January 30, 2009

Today’s press was dominated by reports on the widespread fraud in the identification program in Cote d’Ivoire. The dailies also critically analyzed the implications of France’s decision to reduce troop levels in Cote d’Ivoire and reported on the visit of a delegation from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to Abidjan. Embassy Abidjan’s   conference on democracy and religion also made the news.  

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on the widespread fraud in the identification program in Cote d’Ivoire. In a two-page report, the paper explained that the circulation of forged identity documents could undermine the foundation of the Ivorian society. The report came a few days after authorities launched a nationwide program to reestablish birth and death registers that were destroyed during the conflict in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper also explained that allegations and suspicions of fraud in the identification program have prompted accusations and counter-accusations between the ruling FPI and opposition RDR parties. The paper further quoted a report of the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), which said “any identification fraud in connection with the ongoing voter registration will be corrected.” According to the paper, the Commission also reassured Ivorians that it was working to guarantee “the transparency and credibility” of the identification process. In a related development, the paper reported that President Laurent Gbagbo said that the legal system will be tough on anyone suspected of identification fraud.   

2. In a front-page story, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) echoed the concerns of the National Identification Supervisory Commission (CNSI) which “exposed the dangers that are threatening the identification process.” According to the paper, the CNSI expressed its concerns at the end of a recently concluded seminar to evaluate the population identification process. According to the paper, the seminar recommended that “data collected during the identification process should be processed as soon as possible to avoid losing or delaying the process.” [NOTE: A few days ago, the CNSI questioned the Independent Electoral Commission’s plan to conclude the voter registration exercise on February 28.]

3. Reporting on the same issue, Le Matin d’Abidjan (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) noted that the National Identification Supervisory Commission has exposed what the paper called “The incompetency of the Independent Electoral Commission and SAGEM – a French technical operator in charge of the population identification.” In a separate story, the paper quoted President Gbagbo, who blamed the Ivorian opposition groups for “the delay of the identification process.” According to the paper, Gbagbo said the opposition is responsible because “they opted for a complex population identification process.” 

4. More on the registration process, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) said that more than 4 million potential voters have been registered at this time.  According to the paper, this was announced yesterday by the U.N. Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI). The paper quoted UNOCI, which said “an important progress” has been made in the identification process despite “the delay and problems facing the program.”

5. On France’s decision to trim down its troop levels in Cote d’Ivoire, Soir Info (an independent daily) commented on the impact of this decision on the Ivorian crisis. The paper said, “psychologically, this could give Ivorian a kind of assurance that the crisis is being resolved and that the situation is normalizing.” The paper also said that the reduction of the troops in Cote d’Ivoire could be seen as “a challenge for the Ivorian political stakeholders.” Reporting on the same issue, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former PDCI-RDA party) quoted the French Ambassador in Cote d’Ivoire, Andre Janier, who said: “Though the number of Licorne (French troops in Cote d’Ivoire) has been cut down, this will not affect its operational capacity.”

6. The visit of delegation from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) on the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire received wide press coverage, today. According to the reports, the delegation met with Ivorian officials including the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission and Minister of Communication to discuss possibilities of a TV debate by the major presidential candidates - President Laurent Gbagbo, former President Henri Konan Bedie and Ivorian opposition figure, Alassane Dramane Ouattara. Fraternite Matin reported that the Minister of Communication, Ibrahim Sy Savane was very supportive of such a debate. According to the paper, he said: “After all that happened in this country, Cote d’Ivoire needs such a debate to address serious issues.”  

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

Fraternite Matin reported on U.S. Embassy Abidjan’s conference on democracy and religions, which took place in Information Resource Center at the Embassy on January 29. The positive report highlighted PAO Sharon White’s contribution on how different religious groups co-exist in the United States, which is home to many religious faiths.    

January 29, 2009

Reports in today’s Ivorian newspapers said that about 2,000 policemen are to be deployed in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces. The reduction of French troop levels abroad; as well as the identification process, and disarmament program were the other major stories in today’s Ivorian papers. A daily also picked up a Washington File story on President Barack Obama’s environmental policy.   

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A prominent story in this paper said that 2,000 policemen are to be deployed in the central, western and northern regions of the country. This deployment is in connection with the program aimed at restoring state’s authority throughout Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the Interior Minister signed a decree to that effect, on January 27, 2009. The paper also said that the Minister’s decision will “boost” the country’s reunification process. Reporting on the same subject, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) announced that gendarmes will soon join the policemen in these regions, which were under the control of the New Forces – the former rebel group.

2. Still on security issues, another front-page story in Fraternite Matin said that 1,100 French troops will soon quit Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the decision was announced yesterday by the French Prime Minister, Francois Fillon, who told French Parliament that France’s contingents of peacekeepers in Cote d’Ivoire, a former French colony, would be reduced by more than half. The report said that 2,000 French soldiers are currently stationed in Cote d’Ivoire with the task to support the U.N. Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI). According to the report, this reduction in Cote d’Ivoire is part of a general plan to reduce French forces overseas by about 20 percent.

3. On the same subject, Le Quotidien (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) carried a prominent headline, which read “Bye Bye Licorne – French troops in Cote d’Ivoire.” The paper described the French troops as “an occupation force,” adding that their departure would definitely “shatter the dream of the Ivorian opposition groups that were expecting an increase of international troops in the country.”

4. On internal political developments on the peace process,   Fraternite Matin reported that the population identification program, disarmament process and the electoral process were the major issues addressed yesterday during a meeting between President Laurent Gbagbo and the U.N. envoy in Cote d’Ivoire, Y.J. Choi. The report said that the meeting came after the U.N. published its recent report on the situation in Cote d’Ivoire. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Choi explained that 2009 would mark a “turning point” in the peace process. According to the paper, Mr. Choi also described the disarmament program an “an important issue,” and added “We’ll provide our support so that it is peacefully completed.”  

6. More on the disarmament, a prominent story in L’inter (a privately-owned daily) quoted Mr. Mao Glofiei leader of one the militia groups operating in western Cote d’Ivoire as saying “I’ll be the last to lay down the guns.” However, according to the paper, in another interview with the paper, Mr. Glofiei, who is the leader of the Front for the Liberation of Grand West (FLGO), said that he supports the disarmament process.

7. On the continued controversy over the identification process, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) said that the U.N. has thrown its weight behind the Ivorian Electoral Commissioner. The paper referred to Resolution 1865 of the U.N. Security Council in which “The 15-member body urged the Ivorian political stakeholders to agree on a new electoral calendar, including a final date for the presidential poll, which has been postponed three times over the past three years.” According to the paper, the U.N. Security Council also threatened to impose “individual sanctions” on those who are impeding the peace process.

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

Le Quotidien published a Washington File story on President Barack Obama’s environmental policy. The article said that the U.S. president makes climate change one of his priorities. 

January 28, 2009

The plan to restore government authority throughout Cote d’Ivoire was a subject of front-page stories in today’s Ivorian papers. The newspapers also reported on the latest developments in the electoral process; the setting up of a Court of Auditors and the visit of French businessmen to Cote d’Ivoire. On international issues, Fraternite Matin presented an analysis, focusing on the challenges facing the new U.S. administration. Reporting on the ongoing trials of African leaders by the International Criminal Court, an independent daily admonished “those who are trying to kill democracy on the continent” to view the trials as a strong signal.

1.  In a front-page story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) quoted the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro as telling the population in the central, western and northern Cote d’Ivoire to “Get ready to pay taxes.” According to the paper, the Prime Minister was speaking in Bouake – former New Forces’ stronghold – at the end of a seminar on revenue collection in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces. One of the major recommendations of this seminar was the demand to integrate New Forces’ tax and revenue collectors into public administration. The seminar, which was attended by the New Forces and government officials, also recommended that the Center for Integrated Command – a joint government and New Forces’ security unit – should be equipped to ensure security in the regions. “Tax and revenue collection is a very important issue for the government,” the Ivorian Prime Minister reportedly said, adding that “This seminar is to prove that New Forces are ready to apply the 4^th Ouagadougou Complementary Agreement.” 

2. “Soro closes down his customs and revenue services,” was the cynical headline in a prominent story in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition). Meanwhile, a report in L’inter (an independent daily) said that the New Forces have deferred plan to collect revenue in the central, western and northern regions for two weeks in order to sensitize the population.

3. On the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, L’inter said that the UN Security Council on Tuesday extended the mandate of the UN peacekeeping mission in Cote d’Ivoire for six months. According the paper, Resolution 1865, which was drafted by France, also scaled down the number of UN troops from 8,115 to 7,450. The paper said that “The 15-member body also urged the Ivorian political stakeholders to agree on a new electoral calendar, including a final date for the presidential poll, which has been postponed three times over the past three years.”

4. In a related development, a prominent story in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that a visiting delegation of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) in Abidjan supported the plan for a TV debate between the three major presidential candidates - President Laurent Gbagbo, former President Henri Konan Bedie and Ivorian opposition figure, Alassane Dramane Ouattara. According to the report, the delegation yesterday met with officials of an Ivorian organization that proposed the plan.  

