July 25, 2007

1. Comments about President Gbagbo's visit to Bouake (the ex-rebellion’s headquarters) on July 30, 2007; and the assignment of 150 Burkinabe soldiers to the Prime Minister’s security are major news items in Tuesday’s Ivoirian press.

2. Regarding the peace torch ceremony -- designed to mark the beginning of the disarmament process in Cote d’Ivoire – in Bouake, Soir Info, a privately-owned daily, quotes Prime Minister Soro as saying, "It is the entry gate to disarmament." The paper also reports that Burkinabe President Compaore, South African President Mbeki and Ghanaian President Kufuor have confirmed their attendance at the ceremony.

3. In a front-page story, Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, tells readers that, "Gbagbo in the ex-rebel zone: Bouake, Korhogo and Katiola are under high surveillance."

4. L’Intelligent, a privately-owned and independent daily, carries a banner headline saying that President Compaore has dispatched 150 soldiers to assure the Prime Minister’s security, and to help with the disarmament of the Forces Nouvelles.

5. Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily close to Gbagbo, announces that Burkina Faso’s Parliament will decide in a general session whether or not to send the 150 soldiers by the end of July.

6. A banner headline carried by the privately-owned daily, close to the opposition RDR, asks about changes to the Chief of Staff’s proposed tour of the barracks: "Why did Chief of Staff Mangou postpone his visit?" The paper informs the readers that General Mangou is preoccupied with the peace torch ceremony in Bouake.

7. In a front-page story, Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the opposition, headlines that the peace torch ceremony in Bouake is uncertain. The paper says that the government Intelligence Agency is worried about the fact that a number of war chiefs in Bouake and in the Forces Nouvelles consider Gbagbo’s visit as a failure of the rebellion.

July 13, 2007

1. In the wake of Ivoirian authorities’ decision to ask the United Nations to set up a commission to probe the June 29 attack against the Ivoirian Prime Minister, newspapers continue to speculate on the real motive and the brains behind the failed attempted coup.

2. "Attempted coup against Soro: Here are the four soldiers who were arrested," says a front-page story in Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI. A few days after the attack, comments the paper, "Investigators have received tip-off about who was behind the assassination attempt."

3. Citing reliable sources, the paper suggests that, "The peace agreement signed by President Laurent Gbagbo and News Forces’ leader Guillaume Soro is yet to be accepted by all members of the ex-rebel movement and the civil society in the region, who see the act as betrayal on the part of Soro."

4. In a front-page story, Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, tells readers that it gets information about "the real origins of the assassination attempt against Soro." The paper carries the full text of a story published by a Burkinabe newspaper, suggesting that, "The Ouagadougou agreement was the main reason behind the attack against the Presidential Jet carrying Soro."

5. "Soro is in danger," warns Le Matin d’Abidjan, another daily close to Gbagbo. The paper comments, "The decision by Soro to call for an international commission to probe the Bouake attack could result in boomerang effect." It points out that, "Soro’s decision could serve as an opportunity for the families of those who were executed by the ex-rebellion during the armed strife to request for the same commission to dig into the killings of these people."

6. The state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, carries a picture of the Ivoirian Security Minister, Desire Tagro, announcing what the paper calls "big changes within the National Police." One of the major changes, notes the paper, is "the nomination of a woman police commissioner, and this for the first ever, as the new director of the Police National School."

7. Speaking yesterday at the National School of Gendarmerie, the Ivoirian Defense Minister, Michel Amani N’Guessan, called on the Ivoirian Defence and Security Forces "to support the peace process," reports the paper.

8. In a front-page story, 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, describes changes in the army as "a cleansing". Regarding investigations into the Bouake attack, the paper discloses that, "French Secret Services have rounded up the dossier."

9. Carrying what it calls "exclusive news", Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the ex-ruling PDCI-RDA, says, "A preliminary report on the Bouake assassination attempt has been submitted to the United Nations and Elysee." It alleges that the report "accuses" the ruling FPI party.

