June 30, 2009

News reports in today’s Ivorian press said that teachers have called off their strike after President Laurent Gbagbo agreed to their demands. Cote d’Ivoire’s electoral process was also a subject of front-page stories in many dailies, as the identification of Ivorians living both at home and abroad ends today. The dailies also talked about human rights issues and a demonstration organized by physically handicapped people to press for job.

1. A front-page story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) announced that the final year exams in Cote d’Ivoire’s secondary schools will begin today following the decision by teachers to call off the strike they were planning  a couple of days ago. The report said that the teachers’ decision to end the strike came after President Gbagbo signed a decree on Monday; the decree is on the review of the salaries of teachers. According to the paper, on Saturday, President Gbagbo held an emergency meeting with the teachers’ unions in a bid to find a solution to the problems. Another story in this paper also said that oral Baccalaureate exams, which would have been delayed if the teacher’s strike had occurred, will begin today in the entire country. 

2. Reporting on the identification of Ivorians in the run-up to the planned presidential elections, Fraternite Matin reported on the “temperature” at the registration centers. According to the paper, during a visit to some centers in Abidjan on Monday, reporters observed huge crowds waiting to register; the registration period ends today. The paper also reported on disturbing developments surrounding the registration exercise. According to the paper, an unnamed eyewitness said: “The registration process is slow and moreover petitioners are being subjected to racketeering. FESCI (Ivorian students’ organization) is extorting money from petitioners and preventing those who refuse to pay to have access to the center.” The paper also said that another petitioner who confirmed this allegation, said: “Those who refuse to pay Francs CFA 2,000 are denied access to the center.” The report further said that the visit to the registration centers was initiated by the Ivorian Civic Group Convention, an independent local observers’ group. Speaking after the tour, the head of the Ivorian Civic Group Convention, Patrick N’Gouan, said the tour was to evaluate the performance of observers on the ground.

3. More on the voter registration exercise, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) quoted the spokesperson of the Independent Electoral Commission, who said: “At the end of the process, all political parties will receive a copy of the provisionary voters’ roll.” The report said the spokesperson, who was speaking on Monday, was reacting to the concerns of some smaller parties that believe they have been excluded by the Commission. 

4. On the scheduled date of November 29, 2009 for the presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire, a front-page story in L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) said that Ivorian opposition leader, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, warned against any further attempts to delay the polls. The paper reported that Mr. Ouattara, who was speaking Monday on UNOCI FM (a U.N. radio station in Cote d’Ivoire), said that the date of November 29, 2009 is flexible enough to allow the electoral body to organize the elections.

5. Still on the peace process, Fraternite Matin reported that the population of the central city of Bouake – the stronghold of the former Ivorian rebels – participated in a reconciliation campaign on June 26-27, 2009. The campaign was organized by Search for Common Ground (SfCG), an American non-profit organization, to foster social cohesion and to minimize tension between different communities and ethnic groups in the region.

6. On human rights issues, a report in Fraternite Matin said that Cote d’Ivoire’s National Commission for Human Rights (CNDHCI) yesterday published its 2008 report. According to the report, the Commission recommends that human rights should be included in the curriculum for primary schools. The paper further quoted the Chairman of the commission, Victorine Wodie, who said:  “The human rights’ situation in Cote d’Ivoire has markedly worsened as a result of the crisis.” 

7. Finally, a prominent report in Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) said that physically handicapped people staged a demonstration Monday on the premises of the Ministry of Labor in Abidjan to demand jobs.   

June 29, 2009

Reports in the press over the weekend and today in Cote d’Ivoire were dominated by pre-election “fever” in this country. The dailies also announced the end of the voter registration on June 30, 2009. The joint mock military exercise conducted by the U.N. Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) and Licorne (French troops stationed in Cote d’Ivoire); the two cases of swine flu confirmed in Cote d’Ivoire; and the controversy over government’s subsidy to the Ivorian press were also in the news. The papers continue to report on the death of the American pop star, Michael Jackson.

1. A banner headline in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that Ivorian political leaders are on the campaign trail for the upcoming Cote d’Ivoire’s presidential elections billed for November 29, 2009. Addressing a rally on Saturday in the central city of Bouake – former stronghold of the New Forces -, Ivorian opposition leader Alassane Dramane Ouattara said: “We’re all Ivoirians,” according to the paper. Mr. Ouattara, who was barred from running for the presidency in 2000 following the controversy over his nationality, reportedly said: “The suspicion over nationality of certain citizens should come to an end to build the country with all Ivoirians.” According to the paper, Mr. Ouattara, leader of the opposition RDR party, whose message focused on “pardon and reconciliation,” insisted that the presidential elections be held this year.