5. Reporting on government’s efforts to reestablish birth and death registers, Fraternite Matin said that the exercise will involve 659,465 registers. According to the paper, this was announced yesterday by the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, when he launched a program designed to reestablish birth and death registers that were destroyed. According to the report, the program, which costs CFA Francs eight billion (about $16 million), is designed to end on February 28 together with the voter registration exercise.
6. In another development, Fraternite Matin informed readers that officials from the Supreme Court are working on a plan to create a Court of Auditors that will be tasked to ensure political stability and good governance in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the Court of Auditors will be an independent, reliable and modern institution that will adhere to international standards. The report also said that the project is supported by the European Union. “At a time the public finance is in dire strait, good governance is an advantage for Cote d’Ivoire,” the paper quoted European Union’s Country Director as saying.
7. On bilateral issues, a report in Fraternite Matin said that a delegation of French businessmen is currently in Abidjan to form partnerships between member countries of UEMOA – Economic and Monetary Union of West Africa. According to the report, the delegation is in Abidjan to share their experience with economic operators from different sectors, including the food industry and information technology.    
MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN – AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES
1. Fraternite Matin carried on its back page an analysis out of what it calls “the dilemma and challenges facing the new U.S. administration.” The first challenge, the commentary said, is the decision by President Barack Obama to close down the Guantanamo prison, though welcomed by European countries; they have refused to accept these prisoners in their countries. The commentary further said that this poses “a difficult beginning of Obama’s administration.” Quoting U.S. Defense Secretary, Robert Gates’ promise “To track down terrorists from their hideouts throughout the world,” the paper concluded that “the closure of Guantanamo does not put an end to the United States’ desire to live in a secured world.” The paper described the Guantanamo prison as “The negative face of all freedoms and the hideous face of the war against terrorism under the Bush administration;” adding “Guantanamo, which was planned to be closed down within a year is a thorn in the flesh of the new tenant at the White President.” The other challenge facing Obama, according to the paper is “How to consolidate a lasting peace in the Middle East;” adding “One is curious to know the role to be played by the United States in the perspective of a possible Palestinian reconciliation.” The paper also commented on what it calls “the shuttle diplomacy engaged by U.S. Middle East envoy George Mitchell.” The commentary said that Mitchell’s calendar for negotiations suffered “incongruity”, because “It does not include any plan to meet with Hamas.” The commentary further said that “Though Hamas has been listed as a terrorist movement, it is an indispensable political force in Palestine and one of the key protagonists in the inter-Palestinian reconciliation process.”       
2. In a commentary Soir Info (an independent daily) said that the trial of African leaders by the International Criminal Court is “a strong signal” to the continent’s dictators. The paper mentioned, among others, the case of former Liberia President, Charles Taylor, who is on trial in The Hague, Netherlands, for supporting and funding the Revolutionary United Front in neighboring Sierra Leone that killed, chopped off limbs and raped during that country’s civil war. The paper further said, “In Cote d’Ivoire, where warlords are accused for war crimes and crimes against humanity, they could also be arrested.” The paper concluded that “Through these arrests, the international community wants, not only to put an end to the cycle of political instability in Africa, but also to send a strong signal to those who call themselves patriots but end up causing mayhem in their country.”

January 27, 2009

Today, the papers continued reporting on the controversy over the date to conclude the voter registration exercise.  The dailies also talked about religious leaders’ concern about the delay of the peace process; the reestablishment of the birth and death registers; the reunification program in Cote d’Ivoire; and the security concerns for western Cote d’Ivoire.

1. Soir Info (an independent daily): A front-page story in this paper suggested that the current difference between the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) and the National Identification Supervisory Commission (CNSI) over the date to conclude the voter registration exercise could derail the electoral process. The paper said that “the irregularities,” which have been noted by the CNSI, was “obvious”. According to the paper, this clearly indicates that the CEI does not have full control of the process. The paper went on to say that the war of words between these two institutions, which are responsible for the population identification, represents “a lack of harmony” in their collaboration. The paper concluded that the CEI and CNSI have no excuse to wage war because this could undermine the fragile electoral process. 

2. Reporting on the same issue, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) warned the Chairman of the electoral commission, Robert Beugre Mambe, “to stop playing with fire.” According to the paper, the Electoral Commissioner’s story is different and does not reflect –popular belief that the voter registration process is marred with “gross irregularities.” The paper further said that “Mr. Mambe, the Commissioner, is not the right person for the job.” The paper admonished the Commissioner to   bear in mind that the coming elections constitute “a huge challenge” because on its  success depends the return of “a lasting peace to Cote d’Ivoire.”

3. Still on the controversy over February 28^th 2009 as the date to conclude the voter registration exercise, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) carried an interview with the President of CNSI and quoted him as saying: “The population identification process is confronted with many difficulties.” Le Nouveau Reveil also carried another story saying that Roman Catholic Clerics expressed concerns about the delay in resolving the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, a document published at the religious leaders’ meeting in Yamoussoukro, called upon the political stakeholders to establish a firm date for the long-delayed presidential elections. In a related development, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) carried a front-page story saying that “The New Forces have abandoned the Electoral Commissioner.” The paper published a text believed to be culled from the web site of the New Forces (www.fn-ci.info) in which the former rebel group called upon parties, and the electoral commission, to “act instead of wasting time talking.”

4. A report in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that today, the Ivorian government is to a program designed to reestablish birth and death registers. According to the paper, reestablishment of these registers came after a four-month program during which the Minister of Justice and Human Rights – in charge of the program – considered that birth and death documents either disappeared or were destroyed. This month-long program was financed by the European Union to the tune of seven billion Francs CFA (about $14 million). In separate stories, the paper explained the plight of Ivorians, who need copies of their birth certificates in order to register for the coming elections. The reports said that in one area, more than 60 percent of the data contained in the birth register is not accurate.

5. Reporting on activities on the  restoration of government authority throughout the country, Fraternite Matin said that tomorrow, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights will officially reopen eleven prisons located in the central, western and northern regions, which  were under the control of the New Forces. According to the paper the eleven prisons have been rehabilitated by funding from the government of Germany.

6. On security issues, Fraternite Matin informed readers that the national gendarmerie has deployed troops in the western regions of Cote d’Ivoire. The paper quoted the Commander of this unit as saying that the decision to send troops to the west is part of “a precautionary measure” following the recent coup d’etat in the neighboring Guinea (Conakry).

January 26, 2009

The difference between the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) and the National Identification Supervisory Commission (CNSI) over February 28^th 2009 as the date to conclude the voter registration exercise was one of the major issues in the Ivorian newspapers today. News reports also said that the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, is currently in Bouake to invigorate the stalled peace process. Other stories were on the latest developments in the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire; land issues; and the meeting between President Laurent Gbagbo and the Guinean military junta over the weekend. A daily also reported on Embassy Abidjan’s outreach program at an Islamic center in Abidjan. 

1. “February 28^th 2009, the date set for the end of the voter registration exercise is confirmed,” said a banner headline in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily). The paper published a public statement issued by the Independent Electoral Commission – the body in charge of the organization of the coming presidential elections, which said “The date of February 28^th 2009 was jointly set by all institutions – including the National Identification Supervisory Commission -- that are involved in the electoral process.” According to the paper, the Electoral Commission was reacting to a statement issued on January 23, 2009 by the National Identification Supervisory Commission (CNSI) – a body responsible for supervising and monitoring the population identification process. In its statement, the CNSI pointed out “a number of irregularities in the method of operation which hamper the proper conduct of the process.” The CNSI noted, among other things, that “Most of the collection centers were not opened; data collected was not processed on a daily basis and secondary sites were not operational.” According to the paper, “The CNSI considers that these irregularities pose a serious threat to the important identification and voter registration process and further cast doubt on the feasibility of 28 February 2009 as the date to conclude registration by the CEI.”

2. A front-page story in L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) said that the delay in the population identification for the upcoming presidential elections should be regarded as “a shared responsibility” among Ivorian political stakeholders. In this context, the paper named Seydou Elimane Diarra and Charles Konan Banny – both former Prime Ministers, as well as the current one, Guillaume Soro as key players.  The paper also noted that the fact that many Ivorians do not have their birth certificate is also another impediment for the voter registration. 

3. Another front page story in Fraternite Matin said that the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, is currently on a 10-day visit to Bouake – the New Forces’ stronghold – in a bid to push forward the peace process. The paper quoted sources close to the former rebel group saying that Mr. Soro, who is also the Secretary General of the New Forces, “will personally preside over meetings to address major actions necessary for the implementation of the 4^th Complementary Ouagadougou Political Agreement.” According to the paper, many thorny questions, including the disarmament and the issue regarding the 5,000 New Forces’ elements to join Cote d’Ivoire’s National Armed Forces (FANCI) will be high on the agenda. The paper described these meetings as not only “a major step towards the resolution of the serious crisis the country has been confronted with since 2002,” but will also help to “reassure the former rebels regarding their future.”

4. Reporting on the same topic with a different take, L’inter (an independent daily) said that the former Ivorian rebel leader, who became Prime Minister, is putting pressure on his men. The paper also reported on New Forces’ military commander’s warning to ex-fighters not to use guns to express their grievances.  