10. In a front-page story, Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, tells readers that a few days after an assassination attempt that nearly killed Soro, "The ex-rebellion is being engulfed in in-fighting." According to the paper, "Kone Zacharia – a military commander of the New Forces – escaped death, as his house was attacked yesterday in Bouake."

11. The paper also announces that, "After the failed assassination attempt against Soro, President Gbagbo could be the next target." Le Temps also claims that it has uncovered what it calls, "Operation Gbagbo’s Assassination."

12. As the peace torch ceremony -- designed to mark the beginning of the disarmament process in Cote d’Ivoire – is scheduled for July 30, 2007 in Bouake, L’inter, a privately-owned daily, reports that, "The militia groups operating in the west of this country are threatening to disrupt the ceremony, unless the Ivoirian authorities pay allowances they are to receive for disarming."

July 12, 2007

1. Ivoirian newspapers say that the Council of Ministers meeting yesterday in Abidjan resulted in a request to the United Nations to set up a commission to investigate the June 29 attack against the Ivoirian Prime Minister. Reports also say the meeting has set a date of July 30 for the peace torch ceremony in Bouake that will mark the beginning of the disarmament process in Cote d’Ivoire.

2. With a grip and grin picture of Soro and Gbagbo on its front page, the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, announces that, “The Ivoirian government has petitioned the United Nations, asking the world body to set up an international commission to look into the failed attack in Bouake.” This was one of the major decisions made yesterday during the Council of the Ministers meeting, “the first one,” since Soro Guillaume survived an assassination attempt in his stronghold, indicates the paper.

3. The paper also tells readers that the peace torch ceremony that will mark the end of the crisis and the reunification of Cote d’Ivoire will now be held on July 30, 2007 in Bouake. Citing reliable sources close to the Cabinet of the Prime Minister, the paper discloses that, “Soro asked the commanders of the Ivorian National Armed Forces, the UN peacekeeping forces, and the French troops to work together to ensure security during the ceremony.”

4. In a separate development, Fraternite Matin quotes Ambassador Aubrey Hooks as saying, “It’s difficult to leave your country.” According to the paper, the US diplomat was speaking yesterday at the Presidential Palace during a meeting with Ivoirian leader Laurent Gbagbo. Commenting on the peace process underway in this West African country, Hooks, reports the paper, expressed “optimism” and underscored “the progress” that has been made by the protagonists.

5. Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, describes the government’s decision to ask the United Nations to take charge of the investigations into the Bouake attack as the only way that can lead to “the truth.”

6. Meanwhile, Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, warns that, “Another attack against Soro could be possible.” It writes: “The danger is not yet over. The commando who launched the attack against the Presidential Jet carrying Soro did not accomplish his mission. Despite the carnage, the main target escaped death. According to reliable sources, the commando has taken refuge in Abidjan.” The other scenario, suggests the paper, could be “taking the advantage during a public gathering to target the Prime Minister.”

7. Quoting Sidwaya – a Burkinabe newspaper – Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, insists that, “Soro will be protected by Burkinabe soldiers.” According to the paper, “Gbagbo and Compaore discussed the issue in Accra last week, on the margins of AU Summit held in the Ghanaian capital.”

9. L’inter, a privately-owned daily tells readers that it has learned from insiders that, “relations between the New Forces and UN soldiers in Cote d’Ivoire have become strained over the issue of Soro’s security.”

10. “I’m in office,” Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, quotes Tia Kone as saying. The President of the Ivoirian Supreme Court was reacting to news reports saying that “he was fired by Gbagbo.”

11. Apparently concerned by their security, journalists have called on the Ivoirian authorities to put in place what Notre Voie calls “an emergency plan.” According to the paper, the call came after “offices of four newspapers were attacked.”   

12. A front-page story carried by the privately-owned daily L’intelligent d’Abidjan says, “One person was killed, six other were injured, and 59 vehicles were destroyed following fighting that opposed security forces and taxi drivers in Abidjan.” 

