobena, leader of the opposition MFA party is reported saying: “I congratulate Bedie.”

4. Notre Voie, a daily close to the FPI declares Bedie “outside”. “Aware of his imminent political death after Gbagbo decided to engage in direct dialogue with the rebellion, Bedie is asking not to be left behind,” comments the paper. According to the paper, Bedie is “fighting for the survival of his party, the PDCI-RDA."

5. A front-page story in Le Courrier d’Abidjan says, “Banny has lost the battle against Gbagbo.” Commenting on recent “political tussles” between the two leaders, the paper, close to Gbagbo, says, “Gbagbo has summoned the Council of Ministers, as Banny has lost all his supporters.”

6. Citing diplomatic sources, Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, says, “The die is cast. Banny has lost his post as the Prime Minister, because he no longer has the support of the international community.” However, the paper notes, “Banny may yet bounce back, as he is scheduled to launch the identification scheme tomorrow.”

7. “Gbagbo and Banny’s cohabitation refuses to die,” says a banner headline running across the privately-owned daily L’intelligent d’Abidjan.

8. Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the PDCI-RDA wonders whether, “It’s time to sideline Banny, to save the peace process.” The paper comments that, “The real problem is that there is man called Laurent Gbagbo who refuses to work for peace. He publicly opposes the idea and nobody can challenge him.” The paper suggests that, “If Banny is removed from office, they will have to start every anew, including a new UN Resolution or a new inter-Ivoirian framework agreement, that will lead to another power struggle.”

January 16, 2007

1. Friday’s attacks on checkpoints near the border of Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, and efforts aimed at resolving the stalled peace process in Cote d’Ivoire, are the major issues in today’s Ivoirian papers.

2. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily L’inter says, “Security forces are on high alert following recent attacks in Noe, an Ivoirian border town close to Ghana.” According to the paper, “More checkpoints have been erected in the region, as security officials fear further attacks.” Citing reliable sources, the paper reports that, “The state-owned Broadcasting Corporation and the army’s headquarters in Abidjan are strategic points that could be the targets of people trying to destabilize President Laurent Gbagbo’s regime.”

3. Four days after the attacks in Noe, “Cote d’Ivoire has re-opened its border with Ghana,” reports Soir Info, a privately-owned daily. Regarding the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, the paper comments, “France is maneuvering against Banny.” The paper is of the opinion that, “Paris’ decision to back Gbagbo’s plan to engage in direct dialogue with Soro Guillaume – the leader of the New Forces – is not in favor of the Ivoirian Prime Minister.”

4. “Banny’s position is under threat,” writes the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. The paper comments, “As the peace process slides into a total impasse, the Prime Minister’s office is showing itself incapable of pushing things forward.” It suggests that, “Banny’s achievements [as far as the peace process in concerned] are hardly praise worthy. Charles Konan Banny is likely to be ejected from his seat, just as happened to his predecessor, Seydou Elimane Diarra, in favor of Soro, who has not given up his desire to take over this position.”

5. During a meeting yesterday in Abidjan, former Ivoirian head of State, Henri Konan Bedie, urged his party supporters “to remain united and confident,” reports Fraternite Matin. Bedie was reported as saying, “The moves by the FPI [the ruling party] to stop the peace process shouldn’t discourage anybody. This political party is trying to delay upcoming elections in order to keep power and to establish a minority dictatorship.”

6. “Let’s chase Gbagbo out of power,” Le Nouveau Reveil quotes Bedie as saying. According to paper, close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, “Bedie is determined to fight relentlessly until Gbagbo’s regime collapses.” Regarding a meeting of the New Forces and the Ivoirian opposition parties, initiated by Soro “in a bid to instill new strength into their alliance,” Bedie said: “The PDCI-RDA won’t miss any meeting intended to restore peace.” According to the paper, “The former ruling party wants all the political parties to be included to Gbagbo’s dialogue with the New Forces.”