5. In another political development, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) said an Ivorian leading political figure is calling for “Street demonstration to oust President Gbagbo from power.” According to the paper, the leader of Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir (MFA), Innocent Anaky Kobena, reportedly said “I’m calling on all political parties to stand up against Gbagbo’s plan to postpone the presidential elections to 2010.”  In response, over the weekend, President Gbagbo told a political rally that “It will be difficult to remove me from power.” This is according to L’inter, which also said that the Ivorian leader was speaking to farmers from the Baoule ethnic group, which called on him to show their support for him in his hometown. President Gbagbo, who is from the Bete ethnic group, reportedly told formers “Because a Bete is in power does not mean that the Baoule people will die.”

7. A prominent report in Le Patriote (a daily close to the RDR party) said that Burkinabe farmers are being denied access to their plantations. According to the report, the farmers were chased out of their farms 10 years ago following a conflict with the local population. The paper reported on the Burkinabe Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire’s reaction in which he said, “We’re concerned by this situation.”

8. A report in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that a delegation of the Guinean military junta called on President Gbagbo over the weekend. According to the paper, after the closed door meeting, the leader of the delegation, Guinean Foreign Minister told reporters that they asked the Ivorian leader to understand the current situation in neighboring Guinea and said that the delegation also expressed its country’s willingness to collaborate with Cote d’Ivoire. 

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

1. A report in Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) talked about Embassy Abidjan’s book presentation to Aç Habul Kahaf Islamic Center in Abidjan at the end of an outreach program. According to the report, the team, led by the PAO, was well received.
 
2. Three proximity radio stations in Abidjan over the weekend broadcast interviews with Embassy Abidjan’s Information Specialist on the Democracy Video Challenge. The focus of the interviews was to remind prospective candidates about the closing date of the competition; and the opportunity offered by this contest. Candidates were also urged to share their ideas about democracy and their creativity on how to resolve technical problems in connection with this competition. The three radio stations plan to air more of these interviews until the deadline date on January 31, 2009.  

3.  Last week, over  20 proximity radio stations inside and outside Abidjan broadcast two podcasts on: “Transition politics: the Inauguration of the President” and “Transition politics: foreign policy issues for the Obama Administration.” The podcasts, which were shared by PAS Abidjan, were designed to coincide with the inauguration ceremony of President Barack Obama, the 44^th President of the United States.         

January 22, 2009

Cote d’Ivoire’s President Laurent Gbagbo’s vow to continue his war against corruption made headlines in today’s papers. The papers also talked about the Ivorian peace process; the campaign against HIV/AIDS; the increase in  registration fees at the University of Cocody and the accusations against FESCI – Cote d’Ivoire Student Federation, for staging violence were the other major stories in the press. The Ivorian newspapers also continued reporting on the inauguration of the new U.S. President Barack Obama.

1. “I will go to the end,” said the front page headline in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) with a picture of President Gbagbo, who was talking about corruption. According to the paper, the Ivorian leader said this on Wednesday, when he received the diplomatic corps, government officials and the military as part of the traditional New Year Wishes ceremony. Gbagbo told the gathering that “We should improve the management of the public finance through a reinforcement of measures designed to fight against corruption.”  He added that “As long as I am president, the fight against corruption won’t stop.” The Ivorian leader reportedly said “Mismanagement in the public sector has become a cancer;” and regarding the cocoa and coffee industry where “billions of Francs CFA have been embezzled, we cannot afford to play with this matter; I will go to the end.” According to the report, President Gbagbo also promised to carry out reforms in the country’s judicial and business sectors because “We want to make Cote d’Ivoire clean.”  

2. Commenting on the inauguration of the new U.S. President Barack Obama, President Gbagbo was quoted by Fraternite Matin as saying “I hope his arrival would not be seen as the arrival of a Black at the White House. I wish his arrival at the White House would be seen as the beginning of a new era for peace in the world… I hope that President Obama would calm down the situation; and as I said earlier, I wish he would engage in discussions with Europe, China, Russia and the Muslim World. We need discussion instead of battle. To Madam the Ambassador of the United States in Cote d’Ivoire in particular, I wish that the United States become during this year and the coming ones a source of blessing for the world.” 

3. On the peace process, Gbagbo declared 2009 as the year of election in Cote d’Ivoire, reported Fraternite Matin. “Today, we’ve reached a turning point; and we can say that we’ve resolved three-quarters of the crisis.” Still on the peace process, the paper quoted the United Nations Special Representative in Cote d’Ivoire, Y.J. Choi as saying “The process is slow, but it’s on track.” Choi reportedly said that “There is a three-fold objective to attain: The population identification; disarmament and elections.” He added that “The first stage is steadily moving on; about 3.5 million people have been already identified.  This represents more than the half of the objective.”

4. [NOTE: International media (Reuters and Agence France Presse) said that the UN envoy Wednesday called for “an early timetable for presidential polls in Cote d’Ivoire, warning that delaying the vote could harm the peace process.” The reports quoted Mr. Choi, who was addressing the 15-member Security Council, as saying that “For the first time since the signing of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement in March 2007, the Ivorian people and the international community have neither a date nor a timeframe for the elections,” adding “Without an objective, everything loses its dynamism, including the organization of an electoral plan, its implementation, its logistics, a financial plan and even the assistance from the international community.”]

5. A story in L’inter (an independent daily) talked about the possibility of the reduction of La Licorne – French troops stationed in Cote d’Ivoire - because the French government has envisaged cutting down the number of its troops in Africa for budget constraint. The report further said that the French Defense Minister Wednesday addressed the issue again and emphasized “The relative calm” noted in Cote d’Ivoire since the signing of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. According to the paper, the plan to cut down French troops in Africa will be one of the issues to be addressed by the French Parliament on January 28; and the fate of La Licorne would be known after this session.

6. In another development, Soir Info (an independent daily) said the Ivorian government yesterday launched an emergency program designed to reinforce the fight against HIV/AIDS in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the report, the program will cover four regions in the country; and will involve NGOs from public and private sectors.

7. A front-page story in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) said that the registration fees at the University Cocody in Abidjan have gone up by 600 percent. According to the paper, students who were paying Francs CFA 6,500 (about $13) would now have to pay Francs CFA 50,000 (about $98) for their registration.

8. Still on education, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR) quoted the leader of AGEECI – General Association of Students in Cote d’Ivoire – who denounced what he called “the violent behavior” of members of FESCI –the main student association in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, four members of AGEECI were assaulted by FESCI. The paper went on to quote AGEECI’s leader as saying that “FESCI is yet to accept dissenting views.” Reporting on the same issue, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) quoted the President of Ivorian Movement of Human Rights (MIDH), Traore Drissa, who said “The impunity that FESCI continues to enjoy must stop.”

9. Ivorian dailies continued today to report on the inauguration of the U.S. President Barack Obama. Fraternite Matin, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) and L’inter published the full speech of the president after his inauguration. In a front-page story, Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) quoted former South African President Nelson Mandela’s promise to support the new president. Le Matin d’Abidjan (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) carried a photograph of the smiling presidential couple.

January 21, 2009

Ivorian newspapers today devoted large columns hailing the “historic” inauguration of the new U.S. President Barack Obama. Some dailies that reported on the celebration at the U.S Embassy in Abidjan, carried pictures, reports and commentaries on the event; while others published excerpts of the president’s speech after he was sworn in. The newspapers also talked about the political atmosphere and peace process underway in this country. The state of the media; school teachers’ strike and developments in Guinea vis-a-vis President Gbagbo were the other major stories in the Ivorian dailies.

1. L’inter (an independent daily) reported on the handing over of power in the United States, which was celebrated by thousands in Cote d’Ivoire.  The paper said people gathered in their houses; bars; restaurants and public places to watch the event live from DC. The report also said that U.S. Embassy organized a reception for its contacts – including youth; students; members of civic groups and political parties - to share “emotions” of the inauguration.  Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI), with a picture of the new American president on its front page, said “Welcome Obama.” L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) published a full-front-page picture of President Obama, his speech and quoted him as saying “The world has changed.” Building on this message of change, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that “Obamania”, the fever that the election of America’s new president has sparked all over the world, should not be seen only as “a style” adopted by the man [Obama], but also as “a philosophy, a behavior and another view of the world.” The paper went on to suggest that the election of President Obama should serve as a lesson for the rest of world, so that elections should be seen “not as a simple game, but be conducted in a spirit of fair-play.” Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) published parts of President Obama’s inaugural speech accompanied with a commentary entitled: “America is everybody’s friend;” adding “America also needs others.” In a commentary, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) described President Obama’s speech as “exceptional” and comparable to those delivered by some African leaders like Nelson Mandela; Thomas Sankara; Leopold Sedar Senghor and Laurent Gbagbo, when the latter was part of  struggle for democracy in Cote d’Ivoire in the 1990s. The paper also published an article on the “voice of the people” in which most of the interviewees responded that “The American new president may not have a particular position on issues regarding Africa.”  

2. On matters concerning the political atmosphere in Cote d’Ivoire, a report in L’inter said that Roman Catholic Clerics expressed “concerns” about the long-delay of the presidential elections in this country. According to the paper the clerics who are meeting in Yamoussoukro warned that “The continuous delay of the polls could slide the country into a situation, where it would become impossible to conduct the elections that are the only way out of the current crisis.”