July 11, 2007

1. Today’s news reports say the Ivoirian National Army and the peacekeeping troops in Cote d’Ivoire are engaged in a power struggle over “who ensures security” at the airports in this country. However, the security of the Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, and his political future are the major issues that make headlines in the Ivoirian newspapers.

2. “The security of Soro Guillaume has become a big problem in the two weeks since he survived a failed assassination attempt,” writes Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition. “Though no Burkinabe soldier accompanied the Ivoirian head of the transitional government on his trip from Ouagadougou to Abidjan on Monday,” comments the paper, “It’s now clear that Soro’s security issues were high on the agenda during the discussions between the New Forces’ boss and [Burkinabe] President Blaise Compaore – mediator in the Ivoirian peace process.”

3. The paper tells readers that it has learned from reliable diplomatic sources that, “Compaore agreed and was ready to send some ten soldiers to secure Soro.” The same sources, suggests the paper, indicate that, “The recent visit to Abidjan by the Burkinabe Chief of Staff was to discuss the contours of this mission.”

4. With a picture of Compaore and Soro on its front-page, L’inter, a privately-owned daily, explains “how Burkinabe soldiers will be recruited” in order to build Soro’s security apparatus. According to the paper, “The Burkinabe soldiers, who will be tasked with protecting the Ivoirian Premier, will be drawn from Compaore’s security staff.”

5. But now the “big question”, comments the paper, “is how the Burkinabe leader will obtain an okay from the United Nations, so that his soldiers can be integrated into the UN peacekeeping force in Cote d’Ivoire.”

6. On what the future holds for Soro, Le Nouveau Reveil carries a picture of the Ivoirian Prime Minister looking pensive, with a headline reading, “Soro has become politically weakened after he escaped the failed Bouake attack.” According to the paper, close to the ex-ruling PDCI-RDA party, “The leader of the New Forces is psychologically, morally, and physically down after he survived a failed coup in his fiefdom.” As a result, the paper goes on, “The relationship between the Ivoirian President and his Prime Minister has shifted from mutual understanding to suspicion.”

7. While Le Nouveau Reveil explains how “French troops stationed in Bouake saved Soro” during the rocket attacks that hit his plane, Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, sheds light on what it calls, “The plot against the State.”

8. In a front-page story, the paper alleges that, “Had the Bouake attack successfully hit its target, a leading member of the opposition would be appointed Prime Minister to replace Soro; the opposition would be beheaded; and the zones under the control of the New Forces would have been invaded.”

9. In another development, the paper finds “suspicious the war Mangou – the Ivoirian Chief of Staff – is waging against the peacekeeping troops in Cote d’Ivoire.”

10. “Asked to leave the airport, the UN Mission in Cote d’Ivoire is flexing its muscles,” says a banner headline that runs across Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party.

11. As Ivoirian army and impartial forces are engulfed in what Le Temps calls “a power struggle over who will take control of security at the Ivoirian airport,” the paper close to Gbagbo says, “Ble Goude – the leader of the Young Patriots – is voicing his anger against La Licorne – French troops in Cote d’Ivoire.”

12. Regarding the probe into the Bouake attack against Soro, Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, accuses “France of trying to torpedo the investigations.”

13. Finally, Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, says, “Gbagbo fired Tia Kone – the President of the Supreme Court -- for his alleged involvement in cases regarding coffee and cocoa sectors and a crisis that crippled activities at the Ivoirian Post and Telecommunication Company.” 

July 10, 2007

1. Ten days after he survived an assassination attempt in Bouake – in the New Forces’ fiefdom - the Ivoirian Prime Minister Guillaume Soro made what newspapers call a "triumphant return" to Abidjan yesterday. However, commentary says that the major issues at stake now are Soro’s security and the future of the peace process underway in this country.

2. "Soro is back to take control of the situation," says a banner headline carried by Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces. Commenting on what it calls the "significance of Soro’s decision to return to Abidjan," the paper suggests that, "The Ivoirian Prime Minister wants to show his commitment to and his sincerity in pushing hard for peace."