2. “We want to change Cote d’Ivoire,” Fraternite Matin quoted Francis Wodie, the leader of Ivorian Workers Party (PIT), as telling supporters during a pre-campaign rally on  Saturday in Abidjan. On the continuous delay of the coming presidential elections, Mr. Wodie said: “We’re tired.” He further said, “We hope that this time, those that pledged to organize the elections, will live up to their promise.” In a related development, a story in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that the Chairman of the FPI party, Pascal Affi N’Guessan, called on the party’s rank and file members to unite. According to the paper, the chairman was reacting to recent events of internal discord, which he reportedly said could undermine the party’s efforts to win the elections and retain power.

3. On matters concerning the voter registration, Notre Voie published a public statement issued by the Independent Electoral Commission, which said that the operation will end on June 30, 2009. According to the statement, the decision by the electoral body not to extend the exercise is in compliance with ”the timetable agreed upon by various political parties during the May 18, 2009’s meeting of the CPC – a committee overseeing the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.”

4. While Cote d’Ivoire is preparing for crucial presidential elections, a report in the weekend’s issue of L’inter (an independent daily) said that the U.N. Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) and Licorne (French troops stationed in Cote d’Ivoire) has been trained on how to contain crowds. The report said that police officers from the Jordanian U.N. troops and elements of Licorne conducted a joint mock exercise on June 24, 2009 in Grand Bassam, a town close to Abidjan. The exercise was part of routine training aimed at testing reactions of U.N. troops in Cote d’Ivoire.  

5. On health issues, a prominent story in the weekend’s issue of Fraternite Matin informed the public that the Ministry of Health in Cote d’Ivoire on Friday confirmed two cases of swine flu. According to the paper, the cases were confirmed by the Institut Pasteur (Cote d'Ivoire’s National Influenza Center) and then by a World Health Organization laboratory. [NOTE: In the context of its ongoing efforts to improve the health of the Ivorian people, the U.S. government donated on April 29, 2009 advanced equipment and computer technology to Institut Pasteur in Cote d’Ivoire. The equipment is to allow doctors to diagnose respiratory diseases, including a variety of strains of influenza, more rapidly than ever before. In addition to common influenza-like illnesses, the equipment also gives the laboratory the capacity to rapidly diagnose avian influenza strains and other unique influenzas that may have pandemic potential among human beings.]

6. On media issues, Fraternite Matin reported that the Ivorian government has provided Francs CFA 542 million (about $1.2 million) to Fonds de Soutien et de Developpement de la Presse (FSDP) – Funds for assistance and development of the press in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the report, Francs CFA 50 million (about $107,526) will be allocated to the printing media in Cote d’Ivoire, a decision that was immediately rejected by the GEPCI – Association of Ivorian newspapers publishers. The paper quoted the president of GEPCI, Denis Kah Zion, who denounced what he calls “the small portion” for the printing press.  According to the paper, he accused the government of not respecting its commitment; the total operation budget of the FSDP is estimated at Francs CFA 3.120 billion ($6.7 million). 

7. On the death of American pop star Michael Jackson, Fraternite Matin carried a two-page story on his visit to Cote d’Ivoire in February 1992. The paper republished a story published in connection with his visit here. “Dangerous Michael!” said the front-page report. The report said that thousands of fans, journalists and photographers turned up at the Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport to catch a glimpse of or snatch words from the pop star. Another front-page report in Nord-Sud Quotidien said that Krindjabo, a town in south-eastern Cote d’Ivoire is mourning Michael Jackson. The paper, which devoted its full back-page to the death of Michael Jackson, reminded readers that the late pop star during his visit to  Cote d’Ivoire, also went  Krindjabo (believed to be his original hometown), where he was crowned a king.

June 25, 2009

Reports in Ivorian dailies today focused on the government’s economic policy and its efforts to fight commercial counterfeiting. The papers also reported on the on-going voter registration operation in Abidjan and updated readers on the H1N1 flu epidemic.   Other reports were on the on-going health practitioners’ strike, as well as the Integrated Command Center’s (ICC) reintegration activities for former combatants.