3. In a related development, Notre Voie expressed concern about the completion of the voter registration exercise by the Independent Electoral Commission. The paper suggested that the plan by the electoral body to finish this task by the end of February 2009 appears to be “unrealistic,” because there are many outstanding problems that are yet to be solved. According to the paper, many potential voters do not have the papers they need to get registered. Still on the same issue, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) quoted a leading opposition figure, who also expressed skepticism about the completion of the voter registration before February 28 this year because of many obstacles on the ground.

4. On other issues, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) carried a prominent story saying that the Guinean military junta has confiscated Gbagbo’s MI24 planes. According to the paper, President Gbagbo’s military advisor, who was recently in Conakry with the purpose to get back the MI24 warplanes stationed in Guinea, came back empty-handed. The paper went on to suggest that this situation is likely to undermine relationship between Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea.

5. On media issues, Fraternite Matin reported that a commission in charge of accreditation of professional journalists in Cote d’Ivoire has issued press cards for the first time. The paper further said that the Ivorian press law makes it an obligation for journalists to have a card attesting that they are professional journalists. The press cards are also designed to put sanity in the corporation, reported the paper, adding that “By the end of the first quarter of this year, journalists who have no press cards will not be allowed to cover events.” Speaking on the same issue, the Minister of Communication, Ibrahim Sy Savane, reportedly said that “The issuance of a card to journalist is a victory for the whole press.” In a related development, the National Press Council – a state-run media watchdog commission – denounced “incompetence” on the part of certain journalists, said a story in Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, the commission called on journalists to respect ethics of the profession by sticking to the facts. The report further said that the commission’s reaction came after a section of the media reported that former Ivorian President Henri Konan Bedie, who is also the leader of the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, felt dizzy when he was addressing a rally recently in the country.

6. On education issues, Fraternite Matin told readers that schools across the country have been closed down for two consecutive days as a result of a 10-day strike by teachers. According to the report, the strike was launched by Cote d’Ivoire’s Secondary School Teacher's Union, which   had been holding talks with the government for months in efforts to change their wages.

January 20, 2009

The inauguration of the US President Barack Obama was a subject of front-page stories in today’s Ivorian newspapers. The state-owned daily Fraternite Matin intensively reported on Ambassador Nesbitt’s interview with the paper yesterday explaining, among other things, the American democratic system, political transition and the presidential inauguration. On home issues, reports in the dailies focused on the electoral process underway in Cote d’Ivoire. Reports also said that top officials from Cote d’Ivoire’s cocoa industry detained under a corruption probe ordered by President Laurent Gbagbo have complained of human rights violations.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): With a picture of President Barack Obama on its front page, the paper carried a prominent headline reading “America is heading toward a new direction.” The paper devoted four pages to the inauguration of the American new president; reporting on Ambassador Nesbitt’s interview with journalists of the paper yesterday in Abidjan.  Ambassador Nesbitt, who was speaking as a special guest, addressed many issues including the US democratic system; presidential inauguration ceremony; transition period between the election and the investiture; US Constitution; lesson from the election of Barack Obama; racial issues; US African policy; role of a US First Lady; immigration and security issues etc… The paper quoted Ambassador Nesbitt saying: “I am very proud that tomorrow [January 20] we’ll have our first Black president.” The report also quoted the President of Cote d’Ivoire IV Association as saying that “Americans did not elect Barack Obama because he is a Black,” adding “He was elected because of his capacity to convince the electorate that he is a great man.” Today’s inauguration ceremony was also a subject of major stories in other Ivorian newspapers.

2. On home issues, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) carried a prominent story accusing the Ivorian Interior Minister of trying “to take control of the electoral process.” The paper allegedly accused the Prefects [District Chief Executives] – who it said take instructions from the Interior Minister – for making it difficult for potential voters to get their identity documents that they need for their registration.

3. In a related development, Soir Info (an independent daily) quoted the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission saying that “Those who are trying to tamper with the voter registration exercise will be arrested and punished according to the law,” adding “We are prepared to clean the voter register because we have put in place an efficient mechanism to pre-empt frauds.” However, the paper questioned the electoral commission’s capacity to complete the population identification process by February 28. The paper recalled that a statement issued earlier by the electoral body said that “It will deploy the necessary means to ensuring that the voter registration exercise is completed by the end of February.” The paper wondered if the commission took into account problems associated with the process before setting this deadline.

4. Still on the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire, a report in Monday’s edition of Fraternite Matin said that the police and gendarmes will be deployed very soon in the central, northern and western regions that were formerly under the control of the New Forces. According to the paper, the decision was taken over the weekend when New Forces’ leaders and government officials met to discuss military issues regarding the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. Prime Minister Soro Guillaume, who attended the meeting, promised that he will supervise the transfer of power between the New Forces’ military commanders and the Prefects, the report said.

5. In another development, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) told readers that top officials from Cote d’Ivoire’s cocoa industry detained under a corruption probe ordered by President Laurent Gbagbo have sued the State of Cote d’Ivoire.  The paper quoted the lawyer of the officials as saying that his cabinet has filed a complaint against Cote d’Ivoire to the court of the regional body, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Among the plaintiffs are Henri Amouzou, a high-ranking official of the development fund for cocoa and coffee farmers, and Angeline Kili of the cocoa and coffee marketing cooperative, who accused their country of “violating custodial rules and seeking to tamper with their right to a fair trial,” the report said.

January 16, 2009

Reports in today’s Ivorian press said that the government has provided more financial resources to the Independent Electoral Commission in a bid to speed up the identification process. Efforts to restore public services in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces received mixed reactions in the newspapers. In the wake of the government’s decision reducing the price of gas in Cote d’Ivoire, media reports said consumers are putting pressure on drivers to scale down travel fares. An interview of the Ivorian former President Henri Konan Bedie on the state of the country was also a subject of a front-page story in the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. The dailies also carried reports and commentaries on the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): The paper published a statement issued by the Primature (the Cabinet of the Ivorian Prime Minister) to inform the public that on January 15 the government provided Francs CFA 4.6 billion (about $9.2 million) to the Independent Electoral Commission and other bodies in charge of the identification process. The statement said “this is to enable these institutions to continue and complete both inside and outside the country the identification operation as soon as possible.” The statement further said that “These financial resources will also take charge of the redeployment of the judiciary system in accordance with recommendations of the 4^th Ouagadougou Complementary Agreement.” “Another Francs CFA 2.7 billion (about $5.4 million) will be provided in February 2009,” said the statement, adding, “This financial effort is supported by the international community through the UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire, UNDP and the European Union.”

2. Meanwhile, Fraternite Matin quoted a leading Ivorian political figure as saying that “The general voter registration exercise is a waste of time and money.” Mr. Laurent Dona Fologo, Chairman of the Economic and Social Council, was speaking yesterday in Abidjan during the opening session of this state institution. Elaborating on the current peace process, Mr. Fologo reportedly blamed the delay of the process on what he called “Lack of confidence on the part of the political players.” He also believed that the ongoing identification process is nothing but “a delaying tactic,” that he termed “expensive.” According to the report, the Ivorian politician would have preferred that the 2000 electoral roll be used for the coming elections.” Mr. Fologo also called upon the people of Cote d’Ivoire “To show a sense of patriotism,” the report said.  

3. A prominent story in L’inter (a privately-owned daily) quoted the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative, Y.J. Choi, as saying “The Ivorian electoral process is on “track”, as more than 3 million potential voters have already been registered,” adding, “The registration process was conducted without any major incidents.” According to the paper, the UN envoy was speaking at a meeting at the UN headquarters in New York. 
4. Another report in L’inter said that a French fact-finding mission is currently in Bouake, the stronghold of the New Forces (the former rebel group) “to evaluate the identification and the voter registration processes” in this region. Led by a former French Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, the mission visited some registration centers and met with New Forces’ officials and the Prefect (District Chief Executive), said the paper, quoting www.fninfo.ci, the web site of the former rebel group.

5. A prominent headline in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said “FPI unveils fraud organized by the RDR.” The paper was reporting on a seminar organized yesterday by the party of President Laurent Gbagbo aimed at “evaluating the fraud and irregularities that have scarred the operation.” The paper allegedly said that, based on reports that were presented during the conference, “It clearly shows that all fraud relating to forgery of identity documents was master-minded by the RDR party.” In a related development, the paper said that the party is to put in place “measures including an awareness campaign to prevent any fraud.”  

6. On other issues, a front-page story in Fraternite Matin said that revenue collection by the government in the zones formerly under the New Forces’ administration will become effective February 2. Originally planned to take effect on January 15, a pilot stage of revenue collection in Bouake and Korhogo will start in two weeks time pending a campaign aimed at sensitizing the population on the new measures, the report said. Meanwhile, a report in Fraternite Matin said the Ivorian Justice Minister yesterday presided over a ceremony marking the official reinstatement of the judicial system in the central, western and northern regions.   