3. "Security of the Prime Minister: No Burkinabe soldiers for Soro," says a banner headline that runs across Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to President Gbagbo. According to the paper, "The facilitator in the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire won’t send soldiers from his army to secure the Ivoirian Premier." It also reveals that, during the meeting last week between Soro and Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore in Ouagadougou, "The issue of Soro’s security was not discussed."

4. With a grip and grin picture of Soro and Gbagbo on its front page, the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, quotes the Ivoirian Prime Minister as saying, "I have come to continue to implement the Ouagadougou Agreement. I believe Ivorians have a right to peace. For years, they suffered the consequences of the war. Our duty is to offer them peace now. I have come so that Ivorians will find peace again." According to the paper, "Gbagbo and Soro agreed to call a Council of Ministers meeting for tomorrow to review government programs."

5. In a related development, the paper says, "After the assassination bid against Soro, the Ivoirian army high command has taken seven measures to secure the Abidjan International Airport." It quotes the Ivoirian Army Chief of Staff, General Philippe Mangou, as saying, "The impartial forces must adopt a quiet posture."

6. "Gbagbo and Soro agreed to set up national and international commissions to investigate the Bouake attack," says a front-page headline in Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo.

7. Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, calls the tete-a-tete between Gbagbo and Soro at the Presidential Palace yesterday in Abidjan, "The crucial meeting."

8. Regarding the international commission to probe the assassination attempt against Soro, the paper reveals that, "Gbagbo has approved Soro’s decision to petition the United Nations, asking the world body to put in place a commission to look into the matter."

9. In a front-page story, Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, announces "a cabinet reshuffle." According to the paper, "The Interior and Defense ministers in the current administration are likely to lose their jobs."

10. In another major story, the paper denounces "Attempts to ‘kill’ newspapers." It also criticizes what it calls "the silence of the government and the Defense and Security Forces after offices of four newspapers were attacked."

11. On its front-page, Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, tells readers that, "its office was ransacked by gangs." In a statement, GEPCI – the Association of Newspaper Printers of Cote d’Ivoire – expresses "its indignation" and protests what it describes as "the government’s lack of interest."

12. The National Press Council – a state-owned media watchdog – calls on the authorities "to take courageous measures to ensure the security of the media in Cote d’Ivoire."

July 9, 2007

1. Ivoirian Prime Minister Soro Guillaume again holds the spotlight, as news reports say he is expected in Abidjan today, ten days after a plane carrying him was hit by a rocket in Bouake, his stronghold.

2. "Soro back in Abidjan today," says a banner headline that runs across the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. The Premier’s spokesman discloses that Soro’s agenda includes "an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers – which must be approved by the President – to let him officially discuss the Bouake attack and his decision to set up investigative commissions to look into the incident."

3. Elaborating on Soro’s agenda, once he’s back in the Ivoirian capital, 24 Heures suggests that, "There is no doubt that the Prime Minister will hold a meeting with President Laurent Gbagbo." The paper close to the opposition believes that, "The future of the peace process will be determined at this meeting."

4. In a related development, the paper discloses that, "Using the recent attack against Soro as a pretext, the Ivoirian Presidential Palace is to wage a war against La Licorne – the French troops in Cote d’Ivoire – to press for their departure from this country."

5. The main story on the front-page of the paper, however, is the question regarding "Soro’s security." About this issue, the paper discloses that Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore – moderator of the Ivoirian peace process -- will "send an important contingent of Burkinabe soldiers to guard the Prime Minister."

6. But are soldiers from Burkina Faso coming Cote d’Ivoire, "to protect Soro"? A headline in the privately-owned daily Soir Info, says, "It’s not true."

7. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily L’inter says, "Soro will travel to Abidjan on a Burkinabe plane." Commenting on the recent rocket attack against the Prime Minister, the paper suggests that, "This could hold back the peace process." It comments, "Though the attack did not hit the target [Soro], it must have a negative impact on the trust, consideration, and mutual understanding between the two protagonists and signers of the Ouagadougou Agreement."