7. “Bedie wants to participate in the direct dialogue,” writes Le Matin d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily, close to Gbagbo. The paper comments, “After the International Working Group [the panel overseeing the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire] approved Gbagbo’s plan to meet with Soro, the road is now paved for Soro to become the main opposition leader. Bedie, who is aware of this situation and is not prepared to be left behind, wants to be at the negotiation table.”

8. Regarding the 12th meeting of the International Working Group, held last Friday in Abidjan, Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, suggests, “Banny was the big loser.” According to the paper, the panel “showed its disapproval of the Ivoirian Prime Minister, as for the first time since its inception, the Group did not express its satisfaction with the progress achieved so far by the premier.” 

9. Speaking on his decentralization program, Gbagbo is reported saying, “Power should be given to people at the grassroots… because the transfer of power is a key to the success of the decentralization scheme.”

January 12, 2007

1. Diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the deadlocked peace process and the 12^th meeting today of the International Working Group – the panel overseeing the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire –, are the major issues in Friday’s Ivoirian papers.

2. “Paris extends a hand of friendship to Gbagbo,” says a banner headline carried by the state-owned daily, Fraternite. “After 11 visits to Cote d’Ivoire, the French Minister of Co-operation, Brigitte Girardin, will be received today, for the first, time by President Laurent Gbagbo at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan.” The paper, which describes this as “a sign of improvement in Chirac and Gbagbo’s strained relations,” suggests that, “This meeting is not an ordinary event.”

3. According to the paper, “The French Minister has always ignored Gbagbo since he has been officially attending the meetings of the International Working Group in Abidjan.” It indicates, “The 12^th meeting of the International Working Group comes at a time Gbagbo has kept many scores, after he proposed a direct dialogue with the New Forces…, a plan that has won the support of the French authorities.” “Even if the question on the preeminence of the UN Resolution 1721 and Ivoirian Constitution is yet to be resolved, rivals and partisans of Gbagbo are singing the same song: Resolution 1721, which he [Gbagbo] rejected just after its adoption, is not the solution to the Ivoirian crisis,” suggests the paper.               

4. Explaining the meaning of “the rapprochement between Gbagbo and Chirac,” Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, quotes a western diplomat as saying, “French authorities have realized that they gain nothing from the standoff that opposes them against the Ivoirian leader, who is now enjoying a kind of sympathy from the international community.”

5. “Direct dialogue with the rebellion: Gbagbo’s plan unanimously welcome,” writes Le Temps, another privately-owned daily close to Gbagbo. It says, “Soro, Compaore, France, and UN accept the idea.”

6. According to Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan, “Gbagbo is to hold talks with Soro today.” The paper, close to the opposition suggests that “Soro’s meeting with Banny on Wednesday was part of a series of consultations before the crucial talks.” 

7. “Despite the meeting with the premier, the leader of the New Forces, has not abandoned plan to take the post of the Prime Minister,” says a front-page story in Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. Soro is reported as saying, after a recent visit to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, “I continue to think that the post of the premier should come to the New Forces, since the other belligerent, notably Laurent Gbagbo, has been kept in office despite the fact that his term ended.”

8. “The dialogue between Gbagbo and Soro does not replace Resolution 1721,” Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, quotes EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, as saying. According to the paper, Michel was speaking yesterday in Abidjan after meeting with Ivoirian political players. “EU granted more than 67 billion francs CFA to Cote d’Ivoire for its disarmament program and electoral process,” reports the paper.    

9. In a front-page story, the privately-owned daily, L’inter explains “How the UN and France have handed over Banny to Gbagbo.” After an in-depth analysis of the current “political stalemate,” the paper questions the position of the international community, which granted the Prime Minister, “Illusory powers to combat a head of state, even if his [the head of State] mandate has been extended through UN Resolutions.” “How in a situation where a Prime Minister, who has no constitutional powers on the armed forces, can be asked to successfully implement a disarmament scheme,” wonders the paper. According to the paper, “The position of the international community on the situation in Cote d’Ivoire varies according to circumstances.”