7. In a prominent story, Fraternite Matin told readers about the Ivorian former President Henri Konan Bedie’s “sole ambition to retake power in order to redress the country for the coming generation.” According to the paper, Mr. Bedie, who was toppled in a coup d’etat in 1999, said this in an interview with the paper. Responding to a question on his age and his probable candidature in the coming election, Mr. Bedie, 75, said: “There are some people who are older than me but who are heads of state in some countries.”     

8. As the new prices of gas takes effect today, consumers are calling on drivers to reduce transport fares, said a story in Fraternite Matin. The paper quoted President of FACACI (Federation des associations de consommateurs actifs de Cote d’Ivoire) Marius Comoe as saying that “It will be inacceptable that consumers do not benefit from this reduction.”  According to the report, the consumers are threatening to paralyze the transport industry to force government and drivers to negotiate. Meanwhile, another report in Fraternite Matin said that drivers are yet to be satisfied after the last drop in gas prices in Cote d’Ivoire. “Consumers should understand that even with the current gas prices we’ve yet to overcome our problems,” the paper quoted a drivers’ leader as saying.

9. As the world is preparing to welcome US President Barack Obama, Notre Voie carried a commentary outlining the challenges facing the next American leader. According to the paper, challenge number one is for President Obama “to restore peace in the world.” Challenge number two is to help “resolve the international financial crisis” and challenge number three is “to take care of Africa, a continent that has become the sanctuary for all kind of calamities including HIV/AIDS, malaria, illiteracy, insecurity, instability and war.” In its series on the inauguration of President Obama, Fraternite Matin published a picture of the American leader with his two daughters in a happy mood as well as a letter in which he told his children that “You’ve the obligation to give something to this country.”   

January 15, 2009

Clashes between university students and residents in Abidjan yesterday were one of the major topics in today’s Ivorian press. The decision by the Ivorian government to reduce the price of gas was also a subject of front-page stories in the newspapers. Dailies also talked about the peace process, with a particular focus on issues relating to the reunification of the country; the voter registration exercise and a series of meetings yesterday between the Ivorian Prime Minister and U.S. and French Ambassadors in Abidjan. The health of the Ivorian former President Henri Konan Bedie was also an issue in today’s papers. As part of its series on the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Barack Obama, Fraternite Matin carried a report on what young African-Americans think of their next president.

1. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party): A prominent report in this paper said that scores of people were injured yesterday when university students, members of FESCI – a student association known for violence - clashed with residents in one part of Abidjan. According to the report, business was brought to a standstill as a result of clashes. Police fired tear gas in connection with the street battle that witnesses said started Monday evening before coming to a head Wednesday. Reporting on the same event, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) called the demonstration “a day of terror.” Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) called the demonstration “the revolt of residents against FESCI.” A report in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) on the same issue said the leader of FESCI called “for calm and a sense of responsibility.” In a separate development, the paper said that President Laurent Gbagbo yesterday visited a student hostel in Abidjan to show compassion after fire destroyed the buildings of the boarding house.

2. On another issue, Fraternite Matin told readers that the government has kept its promise to reduce the price of gas in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper quoted a public statement issued yesterday by the government saying that the price of the commodity will go down as from January 16.

3. In another development, Fraternite Matin said that in conformity with the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, public services will reopen as from today in the central, northern and western regions formerly under the control of the New Forces. According to the report, magistrates, court clerks, and workers from customs, revenue collection, and the treasury are expected to resume work today in Bouake – formerly a stronghold of the New Forces. The paper further said that three government officials, including the Minister of Finance and Economy, are due to arrive today in Bouake to reopen revenue collection services. The government also reassured workers that measures are being put in place to facilitate their new return to the regions. Meanwhile, in a prominent report Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) told readers that the New Forces are using delaying tactics to hold back the revenue collection in the central, northern and western regions of the country.

4. A prominent report in L’inter (an independent daily) said that the voter registration exercise has been halted in Bouake, as registration workers are on strike to demand payment of their allowances. Another report in this paper said that the ruling FPI party and the Independent Electoral Commission are divided over whether the registration process in the central, northern and western regions should go ahead or not. According to the paper, the party of President Laurent Gbagbo is demanding the electoral body to stop the program until the government takes full control of these regions.

5. A story in Fraternite Matin said that the electoral process was high on the agenda yesterday when the Ivorian Prime Minister held talks with the U.S. and France Ambassadors. Speaking after the meeting, Ambassador Wanda L. Nesbitt reportedly said that the presidential election, the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative for debt relief and other subjects were discussed.  The paper further quoted French Ambassador Andre Janier as saying after the meeting that “The HIPC initiative will help finance the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire,” adding, “This is very important for Cote d’Ivoire because the money that would be used to service the debt could be used to finance the polls.”

6. In another development, Fraternite Matin reported Mr. Henri Konan Bedie, leader of the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, who is also the party’s potential candidate for the coming election, “felt dizzy” when he was addressing a rally yesterday. However, in a front-page story, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) quoted Mr. Bedie’s private doctors as saying that “the political leader was not the victim of any health problems.”        

7. Fraternite Matin’s series on the inauguration of the U.S. President-elect Barack Obama today highlighted the opinion that young African-Americans have about their next president. The report quoted one of the youths as describing Mr. Obama as “an inspiration for the black community.”

January 14, 2009

Ivorian press today reported that Cote d’Ivoire’s political key players met on January 13 at a closed door meeting on how to push forward the lingering electoral process in this country. The press again talked about efforts underway to restore public services in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces; a government’s program aimed at improving Cote d’Ivoire’s cocoa and coffee industry and the spate of Female Genital Mutilation in Cote d’Ivoire. The papers again reported on an Ivorian youth leader’s participation in the Transition of Power in the U.S. Federal Systems program, one of many United States International Visitor Leadership Programs.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A prominent report in this paper said that the identification of the Ivorian population in the preparation for coming presidential elections was one of the major issues on the top of the agenda during a meeting that brought together yesterday  President Laurent Gbagbo, his Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission. The “crucial closed door conclave”, the paper said, was aimed at finding ways to lift “last obstacles” on the way to the presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper further quoted officials from the electoral body saying recently that the lack of funds is blocking the identification process and threatening to delay further polls aimed at ending years of crisis in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper also recalled that in response to this call, the government provided about Francs CFA 1.4 billion (about $2.8 million) to the bodies – including the Independent Electoral Commission – charged to organize the elections.

2. Reporting on the same meeting, Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) speculated that the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro and the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Robert Beugre Mambe used the opportunity to present a rapport on the electoral process.   

3. Still on the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire, a commentary in L’inter (an independent daily) said that the decision by the UN operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) to help boost the electoral and identification processes came “too late.” The paper welcomed the move but quickly pointed out that “if these supports were provided right at the beginning, the process should not have been delayed.”  

4. A front-page story in Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) said the ruling FPI party is planning to stop the population identification process on the grounds that the current voter registration exercise in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces is being marred with frauds. In a separate story, the paper described the voter registration as “a secured operation” thanks to what it called “the high technology” being used to conduct the operation.

5. With only one day to go for the complete reunification of Cote d’Ivoire, a prominent story in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said New Forces’ leaders are under pressure. The paper said the reunification of the country, which will pave the way for the government to deploy services throughout the country, was one of the recommendations of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. If this reunification becomes effective, wrote the paper, this will mark the end of the rule of New Forces’ military commanders in the central, northern and western regions.

6. While media reports said New Forces’ military top brasses have been meeting since yesterday in Bouake to define modalities for the reunification, Le Quotidien (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) questioned the sincerity of the former rebels to work for reunification.

7. Meanwhile, a front-page story in Fraternite Matin quoted the Ivorian Justice Minister calling on all judicial workers, who left their posts in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces -- as a result of the war – to return to their duties. “Pack your belongings and go to your post in the central, northern and western regions,” the Minister was quoted as telling the workers when he met them yesterday in Abidjan. In response to the minister’s call, the workers brought forward grievances like the luck of office equipment; transportation means; houses and the shock caused to them by war. According to the report, over 23,000 out the 24,000 civil servants – including teachers, nurses and midwives -- have so far returned to their posts. 

8. On economic issues, a report in Soir Info (an independent daily) said that in a bid to increase cocoa and coffee productions, the Ivorian government has launched a program designed to improve the quality, quantity and the growth of these two income earning commodities. According to the report, the program was launched a few days ago by a committee of experts set up by the government to look into problems facing this industry and to propose solutions. The program seeks, among other things, to reinforce the capacity of farmers.

9. According to a report in Le Quotidien more than 3,000 women were victims of Female Genital Mutilation in Cote d’Ivoire during the year 2008. According to the paper, this was announced by OIS-Afrique, an NGO fighting this phenomenon. The report further said that these statistics were the result of a survey conducted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF).

10. Ivorian newspapers again reported that a leader of JFPI – the youth wing of the ruling FPI party –, Konate Navigue has been invited as a special guest at the inauguration of Barack Obama. However, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling party) said that Mr. Navigue was not invited as a special guest at the ceremony. The paper said the Ivorian young leader was nominated by the US Embassy in Abidjan to participate in an International Visitors Leadership Program on “Transition of power in the US Federal System,” slated for January 15-19, 2009.   