8. Meanwhile, the paper reports that, despite the attack against the Prime Minister, President Laurent Gbagbo is "confident" and continues to show signs of "optimism." It quotes the Ivoirian leader as saying, "General elections will be held in the first quarter of the year 2008."

9. Ten days after the foiled attack, Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, sees what it calls "a looming crisis." "The decision on whether to set up a national or an international commission to shed light on the attack is likely to divide the Presidential camp and the Prime Minister," warns the paper.

10. In a front-page story, Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, makes a startling revelation saying that, "The Bouake attack might not be the last one against the Prime Minister." According to the paper, "The commandos that shot the plane carrying Soro are planning another attack." The paper warns that, "Until the ‘snake’ which wants to destabilize the peace process is killed, anything can happen at anytime."

11. While reports say Soro is expected in Abidjan today, Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, hints that, "After his meeting with Compaore last week, Soro wants to set-up his office in Bouake."

12. Regarding recent reports that, the Ivoirian Defence and Security Forces have decided to take control of the airport security throughout the country, Nord-Sud Quotidien carries a front-page story saying, "La Licorne won’t quit the airport." The paper quotes a source close to the Ivoirian Chief of Staff as saying, "There was no plan to chase out the foreign forces from the airports."

July 6, 2007

1. The recent attack against the plane carrying Ivoirian Prime Minister Soro Guillaume has become a subject of accusations and counter-accusations, while investigations are underway to find the culprits.

2. With a picture of the Ivoirian President Laurent Gbagbo holding tightly the hand of his "bride", Soro Guillaume, the political cartoonist of Friday’s satirical newspaper – GBICH! – asks: "Who can be against the century’s unique wedding?"

3. "Who wanted to kill the Prime Minister and why?" asks 24 Heures. The daily close to the opposition denounces what it calls, "Maneuvering around a foiled coup." The paper notes that, "Soro has decided to call for an international probe to shed light on the coup attempt." However, the paper wonders whether "the investigation will produce any results."

4. It also tells readers that, a week after Soro survived the attack, the Burkinabe President Blaise Compaore – facilitator in the Ivoirian peace process – has decided "to take control of the situation."

5. Compaore, indicates L’inter, a privately-owned daily, will be sitting on the Commission tasked to look into the matter. According to the paper, the Ivoirian Justice and Human Rights Minister has tasked the Prosecutor in Bouake to find and bring to trial the culprits and accomplices in the attack.

6. A front-page story in the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, says, "Compaore has summoned La Licorne – French Troops in Cote d’Ivoire --, the UN Mission in Cote d’Ivoire, and Soro." According to the paper, "Yesterday Soro flew to Ouagadougou to tell Compaore his side of the story." Representatives of the UN Mission and Licorne were also in the Burkinabe capital yesterday at the invitation of Compaore, reports the paper.

7. Meanwhile, the paper quotes the Bouake Prosecutor as saying, "The matter concerning the attack against a plane carrying the Prime Minister falls under Common Law Jurisdiction." "This is not a national investigation. This is a crime. The Justice Bureau is doing its job," the prosecutor told the paper.

8. Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, wonders why "there are three separate investigations into one attack." The big question raised by the paper is "who has the right to investigate the attack and what will be the rapport like between the government commissioner, the military Prosecutor, and the Bouake Prosecutor?"

9. While investigations are still underway, Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, suggests that inside the New Forces, "They think that their old buddy Ibrahim Coulibaly -- alias IB -- could be the brain behind the foiled attack."

10. On the front-page of Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, Kone Zakaria, a commander of the New Forces, rejects "accusations of his being behind the attack against the plane carrying Soro."

11. Meanwhile, "Soro has beefed up security in his zone," says a banner headline that runs across Le Front, a daily close to New Forces. According to General Soumaila Bakayoko, Commander of the New Forces Armed Forces, "The attack was carried out by professionals."

12. In a separate development, Le Nouveau Reveil quotes Ambassador Aubrey Hooks as saying, "I won’t quit Cote d’Ivoire definitively." The US Ambassador, reports the paper, was speaking at a reception he hosted to mark American Independence Day.