January 11, 2007

1. The leader of the News Forces, Guillaume Soro, is once again in the spotlight, as pro-government and pro-opposition papers comment on “the crucial meeting” held yesterday in Yamoussoukro between him and the Ivoirian Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny.

2. “Me, Prime Minister? No way!” This is the banner headline that runs across Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. The paper quotes the leader of the New Forces, who was speaking after his talks with Banny. “I’m not interested in the post of Prime Minister… The Premier [Banny] concurred with us that dialogue should be the only instrument used to push the peace process forward; it is a tool that enables us to implement the key elements of Resolution 1721.”

3. “Before the meeting with Gbagbo, Soro held two-hour talks with Banny,” writes the privately-owned daily L’inter. Soro is reported as saying, “The Prime Minister and I share the same view on the application of Resolution 1721.” The paper suggests that, “On the eve of the meeting of the International Working Group to evaluate the situation on the ground, it’s necessary for the two men – who have been invited to the gathering – to agree on issues relating to the peace process.”

4. Though Soro is reported saying, “The post of the premier is not my objective,” the paper catalogues what it calls “facts” one by one, which brings observers to question Soro’s real intentions. “The strong signal,” suggests the paper, “is the invitation to Soro to attend the meeting of the International Working Group for the first time.”

5. “Resolution 1721 does not indicate that I should become Gbagbo’s Prime Minister,” Le Nouveau Reveil quotes the leader of the New Forces as saying. According to the paper, close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, “Gbagbo has turned down the African mediator and Congolese President Denis Sassou N’Guesso’s invitation to attend a meeting in Brazzaville with other Ivoirian political stakeholders.”

6. According to Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, “Banny is trying to convince Soro not to reject Resolution 1721.”

7. A front-page story in the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin says, “France supports direct dialogue between Ivoirian political players in a bid to resolve the crisis.” According to the paper, “This position was expressed as the UN Security Council met yesterday to extend the mandate of the UN Peacekeepers and French troops in Cote d’Ivoire.”  In Resolution 1739 voted yesterday, “The UN Security Council decided to extend the mandate of U.N. and French peacekeepers in Cote d’Ivoire for six more months,” reports the paper.

8. Regarding the delayed meeting that was planned to assemble leaders of the New Forces and opposition political parties, the New Forces’ spokesperson is quoted as saying, “One cannot drink champagne with a rebel and then refuse to visit him.”

9. “Direct dialogue between Gbagbo and Soro: France’s strange support for Gbagbo’s plan,” says a banner headline that runs across Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. According to the paper, “The decision by France to throw its weight behind Gbagbo was officially announced by a French diplomat, Michel de Bonnecorse, during a visit to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.” De Bonnecorse is reported as saying, “France approves the ideas of direct discussions between Gbagbo’s entourage and Soro as well as other opposition parties… These discussions should come in the framework of Resolution 1721. These discussions should facilitate the organization of elections before October 31.”

10. Speaking to Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, the Ivoirian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, explains, “Why the opposition groups forego street demonstrations.” “It is neither denial nor capitulation on our part. People should stop provoking us,” the opposition leader is quoted saying.     

11. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily L’evenement says, “The paper has been dragged to court by Ohouochi Clotilde [a former minister] for defamation.” The paper, close to Banny, alleges that, “Ohouochi has misappropriated 40 million francs” offered by Gbagbo to the victims of the toxic waste dumped in Abidjan in August of last year.

January 10, 2007

1. The postponement of consultations due to be held in Bouake between the Ivoirian political opposition leaders and the leadership of the New Forces has triggered commentaries in today’s Ivoirian papers.