1. On the country’s economic policy, (Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the government of Cote d’Ivoire is making efforts to clear its debts.   According to the paper, Ms. Djedje Mama, the Chief Executive of the Ivorian Treasury told the press that some 128,914 billons CFA have been disbursed so far by the Ivorian Treasury for this reason.  In a related development,

Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) reported that Mr. Charles Koffi, the Ivorian Minister of Finance, has initiated a series of economic meetings with potential foreign investors.   According to the paper, the minister recently met with German business men in Germany to discuss investment possibilities in Cote d’Ivoire.   

Still on economic issues, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported on a seminar organized by the Ivorian commercial authorities to discuss solutions to fight industrial counterfeiting.  Mr. Dagobert Banzio, a representative of the Ivorian Minister of Industry, in his opening remarks called for collective sensitization and reinforced control mechanisms to put an end to this illegal practice.   According to the paper, a Ministry of Economy report said that counterfeiting results in a yearly loss of some 780 billion CFA in the economy of the country.

2. On the voter registration exercise, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) reported that Mr. Robert Beugre, the President of the Independent Electoral Commission, urged Ivoirians abroad as well as those in the country to make sure they are registered during this final phase of the registration.  Mr.  Beugre also said that there will be no extension after the registration period ends on June 30, 2009.

Reporting on the same subject, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that due to some technical problems, this final phase did not start as planned in all the 40 identified sites for Abidjan region.   According to the paper, the problems are being urgently addressed to ensure that the process is completed successfully.

3.On the H1N1 flu epidemic in the country, a banner headline in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) informed readers about a second potential H1N1 flu case.  The paper said that the victim is a 20-year old woman, who had been in close contact with the first patient.  The article also reminded readers about preventive hygiene instructions that were released by the World Health Organization.

Still on heath issue, Soir Info (a privately owned daily) reported that health practitioners have decided to extend their strike for an additional ten days.   According to the paper, this decision was announced yesterday, following a consultative meeting with doctors and health professionals.  The health practitioners have been on strike since June 15, 2009 to request better pay and treatment.

4.On the reintegration of former soldiers from the New Forces, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the Ivorian Defense Minister, Mr. Amani Michel together with crisis facilitator and Army officers visited cantonment sites in Man.   The paper informed readers that these sites, like those in Bouake and Korhogo, will be used to accommodate voluntary former soldiers form the New Forces as recommended by the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.

In a related development, Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) reported on the launching of post-conflict support programs in Bouake.  According to the paper, the programs are jointly financed by the World Bank and the European Union to support national civic programs for the reintegration of former combatants and others in the same predicament.   A total of 60 billion CFA has been allocated for these programs to assist over 11,000 people.

June 25, 2009

Reports in Ivorian dailies today focused on the government’s economic policy and its efforts to fight commercial counterfeiting. The papers also reported on the on-going voter registration operation in Abidjan and updated readers on the H1N1 flu epidemic.   Other reports were on the on-going health practitioners’ strike, as well as the Integrated Command Center’s (ICC) reintegration activities for former combatants.

1. On the country’s economic policy, (Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the government of Cote d’Ivoire is making efforts to clear its debts.   According to the paper, Ms. Djedje Mama, the Chief Executive of the Ivorian Treasury told the press that some 128,914 billons CFA have been disbursed so far by the Ivorian Treasury for this reason.  In a related development,

Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) reported that Mr. Charles Koffi, the Ivorian Minister of Finance, has initiated a series of economic meetings with potential foreign investors.   According to the paper, the minister recently met with German business men in Germany to discuss investment possibilities in Cote d’Ivoire.   

Still on economic issues, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported on a seminar organized by the Ivorian commercial authorities to discuss solutions to fight industrial counterfeiting.  Mr. Dagobert Banzio, a representative of the Ivorian Minister of Industry, in his opening remarks called for collective sensitization and reinforced control mechanisms to put an end to this illegal practice.   According to the paper, a Ministry of Economy report said that counterfeiting results in a yearly loss of some 780 billion CFA in the economy of the country.

2. On the voter registration exercise, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) reported that Mr. Robert Beugre, the President of the Independent Electoral Commission, urged Ivoirians abroad as well as those in the country to make sure they are registered during this final phase of the registration.  Mr.  Beugre also said that there will be no extension after the registration period ends on June 30, 2009.

Reporting on the same subject, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that due to some technical problems, this final phase did not start as planned in all the 40 identified sites for Abidjan region.   According to the paper, the problems are being urgently addressed to ensure that the process is completed successfully.

3.On the H1N1 flu epidemic in the country, a banner headline in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) informed readers about a second potential H1N1 flu case.  The paper said that the victim is a 20-year old woman, who had been in close contact with the first patient.  The article also reminded readers about preventive hygiene instructions that were released by the World Health Organization.