July 5, 2007

1. The recent attack against the plane carrying Ivoirian Prime Minister Soro Guillaume continues to dominate news in Cote d’Ivoire.

2. A front-page story in Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, says, "Emotions were high yesterday in Bouake, when a large FPI delegation called on Soro." The head of the delegation is quoted saying, "We’ve come to show our deep solidarity with -- and present our condolences to -- the Prime Minister."

3. Also in Bouake yesterday, reports Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, was the Burkinabe Security Minister, Djibril Bassole. The paper, quotes Bassole as saying, "We’ll protect Soro." It also hints that "very soon President Blaise Compaore – the facilitator in the Ivoirian peace process – will send gendarmes and commandos to beef up Soro’s security."

4. The paper publishes a "vox populi" suggesting that, "The population of Bouake believes the Ivoirian presidential camp fomented the foiled coup."

5. A banner headline carried by Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former-ruling PDCI-RDA party, says, "Relationship between Soro and Gbagbo is strained," following the recent rocket attack against Soro. The paper also indicates that, "On a visit to Bouake yesterday, a delegation of the ruling FPI opposed the idea by Soro to call an international investigation into the attack."

6. In a related development, the paper questions "the real capacity of the Ivoirian military Prosecutor, who has been charged with investigating the foiled attack." The paper recalls that, "Probing events – like the Bouake attack – is something the military Prosecutor never completes."

7. "We’ve evidence about the coup," Nord-Sud Quotidien quotes Soro as saying. According to the paper, "investigators are getting closer to the truth," while Laurent Dona Fologo, a leading political figure "accuses the New Forces of masterminding the attack," reports the paper, close to the opposition.

8. In a deferent development, the paper devotes its back page to the celebration yesterday of the 231st anniversary of the United States’ Independence Day, July 4. "The oldest democracy celebrated yesterday," writes the paper.

9. "Mangou’s five measures to secure airports," reveals a front-page story in 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition. "After a meeting yesterday with the military leadership," writes the paper, "It has been decided that from now on airports – including the Abidjan International Airport – will fall under the exclusive control of the defense and security forces of Cote d’Ivoire."

10. "Mangou dislodges Licorne [French troops in Cote d’Ivoire] and the United Nations peacekeeping forces," writes L’intelligent d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily.

11. A front page story in Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, says, "A few days after the foiled attack against Soro, Ivoirian exiled military officers resurface." The paper publishes a statement quoting the defectors as warning Gbagbo: "You need to recognize the ranks of the New Forces soldiers."

July 3, 2007

1. Five days after a plane carrying Ivoirian Prime Minister Soro Guillaume was hit by a rocket in Bouake, there is still no clue over who was behind the attack. The controversy has become a front-page issue in today’s Ivoirian newspapers.

2. With a picture of Soro in a defiant mood on its front page, L’intelligent d’Abidjan quotes the Ivoirian head of the transitional government saying, "I say ‘no’ to any verbal spats between the New Forces and ONUCI." Soro, speaking during a call by Ivoirian military leaders wanting to show him their support, said: "People should stop. Let’s not accuse anybody. Let’s leave it to the experts to carry out their investigations."

3. General Philippe Mangou, Chief of Staff of the Ivoirian National Army, who led the delegation to Soro’s, told reporters that, "Those who want to clash with the New Forces will have to deal with the Ivoirian Armed Forces too," reports the privately-owned daily.

4. Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the ex-ruling PDCI-RDA party, quotes the Ivoirian Premier saying, "I’ve the right to call for an international investigation." In a comment, the paper wonders why "the plane carrying Soro was urgently brought back to Abidjan."

5. The paper quotes former president Henri Konan Bedie saying that the opposition alliance – the G7 – "strongly supports Soro." Bedie also calls for the swift punishment of "Those behind this gruesome attack."

6. In an "exclusive" report, Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, gives details on "the secrets behind the Bouake attack." After questioning the decision by Ivoirian authorities to "quickly" bring the Presidential Jet back to Abidjan, the paper discloses that, "An hour before the plane carrying Soro took off from Abidjan on Friday, the pilot was changed."