2. “Cacophony,” is the word used by the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, to illustrate what it calls “disagreements among the Ivoirian opposition leaders.” The paper indicates that, “After days of evasiveness and hesitations, the G7 [an alliance of Ivoirian opposition parties and the New Forces] has shown to the general public their incapacity to come together due to serious internal disputes.” It also opines that, “The last minute postponement of the Bouake meeting also justifies the fears expressed by Soro, who questioned the unity amongst leaders of the G7 during his January 1 address to the nation.”

3. In a different story, the paper quotes a spokesperson of the New Forces as saying, “Bedie and Ouattara are expected in Bouake on Thursday [tomorrow] to attend the meeting called by Guillaume Soro to instill more strength into the opposition group.” In a related development, the paper reports that, “Leaders of the opposition parties met yesterday in Abidjan to analyze the situation following the invitation from the leader of New Forces requesting that the opposition groups meet in Bouake.”

4. “The rebel bloc is in a tight corner,” writes Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party. “The anti-Gbagbo coalition is torn apart,” says a banner headline that runs across Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. Citing reliable resources, the paper indicates that, “The postponement of the meeting was due to the fact that the PDCI-RDA’s leader, Henri Konan Bedie, was not prepared to travel to the rebellion’s capital. Though Bedie understands the necessity of dialogue as the only way to resolve the Ivoirian crisis, he doesn’t want to be humiliated by Soro.”

5. “Meeting of G7 in Bouake: Bedie says no,” writes the privately-owned daily Soir Info. Citing reliable resources, the paper suggests that, “The Ivoirian former head of state didn’t mince his words during a meeting yesterday with other members of the opposition coalition. He criticized the lack of consideration on the part of the leader of the New Forces toward his elders from the opposition parties.”

6. According to Nord-Sud Quotidien, “Bedie refused to travel to Bouake because he believed that a legally-constituted and republican political party, like the PDCI-RDA, cannot endorse the division of Cote d’Ivoire by the ex-rebellion.” In an attempt to unlock the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire, writes the paper, “The African mediator and Congo’s President, Denis Sassou N’Guesso, has invited the Ivoirian political stakeholders to meet in Brazzaville on January 15.”  

7. The privately-owned daily L’inter announces that there’ll be “a crucial meeting today in the Ivoirian political capital, Yamoussoukro, between the Ivoirian Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, and the leader of the New Forces.” The discussion, which comes two days before the meeting of the International Working Group [the panel overseeing the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire] will afford the two men the opportunity “to evaluate recent political developments, notably Gbagbo’s proposal to hold direct talks with the New Forces,” comments the paper.

8. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily L’intelligent d’Abidjan, says, “Guillaume Soro and Gbagbo’s envoy were received on January 8 in Ouagadougou by Burkina Faso’s president, Blaise Compaore.” The paper opines that, “This meeting shows that efforts are underway to facilitate a direct meeting between Gbagbo and Soro.” According to the paper, “The leader of the New Forces has been invited to the meeting of the International Working Group due to be held Friday in Abidjan.”

9. According to Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, “The International Working Group is ready to endorse Gbagbo’s alternative peace plan.” The paper quotes the representative of the African mediator in the crisis as saying, regarding the president’s blueprint, “We’ll certainly integrate it to our discussions.”

January 9, 2007

1. Commentaries in today’s Ivoirian papers are dominated by political maneuvers underway in Cote d’Ivoire following President Laurent Gbagbo’s proposal to hold direct dialogue with the New Forces’ leadership as a way to resolve the political stalemate in the divided country.

2. In a front-page story, Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, explains “how Gbagbo wants to bring down Soro.” It comments, “As part of his plan to resolve the political impasse in Cote d’Ivoire, and in order to obtain political gains, Gbagbo intends to nominate his arch-rival and leader of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro, as Prime Minister.” “If the chief of the ex-rebellion becomes the next Prime Minister,” suggests the paper, “He’ll become the de facto head of the administration in charge of the implementation of the peace process. Therefore, he’ll be tasked with overseeing the redeployment of the administration throughout the country, including the zones under the control of the New Forces.”