January 13, 2009

A meeting yesterday between the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission and the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative on the electoral process and a UN report recommending the extension of the UN forces in Cote d’Ivoire were the dominant issues in today’s Ivorian newspapers. The press also talked about efforts underway to restore public services in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces and the meeting of directors of customs services from around Africa in Africa. The papers also reported on an Ivorian youth leader’s participation in the Transition of Power in the U.S. Federal Systems program, one of many United States International Visitor Leadership Programs.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A report in this daily said that the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in Cote d’Ivoire, Y.J. Choi promised the UN’s support in a bid to push forward the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire. Mr. Choi further reportedly described the identification program underway in Cote d’Ivoire as “the most major step in the electoral process.” The UN envoy was speaking after a meeting with Chairman of Cote d’Ivoire’s Electoral Commission Robert Beugre Mambe to discuss how the UN operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) could help on the ground to advance the electoral and identification presses. “The UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) will provide the electoral commission with resources to enable them to complete the operation [the identification process];” adding “The UNOCI will continue its efforts to convincing the international donors to provide funds to speed up the identification process.”

2. In another story, Fraternite Matin informed readers that the UN is to reduce its battallion in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the decision was contained in a report published yesterday. The report, the paper said, also recommends extending the UN peacekeeping force in Cote d’Ivoire for another six-month period. “While the country currently enjoys increased stability, the delicate electoral process, including the post-electoral period, and the implementation of the remaining tasks of the peace agreement require that UNOCI maintain its core capabilities,” the paper quoted the report as saying.

3. While efforts are underway to accelerate the Ivorian peace process, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) accused President Laurent Gbagbo of trying to derail the identification process. The paper was reacting to media reports saying that the ruling FPI party is planning to organize a workshop on January 15, 2009 on the topic: “Fraud during voter registration and identification.” The paper suspected this conclave could be part of plans “to sabotage the operations.” In a related development, the paper’s political cartoonist carried a caricature depicting the Ivorian leader using a magnifying glass to determine who is an Ivorian and who is not.    

4. Another prominent story in Fraternite Matin said that New Forces’ military commanders have now agreed to hand over power to government officials. According to the paper, the military top brass have been meeting since yesterday “to define modalities to implement the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.” The paper quoted a commander who pledged that “all the military commanders will abide by the recommendations of the agreement regarding the handing over of authority to government officials as from January 15, 2009.” 

5. Reporting on the same issue, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) carried a prominent story saying that with two days more, the revenue collection in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces ((something is missing)). The paper however wondered whether the New Forces would keep their promises. In a related development, Le Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) shared the same skepticism arguing that the program designed to restore public services throughout the country has started on a wrong foot. 

6. On other issues, Fraternite Matin reported that heads of customs services from African countries are meeting in Abidjan in order to reinforce their capacity.

7. Many Ivorian newspapers including Fraternite Matin today reported that a leader of JFPI (the youth wing of the ruling FPI party), Konate Navigue, has been invited as a special guest at the inauguration of Barack Obama. [NOTE: This is based on the participation of Mr. Navigue, along with 21 others, in an International Visitor Leadership Program on the transition.]  

January 12, 2009

The political atmosphere in Cote d’Ivoire, as the authorities are struggling to push forward with the peace process in this country, was a dominant issue in today’s Ivorian press. Newspapers also referred to some speeches in which leading Ivorian political figures – from within and outside the regime -- critically looked at the socio-economic situation of the country. The dailies also talked about the government’s decision to reduce the price of petrol; moves to revamp the cocoa and coffee industry and nepotism in the recruitment of civil servants. The state-owned daily Fraternite Matin continued its series of reports on the inauguration of Barack Obama.

1. Soir Info (a privately-owned daily): The recent political rows over the funding of the Ivorian electoral process prompted a commentary in this paper. It said that this week would mark a turning point in the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire. Citing reliable sources, the paper said that the Ivorian Prime Minister, who was in Ouagadougou for consultations with President Blaise Compaore, facilitator in the Ivorian peace process, is due to come back home today, probably with some solutions to push forward the peace process. According to the paper, Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, upon arrival in Abidjan, will be meeting with President Laurent Gbagbo together with the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission in an effort to find a final date for the long-delayed presidential elections.

2. In another story, Soir Info reported on the speeches recently delivered by some Ivorian leading political figures criticizing the state of affairs in the country. Speaking during a rally over the weekend, the former Ivorian President Henri Konan Bedie said Cote d’Ivoire under Gbagbo’s regime has become “bankrupt”; he added “This regime has nothing new to offer the people.” In a separate story, the paper quoted the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mamadou Koulibaly as saying “The country is falling apart, while a small group of people are getting richer and richer.” The report said Mr. Koulibaly, one of the moguls of the current regime, who was addressing a rally on Saturday, regretted that because of political disputes, the population is “dying from misery and poverty when the country has all the potential to ensure its prosperity.” The report quoted the Speaker as praising the program of the ruling FPI party.

3. Commenting on the problems regarding funding of the electoral process, Soir Info quoted the President of the Economic and Social Council Laurent Dona Fologo as saying: “I am ashamed that Cote d’Ivoire has arrived at a stage where it has to turn to the international community to resolve fundamental issues.” Soir Info in another piece quoted the leader of the Ivorian Workers Party (PIT), Francis Wodie, who depicted Cote d’Ivoire as a place where “there is growing poverty; a drop in purchasing power of workers; growing unemployment; total corruption and insecurity.”

4. In a related development, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) carried a prominent story saying that former Ivorian President Henri Konan Bedie called for “national cohesion.” Mr. Bedie, who is also the leader of the former ruling PDCI-RDA party called on the party to “bury their differences” in order to allow the party to retake power during the coming elections.

5. Notre Voie (a daily close to the FPI party): In a front-page story, the paper alleged that the voter registration exercise has been marred with fraud in the zones formerly under the control of the New Forces – the former rebel group. According to the reports, nationals from West African countries were being registered.

6. L’intelligent d’Abidjan (a privately-owned daily): A report in this paper said that two people were killed and scores were seriously injured when former rebels attacked the central city of Prikro on January 10. A similar report in Fraternite Matin said this was the third time the city had come under rebel attack. The paper further reported that in reaction to these attacks, the population of the region is calling for the disarmament of the rebels and the redeployment of a joint – government and New Forces – security force.

7. As authorities in Cote d’Ivoire are working to revamp the cocoa and coffee industry, Fraternite Matin said farmers are committed to improving the quality of the commodities. Meeting last week in Cote d’Ivoire’s political capital Yamoussoukro, under the supervision of a group of experts put in place by the government, Ivorian farmers pledged to take measures to allow Cote d’Ivoire to keep its leadership as the world cocoa top producer and also the best cocoa and coffee producer. 

8. A front-page story in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) denounced “nepotism and corruption” in the recruitment process for civil servants in Cote d’Ivoire. 

9. In its week-end edition, Fraternite Matin informed readers the government has decided to reduce the price of gas in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the decision was taken last week during a cabinet meeting.

10. Finally, as part of its series of reports on the inauguration of Barack Obama, Fraternite Matin presented to readers information on the architecture and history of the White House. 

January 9, 2009

The press in Cote d’Ivoire continued to report on efforts being deployed by the country’s authorities and the United Nations Operation in order to accelerate the electoral process. An opposition daily unveiled what it called a plan crafted by the ruling party to sabotage the electoral process. Newspapers also talked about conditions for the certification of the coming elections in Cote d’Ivoire and the relationship between Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana after a new administration takes over in this neighboring country. The state-owned daily Fraternite Matin carried reports filed by its special correspondent on the inauguration of Barack Obama.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): After days of political rows over issues regarding the funding of the identification and voter registration process, the paper carried a prominent story reassuring readers that the Ivorian peace process is “on track.” The first assurance came from President Laurent Gbagbo, whom the paper quoted as saying “We’ll succeed in organizing our elections.” The President was speaking yesterday in Abidjan upon return from neighboring Ghana where he took part in the inauguration of President John Evans Atta Mills after his election that was greeted worldwide as free and fair. “Elections work in Africa and it will work in Cote d’Ivoire,” Gbagbo reportedly said.

2. Fraternite Matin also announced that Ivorian Prime Minister Guillaume Soro on January 8 released CFA 1.420 billion (about $3 million usd) for the Electoral Commission to allow the body to pay election workers. The report further said that the Prime Minister left Abidjan yesterday for Ouagadougou where he will be meeting with President Blaise Compaore, facilitator in the Ivorian peace process.

3. Still on the electoral process, Fraternite Matin carried another story quoting the UN Secretary General’s Special Representative, Y.J. Choi, as saying “We’ll provide funds to support the identification program.” The UN envoy, who was speaking after talks with former Ivorian President Henri Konan Bedie, reportedly said: “We’ll provide financial, logistics and technical support to boost the peace process including the identification process.”

4. However, a story in L’inter (an independent daily) said that the decision by the international community to provide funds to accelerate the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire is subject to certain preconditions. Quoting the UN spokesperson in Cote d’Ivoire, the paper reported that the international community is ready to provide CFA 23 billion (about $ 48 million usd) that it has gathered for the purpose of the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire. However, the report said the money will be made available only after the Ivorian political stakeholders come out with “a clear-cut timetable of the peace process.” L’inter also published a statement issued by the Primature saying that the Prime Minister on January 8 held an important meeting with institutions involved in the electoral process. The meeting was to evaluate the identification and voter registration process in order to elaborate “a coherent and feasible calendar for the program.”