Still on heath issue, Soir Info (a privately owned daily) reported that health practitioners have decided to extend their strike for an additional ten days.   According to the paper, this decision was announced yesterday, following a consultative meeting with doctors and health professionals.  The health practitioners have been on strike since June 15, 2009 to request better pay and treatment.

4.On the reintegration of former soldiers from the New Forces, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the Ivorian Defense Minister, Mr. Amani Michel together with crisis facilitator and Army officers visited cantonment sites in Man.   The paper informed readers that these sites, like those in Bouake and Korhogo, will be used to accommodate voluntary former soldiers form the New Forces as recommended by the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.

In a related development, Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) reported on the launching of post-conflict support programs in Bouake.  According to the paper, the programs are jointly financed by the World Bank and the European Union to support national civic programs for the reintegration of former combatants and others in the same predicament.   A total of 60 billion CFA has been allocated for these programs to assist over 11,000 people.

June 23, 2009

The outcomes of the 36^th meeting session of ECOWAS Heads of states in Abuja, Nigeria and the implementation of Government-backed plan to address the devastation of heavy rains in Abidjan were major topics in Ivorian dailies today.  The papers continued to talk about the voter registration exercise as well as actions taken by health authorities to monitor and prevent an H1N1 flu epidemic.  The papers also reported on the Ivorian soccer team’s visit to former cocoa and coffee managers, who have been in detention at the Abidjan prison for over a year, without trial; and French President Sarkozy’s remarks on Cote d’Ivoire’s social and political situation, while in Gabon, recently.

1. On the recently concluded Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of States conference in Abuja, Nigeria, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on the decisions that came out of the discussions.  According to the paper, a fund to develop the Transport and Energy sectors will be created; efforts will be undertaken to improve security in the region, enforce the rule of law and promote and practice good governance.
Reporting on the same meeting, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that ECOWAS Heads of States advocated for guidelines to mitigate the impacts of the global financial crisis on the economy of the region. The paper also said that Mr. Said Djinnit, the UN Secretary General Special Representative for West Africa, called for improved regional cooperation and integration.

2. On the Governement-backed ORSEC (Rescue and Assistance Plan) Plan to assist victims of heavy rains and mud slides, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) in a prominent article reported that Mr. Sam Etiasse, the manager of the ORSEC Plan, announced that the actual implementation of the project will include resettlement of victims and vulnerable populations. According to the paper, the people impacted are skeptical about their relocation.  Mr. Tene Maxime, the chief of Ayakro (one of the sites to be resettled) said “We are very skeptical about government promises.” The paper called on the government to fulfill its commitment to prevent what it calls “human rights abuse.”

3. On the Independent Electoral Commission’s decision to conduct final registration in Abidjan and its surroundings, L’Inter (an independent daily) published a list of selected sites for the operation. A total of 40 sites are designated as processing locations for voter registrations in the district of Abidjan. The operation is due to start on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 through June 30, 2009.

4. Following the confirmed H1N1 flu case in Cote d’Ivoire, Soir Info (an independent daily) reported that Ivorian health authorities are taking actions to monitor any potential H1N1 flu epidemic. According to the paper, authorities are taking measures nationwide to control the situation. According to Dr. Marcel Koffi, from the Ministry of Health, these measures include the setting up of monitoring teams at the country’s land borders, airports and sea ports to deal with any potential outbreaks of the H1N1 flu.

5. Ivorian soccer players, including their captain, Didier Drogba, visited cocoa and coffee former managers, who are incarcerated at the Abidjan prison for allegedly embezzling funds.  This information was reported by L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily). According to the paper, Didier Drogba said, “I cannot come to Cote d’Ivoire without seeing you…..” (NOTE - The detainees, Ivorian former cocoa and coffee officials, have been incarcerated for almost one year without trial.)

6. On Cote d’Ivoire’s politics, L’Inter (an independent daily) reported on the remarks by President Sarkozy’s on the Ivorian crisis.  According to the paper, Sarkozy said that Ivorian leaders, namely former President Bedie and Guei Robert are accountable for the crisis.  Addressing the issue in the margins of the late Gabonese President’s funeral, Mr. Sarkozy reportedly called on the people of Gabon people to avoid jeopardizing peace and stability.

June 22, 2009

Reports in Ivoirian dailies today mostly focused on President Gbagbo’s plans to restore war-torn regions; the implementation of the Government-led policy to address the devastation of  heavy rains; and the voter registration process. The confirmed case of H1N1 in Cote d’Ivoire and the launching of the HIV/AIDS Testing and Counseling Day, where U.S. Ambassador Wanda Nesbitt was tested, also made the news.