7. While Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, reports "investigators are trying to track down" the brains behind the foiled attack against Soro, Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, says it has discovered "where the commandos were trained before the attack." Citing reliable military sources, the paper says, "The commandos, about ten people, were trained in neighboring Guinea for nearly two months by foreign military experts."

8. Nevertheless, the paper suggests that investigators also consider different scenarios, such as "The hands of Gbagbo, or an operation hammered out by New Forces people, or a coup plotted by Soro’s foe, Ibrahim Coulibaly, or the Ivoirian opposition."

9. Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close Gbagbo, carries a front-page story explaining "How Bedie and Ouattara, leader of the opposition RDR, would have gained if the attack against Soro succeeded."

10. A front-page story in 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, says, "Issiaka Ouattara alias Wattao, the Deputy Chief-Commander of the New Forces, and the Commander of the French troops in Cote d’Ivoire had a yelling match as the two met yesterday in Soro’s residence in Bouake." According to the paper, "Statements and accusations made by the New Forces’ leader after the attack against Soro didn’t go down well with the French troops’ commander."

11. As the foiled attack against Soro has, again, brought to the fore the question about the role and future of peace keeping forces in Cote d’Ivoire, 24 Heures unveils what it calls "Gbagbo’s plan to get them out of the country." Citing reliable sources, the paper, close to the opposition, says, "The presidential camp could use the Bouake attack as a pretext to officially press for the departure of these impartial forces from Cote d’Ivoire."

11. Visiting people who were injured during the attack, the Ivoirian President promised the event "won’t stop the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire."

July 2, 2007

1. The rocket attack on the plane carrying Ivoirian Prime Minister Soro Guillaume to Bouake -- the stronghold of the New Forces – last Friday is the major news in Monday’s newspapers.

2. On the front-page of Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, Soro tells readers about "How I escaped death." The Ivoirian Prime Minister is asking for "an international investigation" to shed light on the attack.

3. "Foiled attack in Bouake: Wattao accuses the UN," says a banner headline that runs across the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin. "I have evidence that it’s the ONUCI – The United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire," the paper quotes Issiaka Ouattara alias Wattao, the Deputy Chief-Commander of the New Forces as saying. "We can’t understand why the French and ONUCI teams -- which were there -- just pulled out when the shootings started."

4. Defiant and optimistic, the paper quotes President Laurent Gbagbo warning "the enemies of peace," that "We won’t surrender." Gbagbo -- speaking to the press just after the Bouake attack -- said: "For some time now, we’ve been receiving information that persons known to us wanted to stage a coup to halt the peace process."

5. Commenting on the Bouake attack, former Ivoirian Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny tells his fellow countrymen that, "This should be an alarm bell that revives our consciences."

6. "Attempted coup against Soro: Here are the suspects," says a banner headline carried by Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party. According to the paper, "While investigations are underway to identify those behind the attack, scores of former combatants have been arrested." "The suspects," suggests the paper, "are all close to Cherif Ousmane – a former warlord," who, reports the paper, "had, before the foiled coup, accused Soro of treason," believing that he had sold out to Gbagbo.

7. "New Forces leaders accuse La Licorne – French troops in Cote d’Ivoire," says a front-page story in Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo.

8. According to Le Matin d’Abidjan, another daily close to Gbagbo, Bouake is preparing what the paper calls "a riposte", three days after Soro escaped death. With a picture of Charles Ble Goude and leaders of New Forces on its front-page, the paper says, "The leader of the Young Patriots, at the head of a large delegation, traveled to Bouake on Saturday to show their support for the New Forces."

9. "How was Soro miraculously saved?" asks Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces. According to the paper, the Ivoirian Premier was saved because "he had moved places during the air flight."

10. Commenting on the situation in Bouake after the attack, the commander of the UN troops in Cote d’Ivoire, General Fernand Amoussou, is reported as saying, "Calm returns to Bouake… We’ve beefed up security for the Prime Minister."