5. In a related development, L’inter carried another story quoting the Chairman of the ruling FPI party as saying “the party would not accept any result of the coming elections unless the disarmament of the former rebels is completed before the polls.” According to the paper, the party leader again called for the suspension of the voter registration exercise in the zones under the control of the New Forces.

6. A banner headline in Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) suggested that Cote d’Ivoire’s electoral process is in danger. Citing reliable sources close to the Presidency in Abidjan, the paper alleged that the ruling FPI party is preparing a plan designed to remove the electoral commissioner from office on the ground that the commission had not taken necessary measures to forestall fraud in the zones under the control of the New Forces during the identification and voter registration process. The paper went on to call for urgent action to put an end to what it called “FPI’s bad faith.” In a separate commentary, the paper said that it is high time for the electoral commission “to be financially independent.”

7. According to Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition), the ruling and opposition parties are divided over the role to be played by the UN operation in Cote d’Ivoire on matters concerning the certification of the coming presidential elections. The paper quoted a leading member of the ruling FPI party as saying “We favor national sovereignty,” but a leading opposition figure said “Certification is not the business of Cote d’Ivoire.” Meanwhile, in an interview with the paper, the UN spokesperson outlined the five elements that will be taken into account for certification of the coming elections in Cote d’Ivoire. They are: “a peaceful atmosphere; all-inclusive election; equal access to the state media for all; the electoral roll and the result of the polls.” 

8. On bilateral issues, Le Matin d’Abidjan (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported that Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana have agreed to open a new chapter in their relationship. According to the paper, the two sister countries have decided to reinforce security along their common border. 

9. As preparations are under way for the inauguration of Barack Obama, Fraternite Matin carried the second of a series of reports on the event. The report mostly focused on President Obama’s plan to resolve the economic facing the United States. The paper further quoted the President-elect as saying: “We are the nation that has survived many troubles and tribulations. If we manage to react quickly and seriously, I am convinced that we shall again overcome.”

January 8, 2009

Most of the Ivorian papers today reported on the funding for the identification and registration processes. The papers also reported on the prisoner escapees from MACA, a prison in Abidjan; and the reopening of the office of RTI (the state-run Broadcasting Corporation) in Bouake. The    inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20^th, as the 44^th President of the United States, was also a major news story in the papers. 

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A prominent story on the front page of this paper said that after much sacrifice and repeated strikes, voter registration officers will be paid by tomorrow. According to the paper, the decision was taken by the Ivorian Prime Minister amidst heated debates over the date and funding of the long-delayed presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. Meanwhile, a separate report in Fraternite Matin said the voter registration exercise was suspended on Tuesday in part of Yamoussoukro (Cote d’Ivoire’s political capital) due to technical and financial problems. According to the paper, a registration officer said, “We lack the means to conduct the exercise. There are many problems on the ground. We are making efforts to keep the registration centers functioning.” In another report, Fraternite Matin said that the exercise was marred by violence as the youth in the southern city of Bonoua took to the streets yesterday to demand “their documents in order to fully take part in the identification and registration process.”

2. Further reporting on the problems facing the registration exercise, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that the destruction of the birth and death registries by the former rebels is jeopardizing the voter registration exercise. Reporting on the situation in western Cote d’Ivoire – formerly under the control of the New Forces --, the paper said potential voters cannot register because they do not have any birth certificates. According to the paper, the registration exercise was suspended in many cities in this region.

3. Le Matin d’Abidjan (a daily close to the ruling FPI party): Commenting on the problems facing the Ivorian government in its efforts to push forward the peace process, the paper suggested that the Prime Minister has been taken hostage by those it called “hardliners” who are pulling him back. The paper went on to name those hardliners as special advisors, ministers and dignitaries of the New Forces-turned businessmen, who oppose any initiative aimed at the reunification of the country. The paper also suggested that some of these “Prime Minister’s cronies” are in fact playing the cards in favor of the Ivorian opposition figure Alassane Dramane Ouattara from whom they take instructions.    

4. Reporting on the prisoner escape from MACA, a prison in Abidjan, L’inter (a privately-owned daily) said that some of the fugitives were soldiers, who were incarcerated in this jail.  According to the paper, these were elements of the defense and security forces, who were charged with committing various offenses and put in this civilian prison, because the military prison in Abidjan is overcrowded. Reporting on the atmosphere of the prison, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said that prison officials in charge of security at the prison said they could no longer be effective in continuing their job.

5. On media issues, a report in Le Jour Plus said that the management of RTI (the state-run Broadcasting Corporation) met yesterday with the New Forces leadership to discuss plans to reopen the office of the broadcasting station in Bouake. [Note - Shortly after the military rebellion in September 2002, the rebels seized and began using RTI facilities in Bouake. The rebels broadcasts from Bouake could be heard in the Bouake area and in Yamoussoukro, the political capital.]

6. With a few more days to go before the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44^th President of the United States, Fraternite Matin, in a full page described the atmosphere in Washington. The paper’s special correspondent in DC described the January 20^th ceremony as an event that no American wants to miss. Beside the official ceremony, the report said that the African community living in US is planning to organize a sumptuous soiree to welcome President Barack Obama, whose father is an African from Kenya.  

January 7, 2009

The controversy over the date and funding of the long-delayed presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire was one of the major issues in today’s Ivorian newspapers. The dailies also talked about the political atmosphere in Cote d’Ivoire, speculating on the future of the Ivorian peace process.  There was more reporting on the prisoner escape from MACA, a prison in Abidjan.  The fate of top officials arrested in connection with allegations of embezzlement in the cocoa and coffee sector and military exercise to be conducted by impartial forces stationed in Cote d’Ivoire were the other major news. On world issues, a commentary in one paper said it is time to stop “the massacre” in Gaza; another paper carried an interview with the Ambassador of Israel in Cote d’Ivoire.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A prominent story in this paper said that key players in the Ivorian peace process are engaged in a shuttle diplomacy in a bid to settle the issue relating to the funding of the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, this question will be the main subject of a meeting today between President Laurent Gbagbo and the Burkinabe President, Blaise Compaore, who is also the facilitator in the Ivorian peace, in Accra Ghana. [Media reports say that both Presidents are currently in the Ghanaian capital to attend the inauguration of the Ghana's President-elect, John Atta Mills.] The report also said that President Compaore and the Chairman of Cote d’Ivoire’s Independent Electoral Commission, Robert Beugre Mambe met yesterday in Ouagadougou to address the issue regarding financial problems that are holding back the work of the commission. The spokesperson of the electoral commission reportedly said that “the voter registration exercise is actually stalled due to financial problems.” In a separate report, Fraternite Matin informed readers that the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro yesterday held talks with the electoral commissioner to clarify their positions following a statement made earlier by the Prime Minister’s spokesperson, who said  that “The government has already provided the bulk of funds needed to the institutions in charge of the electoral process to accomplish their duties.”

2. L’inter (an independent daily) announced that “a crucial meeting” of the political stakeholders is due to be held in Abidjan this week amidst controversy over the date and funding of the long-delayed presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper suggested that this meeting would enable the Electoral Commission to fix a date for the elections. It further quoted the Electoral Commissioner as saying: “We want a date that could not be changed.”

3. While the Electoral Commission is complaining about financial resources, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) noted that the procedure put in place by the government to fulfill its financial obligations for the electoral process is “complex”. The paper further explained that the funds are not directly paid to the Electoral Commission but rather to SAGEM – a private group in charge of the identification of the Ivorian population. Still on funding for the elections, Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) called for an audit to find the whereabouts of the funds paid by the government to the institutions in charge of the electoral process to accomplish their duties.

4. In an interview with Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR), the Ivorian former Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, was reported as saying that Cote d’Ivoire is being taken “hostage.” In a related development, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (a privately-owned daily) said that a leading Ivorian opposition figure is calling for a 24-month transitional period as a way out of the current political stalemate in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the proposal of Mr. Anaky Kobena, leader of the opposition Mouvement des Forces d’Avenir party was contained in his New Years wishes.

5. On other issues, a story in Le Matin d’Abidjan (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that the trial of the top officials arrested in connection with allegation of embezzlement in the cocoa and coffee sector is still pending. Explaining the reason behind the delay of the court procedure, the paper said the trial could result in the release of some of the suspected officials. The report further said that the release of any of these detainees could hinder effort being deployed by the Ivorian authorities to qualify for debt relief. In a related development, Fraternite Matin reported that Ivorian authorities yesterday adopted a Poverty Reduction Strategy Document (DSRP) that, it said, could pave the way for the country’s demand to be qualified for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank's Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative for debt relief.

6. A report in Fraternite Matin said that 21 inmates escaped from the Abidjan prison on Monday. A statement issued by prison officials on the same day however said that the fugitives were only seven. Reporting on the same issue, Soir Info (a privately-owned daily) said that security has been reinforced in and around the prison to forestall any further escape.