1.Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on President Gbagbo’s final upcountry visit.  Addressing a rally last week-end in the north western city of Odienne, President Gbagbo reportedly called on the local people to work devotedly; he also announced a series of development and rehabilitation projects for the area.  According to the report, President Gbagbo said that three development “Authorities” will be created soon to address urgent development issues and restore the economy in the war-torn regions of the country.

2.In another development, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) informed readers about President Gbagbo’s official trip to Abuja to attend the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) Heads of States conference.  According to the paper, the discussions of the conference will focus on issues related to regional peace, integration and development.

3.According to Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily), Ivorian authorities have set up the ORSEC Plan (Rescue and Assistance Plan) to address the issue of heavy rains and the resulting mud slide damages. According to the report, some 20,000 people living in precarious neighborhoods will be resettled at a temporary site as part of the plan.  Mr. Sam Etiasse, the manager of the ORSEC Plan said that “these measures are taken to prevent the loss of more lives resulting from heavy rains.” 

On the same issue, L’inter (an independently daily) reported on donations by the Muslim association, Al-Ghadir, to assist victims of the mud slides.  According to the report, Imam Abdoul Menhem recommitted the Lebanese Muslim community’s support to the people of Cote d’Ivoire.  

Finally, on the same issue, a report in Le Quotidient (a daily close to the ruling FPI Party) said that the Ivorian Human Rights Association, in a press statement, has called on the Ivorian government to find sustainable solutions to this crucial issue.

4.On the voter registration process, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) indicated that a final phase will be carried out in Abidjan and its surrounding suburbs from Wednesday, June 24 to Tuesday, June 30, 2009. So far, over six million people have been enrolled, the paper added.

5.On health issues, Soir Info(a privately owned daily) informed readers that one case of H1N1 has been confirmed in Abidjan.  According to the report, the patient has been quarantined at the Teaching Hospital of Treichville for appropriate treatment.  The paper also said that in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations, Ivorian Health authorities have called on the population to observe basic hygiene precautions.

6.On another health issue, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) reported on the HIV/AIDS Testing and Counseling Day that was launched on June 20, 2009 at Attecoube.  According to the paper, the campaign was co-organized by PEPFAR and the National Ministry in Charge of HIV/AIDS.  The aim of the campaign, the paper added, is to encourage voluntary testing. In her address, US Ambassador Wanda Nesbitt paid tribute to the Ivorian authorities for their efforts in fighting the disease, the paper further added. The Ambassador and many others were tested at this campaign.

June 19, 2009

The Ivorian press today reported on Cote d’Ivoire’s electoral process. The dailies also talked about the increasing rate of malnutrition in northern Cote d’Ivoire; government-supported anti-AIDS campaign for the youth; a campaign against violence; African elites calling for the suppression of French-backed CFA Franc. Reporting on international and United States issues; one paper reported on the State Department’s Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report and another carried a front-page story, which said that the U.S. Senate had apologized for slavery and racial segregation in the United States. 

1. Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) reported that the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) has called on the Independent Electoral Commission, the body tasked to organize the coming presidential elections in this country, to come up with a new list of polling stations. The move is “to ensure that the polling stations, which had been created, still exist,” the paper quoted UNOCI’s spokesperson as saying on Thursday in Abidjan. According to the paper, the spokesperson explained that after the voter registration exercise, it was discovered that some polling stations have disappeared.

2. Still on the electoral process, a report in Le Jour Plus said that government-appointed administrators (prefects) received training in conflict management, prevention and resolution. The training was conducted by UNOCI under a capacity-building program. The report quoted a U.N. official, who said “the training will make prefects become good negotiators” in conflict resolution. [NOTE: A fortnight ago, military leaders of the New Forces, Cote d’Ivoire’s former rebel movement, who have controlled the central, western and northern regions of the country since 2002, relinquished power to prefects in a key step towards reunification.]   

3. Speaking yesterday during an official visit to the northern region of Denguele, President Laurent Gbagbo called for peaceful co-existence among the people, said a prominent story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily). On the coming presidential elections, President Gbagbo reportedly said: “All Ivorians, who have been registered, will get their identity card.” 

4. On human rights issues, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) reported on an awareness campaign aimed at fighting violence among the youth during the Ivorian electoral process. The program, which is sponsored by the Ivorian Movement of Human Rights (MIDH), is to instil the ideal of non-violence in the youth in a bid to avoid post-electoral violence in Cote d’Ivoire, the report said. 