3. The paper further warns, “Whoever is appointed Prime Minister, Gbagbo will never give them free rein to work, and Soro is aware of that.” It also opines that, “The New Forces’ boss will be able to come out with alternative strategies to thwart the plans of Gbagbo, whose objective is to kill him politically.”

4. “Sidelined by Gbagbo and Soro, Banny is crafting a plan in a bid to bounce back,” says the banner headline carried by Le Matin d’Abidjan. According to the daily close to Gbagbo, “The Ivoirian Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, is using the press to wage a war against Soro.” In a related development, the paper reports that, “Yesterday, Gbagbo met with the army top brass to explain his peace plan to them.”

5. “Banny is angry,” writes the privately-owned daily L’inter. Citing a source close to Banny’s entourage, the paper indicates that, “The head of the transitional government is accusing the International Working Group [the panel overseeing the Ivoirian peace process in Cote d’Ivoire] of laxness and Gbagbo of a lack of political will.” The paper predicts that, “Banny could be the next target of the International Working Group, due to meet a week from Friday.” According to the paper, “Banny couldn’t do much to change the situation on the ground since UN Resolution 1721 was passed.”

6. “To sell the international community on the rationale behind his alternative plan, the head of state is engaged in a diplomatic battle,” writes Le Courrier d’Abidjan. The paper, close to Gbagbo, indicates that, “As the Security Council is meeting today to extend the mandate of UN troops in Cote d’Ivoire, it’s likely that Gbagbo’s blueprint will also be part of the agenda.”

7. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily, Soir Info, says, “Consultations between the New Forces and the opposition political parties hang in the balance because of differences amongst the opposition leaders.”

8. “Meeting of the G7: Bedie, Ouattara won’t spend the night in Bouake,” says a banner headline that runs across the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, “The meeting, initiated by Soro following Gbagbo’s announcement of his peace plan and which was originally planned to begin yesterday in Bouake, will finally kick off today.” The paper also quotes the UN Secretary General’s representative in Cote d’Ivoire, Pierre Schori, as saying, “Gbagbo’s peace proposals do not quell Resolution 1721.”   

January 8, 2007     

1. Consultations between the New Forces and the opposition political parties in a bid to find a solution to the Ivoirian crisis are the major news in Monday’s papers.

2. "The G7 [an alliance between the New Forces and Ivoirian opposition parties] is due to meet today in Bouake [New Forces’ stronghold]," writes the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin. Speaking to the paper, on the attendance of the former Ivoirian head of State, Henri Konan Bedie, at the conclave, the opposition groups’ spokesperson said: "I don’t know anything about it." Regarding the agenda of the meeting, the paper quotes another opposition leader as saying, "The gathering will permit us to adopt a final communiqué, which was prepared by the G7 over the weekend."

3. The decision to organize Bouake’s consultations, the paper recalls, came after President Laurent Gbagbo proposed an alternative peace plan suggesting "a direct dialogue between him and the New Forces." The paper quotes the New Forces’ leader, Guillaume Soro, as saying, "The hand of friendship extended by the other camp [Gbagbo] calls for reflection within the G7."

4. "Consultations of G7 in Bouake: They all agree with Soro," says a banner headline carried by Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party. The paper comments, "The consultations constitute an opportunity for an opposition renaissance… that will help pave the way for the restoration of peace and democracy in Cote d’Ivoire." It further suggests that, "The meeting will also prepare the ground for a strong opposition alliance with a clear-cut and common agenda."

5. Said Anaky Kobena, a leading member of the opposition group, "Bouake’s meeting will be a milestone in the Ivoirian peace process," reports Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA. According to the paper, "The meeting, originally planned for Bouake, could be shifted to Abidjan." It also announces that, "The Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, will address the nation this coming Wednesday."

6. Still on the Ivoirian peace process, Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, announces that, "A 10-day consultation on the situation in Cote d’Ivoire will begin tomorrow at the UN headquarters in New York." High on the agenda: "Gbagbo’s peace plan and the future of the French peacekeeping force in Cote d’Ivoire."