7. L’inter published a public statement saying that the impartial troops – the French and UN forces – will conduct a military exercise January 6-16, 2009 in the north-eastern Cote d’Ivoire. The exercise will allow the two forces to work together, the statement added. 
MEDIA REACTION TO U.S. – EMBASSY ABIDJAN AND OTHER WORLD ISSUES
Commenting on the events that are currently unfolding in the Gaza in the Middle East, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) called on the belligerents to stop what it called “the massacre.” The commentator said “the United Nations failed to adopt a resolution imposing a truce,” adding “The United States, which deemed that it was inopportune blocked a Libyan initiative aimed at demanding an immediate end of the Israeli bombardments.” The commentator went on to note that “It is only yesterday that President George Bush, who will be living office in a couple of days, has unwillingly called for the end of the fighting.” The commentary continued: “The American future and popular President Barack Obama, who has kept quiet, finally spoke out yesterday without proposing anything.” Meanwhile, “Human beings are dying every day. Whether they are Palestinians or Israelis, they are all human beings. Their massive deaths should bring those who can influence the actors to react,” said the commentary. Still on the situation in Gaza, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) carried a front-page story quoting the Israeli to Cote d’Ivoire, Benny Omer as saying: “We will fight terrorism into a corner.” The paper said Ambassador Omer, who has not yet presented his credential letters vowed that his country will continue his combat against terrorism and dismantle all its henchmen.

January 6, 2009

The controversy between the Ivorian government and the Independent Electoral Commission over the date and funding of the long-delayed presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire was a subject of front-page stories in many Ivorian newspapers today. Other stories in the papers were about yesterday’s prisoner escape from MACA, a prison in Abidjan; the reduction of poverty by government; and continuous threats of a strike by leaders of the trade unions.

1. A disagreement between the Ivorian government and the Independent Electoral Commission over the date and funding of the long-delayed presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire was the major story in today’s Fraternite Matin. In a prominent story, the paper quoted the Prime Minister’s spokesperson, who said that the government has already provided the bulk of funds needed to the institutions in charge of the electoral process to accomplish their duties. The spokesman said, “According to latest estimations that were made public by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Government of Cote d’Ivoire has met 80 percent of its obligations in terms of funds to be made available for these institutions;” he also added that “out of the total of Francs CFA 23 billion (about $48 million) to be contributed, about Francs CFA 13 billion (about $27 million) has been provided by the government.” The report also said that the Prime Minister’s spokesperson emphasized that the government is waiting for the Independent Electoral Commission to come up with a timetable for the electoral process. According to the report, these remarks are in reaction to the Electoral Commission’s demand that funds be provided for the preparation of the elections.

2. Commenting on the same issue, L’inter (a privately-owned) said that the government and the Electoral Commission is engaged in what the paper called “a ping-pong party” in which, each side is accusing the other for the delay of the much-awaited presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper went on to suggest that this continuous stalemate could bring observers to believe that there is trouble ahead and each party is trying to vindicate itself.  

3. More on the politics of the elections,  Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) published an interview with the leader of Ivorian Workers Party (PIT), Francis Wodie in which he said “the apparent willingness on the part of some key players that are making profits from the Ivorian crisis, and they want to see it continue.” In a related development, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) told readers that President Laurent Gbagbo plans to hold the elections in 2010; the paper said that Gbagbo’s plan was part of what it called a “political ruse” designed to weaken opposition leaders. 

4. On security issues, a report in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) questioned whether the Ivorian government would be able to restore peace in western Cote d’Ivoire before the crucial general elections. The report further said that the militia groups are still active in this part of the country, and if they are not disbanded they can create mayhem during the elections.

5. Fraternite Matin reported that seven inmates escaped from the Abidjan prison. The According to a statement issued by prison officials, security forces are tracking down four of the escapees who are still on the run.  Four of them were arrested, the statement said. 

6. A prominent story in Nord-Sud Quotidien said that half of the population in Cote d’Ivoire lives in poverty. This report is in reference to a Poverty Reduction Strategy Document (DSRP) that was published yesterday.  The report said, “From 10 percent in 1985, the poverty rate has increased to 48.9 percent in 2008 as a result of the socio-political crisis.” In a related development, Le Jour Plus told readers that mismanagement in the Ivorian petrol sector is the result of the high cost of living in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, petrol products have become what it called “a cash cow” for the government. Reporting on a similar issue, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) said that drivers are threatening to go on strike because negotiations between the government and drivers’ unions have collapsed. According to the paper, drivers are demanding a reduction in gas prices.     

January 05, 2009

Daily newspapers in Cote d’Ivoire today hailed the outcome of the presidential elections in Ghana; they called on the Ivorian political stakeholders to emulate what they called “the best example of power transfer.” On the peace process, media reports said the Independent Electoral Commission is demanding that funds be provided for the preparation of the elections. The future of former warlords; the role of the state in Cote d’Ivoire; possible strikes by trade unions; and plans to  increase the capacity of the Abidjan Port were the other major news stories.

1. In a banner headline, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) described the election of Ghana’s John Atta Mills of the opposition National Democratic Congress party as “a good example of power transfer”. In a commentary, the paper recalled that just recently, Ivorian political stakeholders referred to the disputed elections in Kenya and Zimbabwe saying “these elections should serve as a lesson so as to avoid mistakes that had thrown the two countries into violence.” The commentator suggested that to pre-empt the mayhem that occurred in Kenya and Zimbabwe, “Ivorian political leaders should just go around the corner to learn a lesson from Ghana,” a country that is “reputed to be a model of democracy in Africa.” The commentator also pointed out that though the Ghanaian electoral process was scarred with allegations of fraud and electoral irregularities, both candidates – especially the one from the ruling party – “demonstrated a high sense of humility and patriotism to accept defeat and congratulate the winner.”

2. Still on the outcome of the presidential elections in Ghana, L’inter (a privately-owned daily) noted that the power shift became true in this country without “any gun shooting.” The paper also pointed out that the winner, during his first address, promised “to be the president for all Ghanaians.”  The report further quoted Chris Fomunyoh of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) as saying “Ghana will experience the second peaceful transition during the last decade;” adding that “this will certainly help buttress democratic transition in this country and reinforce its young institutions.”

3. In its weekend edition, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) reported that a leading member of this party urged Ivorians to learn from Ghana and Guinea (Conakry).  In an interview published in this paper, Prof Alphonse Djedje Mady, Secretary General of PDCI-RDA was quoted as saying: “Ivorians must choose between the Ghanaian and the Guinean examples.”

4. In a front-page report, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that President Laurent Gbagbo congratulated Ghana’s President- elect, John Atta Mills. “This victory, which came out from elections whose perfect organization was recognized by all observers, strengthens democracy in your country and honors the African continent,” said the message.

5. Regarding the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire, a prominent story in Fraternite Matin said that the Independent Electoral Commission is demanding that funds be provided in good time to enable the Commission to conduct the elections this year. According to the paper, the Electoral Commission, which is responsible for organizing presidential elections made the call in a January 4^th, 2009 statement. In a separate story, the paper quoted a leading member of the New Forces – the former rebel group – assuring the public that “The elections will be conducted during the year 2009 and that will mark the end of the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire.”

6. Meanwhile L’inter carried a commentary suggesting that the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement hangs in a balance due to financial problems facing the Ivorian authorities. On matters concerning funding of the peace process, the paper said that the international community has “abandoned President and his Prime Minister.” 

7. Another story in L’inter said that within ten days, the control of New Forces’ warlords over the territory under their control since September 19, 2002 will come to an end. The report said that January 15 will officially mark the beginning of the redeployment of state administration throughout the country -- in conformity with a recent agreement signed by the presidential and New Forces’ delegations --, the former rebels will have to hand over power to government officials. The power shift, the report said, will see customs services and other government services be transferred to mayors and prefects [District Chief Executives] in these regions. In a related development, a prominent report in Le Matin d’Abidjan (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) announced that the Deputy Commander of the New Forces Armed Forces Issiaka Ouattara (alias Wattao) is to quit the movement that allegedly launched a rebellion in Cote d’Ivoire in September 19, 2002. Meanwhile, a report in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) said the New Forces leader-turned Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, who left the country for vacation in Paris, is expected in Abidjan today. However, Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) hinted that the Ivorian Prime Minister may delay his return for “security reasons.” 8. In another front-page story, Nord-Sud Quotidien unveiled a plan believed to be put together by leaders of trade unions to press the Ivorian government to reduce the price of gas. A similar report in L’inter said that cocoa farmers in the south-western Cote d’Ivoire are threatening to embark on strike to protest the committee of experts, which was recently put in place the government, for not taking their problems seriously.

9. A front-page report in Le Nouveau Reveil said that Honorable Mamadou Koulibaly, Speaker of the National Assembly, who is also number two in the ruling FPI party, denounced “the lack of state authority” in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, Koulibaly, who was speaking to a UN radio station in Abidjan, said “Cote d’Ivoire is falling apart.”

10. On economic issues, a report in Fraternite Matin said that efforts are underway to increase the capacity of the Abidjan Port. According to the report, the $8,000,000 infrastructure will accommodate the traffic of heavy containers at the port.