5. Still on human rights issues, L’inter (an independently daily) reported on the United States report on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) by the State Department. The report said that seven African countries are on a blacklist of countries trafficking in people. The paper named Chad, Eritrea, Niger, Mauritania, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Malaysia that have joined Sudan as countries on the blacklist.

6. On the living conditions of the population in Cote d’Ivoire’s northern regions, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) reported on a recent statistics, which indicate that 17.5 percent of children are malnourished. The paper said this was announced by the Minister of Health, Remi Allah Kouadio, who was speaking recently in the northern city of Korhogo as part of a week-long malnutrition and anti-malaria program for children. Supported by the United Nations and the International Red Cross, the program is aimed at reducing child mortality in Cote d’Ivoire. 

7. A report in Soir Info (an independent daily) said that the Ministry of Youth and Sports has launched a program to scale down HIV/AIDS infection among the youth in Cote d’Ivoire. Funded by the International Development Association, the program is to train peer educators on abstinence and fidelity.

8. A front-page story in Fraternite Matin said that African elites have called for the suspension of the CFA francs, whose stability is ensured by French Treasury. According to the paper, the African elites, who met in the Ivorian economic capital, Abidjan, to find ways “to decolonize Africa,” asked Cote d’Ivoire to take the lead in ending the relations between CFA franc zone and France, the former colonial master. The CFA franc zone includes Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo, Chad, Central African Republic, Cameron, Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

9. Finally, with a picture of President Barack Obama on its front-page, Fraternite Matin informed readers that the U.S Senate yesterday adopted a bill to apologize for slavery and racial segregation in the United States. According to the paper, the bill that was presented by Senator Tom Harkin (Democrat) will pave the way for the rehabilitation of the victims of slavery and racial segregation.  

June 18, 2009

French-Ivorian relations were today a subject of front-page stories in the Ivorian newspapers. On internal political issues, an independent daily pondered the future of the New Forces, the Ivorian former rebel movement. A series of conferences underway in Abidjan on how to fight money laundering and cross-border crimes in the West African region was also a subject of major stories in today’s press. The campaign against the circulation of light weapons and fight against the worst forms of child labor in Cote d’Ivoire were the other major items in the dailies.

1. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) carried a front-page story saying that French President Nicholas Sarkozy has “doubts” about President Laurent Gbagbo’s promise to hold the long-delayed presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire on November 29, 2009. In a story culled from the French newspaper Liberation, the paper said Mr. Sarkozy called President Gbagbo’s pledge a “fallacious promise.” According to the report, the French president was speaking recently on the margins of the funeral of the late Gabonese President, Omar Bongo Ondimba, in Libreville.

2. A separate story in Le Patriote further suggested that it is now obvious that the Ivorian presidential elections would not be held on November 29, 2009. Referring to a story published by La Lettre du Continent (a Paris-based pan-African newspaper), the paper informed readers that early in this month, President Gbagbo dispatched his Cabinet Director to inform French authorities that the polls, billed for November 29, 2009, could be delayed. The paper went on to quote reliable sources as saying that the French Secretary of State in charge of Cooperation and Francophonie, Alain Joyandet, who was recently in Cote d’Ivoire a few days after Gbagbo signed a decree fixing the date of the polls, expressed “his surprise” as to the possible change of the electoral calendar.  

3. “Humiliated in Gabon, Sarkozy attacks Gbagbo,” said a prominent headline in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party). The paper, which reproduced the same story from Liberation, described Mr.  Sarkozy’s reported statement as “neo-colonial ramblings.” “France has never been impartial,” when it comes to issues pertaining to the Ivorian crisis, the paper noted.

4. Speaking about French-Ivorian relations in an interview with Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party), former French Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire Andre Janier said: “Normalization depends on the socio-economic situation in Cote d’Ivoire.”

5. On matters concerning Cote d’Ivoire’s internal politics, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) reported that the country’s political stakeholders had violated a Code of Good Conduct they signed as part of the peace process. According to the paper, this was announced Wednesday in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire’s political capital, during a seminar organized by the National Democratic Institute (NDI). The program was designed to raise awareness of the Code of Good Conduct and how to enforce its recommendations.