7. "Peace process in Cote d’Ivoire: Ban Ki-Moon disapproves of Annan," says a banner headline that runs across Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo.

8. Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, quotes a French army officer as saying, "Licorne [the French peacekeeping force in Cote d’Ivoire] has been set up to fight Gbagbo."

9. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily, Soir Info, says, "FESCI [the Ivoirian Students Federation] is tearing itself apart." According to the paper, "Dissident groups within the federation have created a coalition," while the leader of the union is quoted as saying, "They wanted to kill me." "Cite Rouge [a student hostel in Abidjan] is an arms cache," writes another privately-owned daily, L’inter.

National Daily Press Review Archive

January 5, 2007    

1. Almost a week after Guillaume Soro’s address to the nation, the leader of the New Forces (which controls the northern part of the divided Cote d’Ivoire), continues to be in the spotlight, as his speech, once again, dominates headlines in today’s papers.

2. With a picture of the New Forces’ leader on the front-page, the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin carries a headline entitled: “The new clothes of Soro Guillaume.” The paper then comments, “The leader of the New Forces is working to assume the leadership of the Ivoirian opposition, as the Rally of the Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace [a coalition of four opposition parties] — due to lack of arguments and strategies – has lost weight vis-à-vis their arch-rival, President Laurent Gbagbo.”

3. According to the paper, “The former Ivoirian leader, Henri Konan Bedie, who has been tasked with leading the coalition, appears to have abandoned the party. Result: His party [PDCI-RDA] is torn apart.” Regarding Alassane Dramane Ouattara, the paper suggests that, “The leader of the opposition RDR party is politically unfit. Result: The party that has been crafted has also lost influence.” 

4. “In a bid to rise from the ashes left by the two political heavyweights,” indicates Fraternite Matin, “Soro has decided to assume the leadership of the operations so as to become the driving force of the Ivoirian opposition.” In this condition, the paper goes on, “Nothing will prevent the leader of the New Forces, an intelligent politician, from vying for presidency.” 

5. “The evidence that Soro is eyeing the post of Prime Minister,” is the headline carried by Le Courrier d’Abidjan. According to the paper, close to Gbagbo, “The leader of the New Forces has been engaged in a lobby, which is punctuated by a media campaign.” It also suggests that, “Soro is to take the revenge on his allies of the G7 [political groups and New Forces’ coalition], whose political intrigues, two years ago, prevented him from taking the seat of the premier.”

6. Regarding Gbagbo’s proposal to engage in direct dialogue with Soro, the paper discloses that, “Envoys of Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore were in Bouake yesterday to discuss the issue with Soro.”

7. “After his address to the nation, Soro sends a letter to the G7,” says a banner headline that runs across Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party. The paper suggests that, “The ball is now in the court of the opposition parties and it is high time for them to remobilize their supporters.”

8. “Soro’s hidden agenda,” hits the front page of the privately-owned daily L’inter. “The small Soro has grown up and is now willing to play in the Big Leagues,” comments the paper. It further indicates that, “Soro, who was born in 1972, is now 35 years old, one of the constitutional requirements to vie for presidency… The ex-leader of the FESCI [Ivoirian Students Federation] is likely to file his candidature for the upcoming presidential elections”.

9. “If he does, he may constitute a serious threat for potential candidates like Gbagbo, Ouattara, and Bedie.” Another advantage for the leader of the New Forces, continues the paper, is that “Soro has become popular and is endowed with some kind of charisma for having lead the rebellion that controls half of the Ivoirian territory.” 10. “Soro’s big U-turn,” writes Soir Info, another privately-owned daily. According to the paper, “The leader of the New Forces, who is known for his inflammatory language, has toned down his speech.” The paper further comments, “Banny is entangled between Gbagbo and Soro.” Citing insiders, the paper says, “A new partnership between Gbagbo and Soro is likely to form.”