6. With six months to go to polls in Cote d’Ivoire, Soir Info (an independent daily) suggested that the time has come for the New Forces’ leaders to make a choice as to the future of their movement. According to the paper, the former rebels have no intention of becoming jobless after the November 29 elections. The report further had it that New Forces’ ministers and political and military leaders are maneuvering to find a place in the country’s political arena.  The paper added that some of them are fully engaged in the country’s major political parties. On the fate of New Forces’ leader-turned Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, the paper quoted political observers as saying that the former rebel leader, along with some youth leaders like Charles Ble Goude, would form the new breed of Cote d’Ivoire’s political leaders in the coming 15 years. Some analysts and close associates of the Ivorian Prime Minister predict a promising political career for Soro, the report said.  [Note: Ble Goude is under United Nations sanctions for public statements advocating violence and direction of and participation in acts of violence by street militias.]

7. On another development, a report in L’inter (an independent daily) said that MPs from the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) countries are meeting in Abidjan in a bid to find ways to fight cross-border crimes. Sponsored by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (a German organization), the program was “to promote peace and improve the political and social conditions of African populations in order to contribute to the advancement of democracy,” the paper quoted the Country Director of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung as saying.

8. On other regional issues, Fraternite Matin reported that experts in financial crimes and money laundering are meeting in Abidjan on how to curb these phenomena. The program is organized by GIABA – an inter-governmental group engaged in fighting against financial crimes and money laundering in the West African region. Discussions are focused on capacity building for experts in tackling the problems.

9. Another report in Fraternite Matin said that civic groups in Cote d’Ivoire are calling on the government to support the International Arms Trade Treaty. According to the paper, they made the call during a conference organized by RASALAO-CI – Cote d’Ivoire’s chapter of a regional campaign against light weapons in Africa. The conference was part of activities organized in conjunction with the world’s week-long campaign to fight armed violence. 

10. Finally, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) reported that CARITAS is waging a campaign against the worst forms of child labor in Cote d’Ivoire’s cocoa plantations. [NOTE: CARITAS is an international organization that provides assistance to the most vulnerable on behalf of Catholics around the world.] According to the report, this program, which started in June 2006, is part of a national program set up by Ivorian authorities to stamp out the phenomenon. The program mainly focuses on a population awareness campaign and on how to encourage people in rural communities to send their children to school.     

June 17, 2009

Reports in Ivorian dailies mainly focused on the Government’s emergency plans to deal with the damage from heavy rains and mudslides; President Gbagbo’s visit in the northwest town of Touba; and the dockworkers and health practioners strikes. Other reports were on the voter registration exercise and the late Gabonese President’s official funeral. Dailies also reported on outreach campaigns by the NGO Network of Actions Against Small Arms Proliferation. Programs by State Department IIP speaker Imam Hendi also made today’s news. 

In a prominent article, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) shed light on urgent measures set up by Ivorian authorities to deal with damage from heavy rains and mudslides.  The plan includes rescue operations, rehabilitation activities and financial support. Recent heavy rains, the paper indicated, claimed 21 lives. Addressing the issue on the margins of his upcountry visit, President Gbagbo called for solidarity and an immediate implementation of the plan.

On President Gbagbo’s visit in the northwest region of Touba, articles in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) indicated that important decisions were taken to address the constant conflicts and major social and economical problems in the area. President Gbagbo called on the local people to look forward and work to develop their region.

Reporting on the health practioners strike, Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) indicated that for the past two days activities have been at standstill in almost all national hospitals. Sick people looking for treatment are facing many problems. This situation, the paper mentioned, needs to be tackled urgently to avoid more lives lost.

In a related development, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) noted that dockworkers decided to resume work today. This decision, the paper added, is the outcome of a meeting held with President Gbagbo to discuss their requests.

Reporting on the late Gabonese President’s official funeral ceremony held yesterday in Gabon, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) indicated that some fifteen heads of state paid tribute to Mr. Omar Bongo.

On the voters registration exercise, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) indicated that the operation was launched on Monday in China. Voters registration teams are working at the Ivorian Embassy. Developing the same issue, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) added that a final operation in Abidjan will start next week to allow for additional registrations.

In the framework of its outreach activities, NGO Network Actions Against Small Arms Proliferation in West Africa (RASALAO) and Amnesty International held a conference yesterday to call on Ivorian authorities to sign the UN treaty on small arms trade. The information was reported by Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party), which further added that the aim of the treaty is to regulate the sector to prevent illegal small arms proliferation.  

Islam Info (an Ivorian weekly Muslim newspaper) published the first part of President Obama’s June 4 speech in Cairo in French and promised to publish the rest of the message in its coming issues. The paper also posted the speech on its web site: www.islaminfo-ci.org.

Finally, the meeting of IIP State Department speaker Imam Hendi with Ivorian journalists was reported in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party). In his remarks, Imam Hendi indicated that, like Christianity and Judaism, non-violence is a basic concept in Islam. The paper reported that Imam Hendi called for mutual understanding.

June 16, 2009

The Ivorian press today reported on recent developments on Cote d’Ivoire’s electoral process and the recent visit of U.N. Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Alain Le Roy to this country. A post-conflict project to create jobs for youth and a series of strikes launched by dockworkers and health workers were the other major news items in the press.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): The paper reported on a meeting between President Laurent Gbagbo and U.N. Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Alain Le Roy on the role of the United Nations mission in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) in the country's peace process, especially ahead of the upcoming presidential election. According to the report, the U.N. Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping reiterated the support of UNOCI to ensure a safe and peaceful atmosphere during the elections. On his meeting with President Gbagbo, he reportedly said: “President Gbagbo was firm that the polls will be held according to plan [November 29, 2009].”

2. Still on the November 29 polls, Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI) reported that Cote d’Ivoire has asked the African Union to send election observers to monitor its long-delayed presidential vote. The paper, which attributed this to a statement issued by the AU, quoted the document as saying “AU's Peace and Security Council had taken note of an invitation by Ivorian authorities to give its support to the electoral process, including through sending an electoral observer mission.” “The AU commended the former arch-rivals for their commitment to ending the crisis and urged them to continue to demonstrate the necessary political will to create a climate conducive to the holding of the presidential election,” the paper further quoted the statement as saying.

3. The coming presidential elections were also high on the agenda as President Gbagbo tours Cote d’Ivoire’s war-torn western regions. Addressing a rally in the Bafing region, the Ivorian leader was quoted by Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) as saying: “I’m not on an electoral campaign.” The report said that Gbagbo was reacting to opponents who accused him of being engaged in electoral politics ahead of the November 29 presidential elections.

4. As preparations are underway for Cote d’Ivoire’s crucial polls, L’inter (an independent daily) looked at the country’s political landscape. In a prominent story, the paper speculated about “a pact” to be sealed between Gbagbo and his main opponent, Alassane Dramane Ouattara. The deal could end up in what the paper called “a gentleman’s agreement” ahead of the coming elections. The paper also hinted that representatives of the two political rivals have been holding “secret meetings” to craft the deal. Meanwhile, the paper quoted a leading member of the opposition RDR [Ouattara’s party] who denied any consultations that would lead to an alliance between the RDR and the ruling FPI party. The paper quoted the RDR’s leader, who claimed that all these speculations are calculated to torpedo the RHDP opposition coalition. [NOTE: RHDP is made up of RDR, the former ruling PDCI-RDA party led by Ivorian ex-President Henri Konan Bedie, and two other minor parties.] 

5. On another development, a report in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) said that more than 2,000 youth in Abidjan are to get jobs under a UNDP-sponsored program. According to the paper, this was announced Monday at a seminar aimed at evaluating post-conflict projects designed to provide jobs to youth in Cote d’Ivoire. Estimated at FCFA 225 million (about $473,000), this project also received financial support from other international donors.

6. A front-page story in Fraternite Matin said that in retaliation for anti-riot police’s intervention to control striking dockworkers, angry demonstrators Monday destroyed public buses in Abidjan. In a related development, the paper indicated that nine health workers’ unions in Cote d’Ivoire have maintained their strike despite negotiations with the government on Monday to find solutions to their demands. According to the paper, the strike, which started yesterday, will continue until June 24. Medical doctors and other health workers are pressing for salary increases.

June 15, 2009

Reports in today’s and the weekend’s issues of Ivorian dailies said mudslides killed at least 19 people in a poor neighborhood of Abidjan. President Laurent Gbagbo’s official visit to Cote d’Ivoire’s western regions continues to be a dominant issue in today’s Ivorian press. The voter registration exercise and dockworkers’ strike that has brought business at a standstill at the Abidjan Port were the other major reports in today’s Ivorian press. Two Embassy programs, the visit of Imam Yahya Hendi to Cote d’Ivoire and June 18’s videoconference on President Obama’s 100 days in office, were also subjects of reports in the press.

1. “Heavy rains kill 19 people in Abidjan,” said a banner headline in the weekend’s issue of Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily). According to the report, the deaths occurred following landslides caused by Thursday night’s    downpour in a poor neighborhood of Abidjan. The report further noted that the most affected area was Attecoube (north of Abidjan) where houses are built on hillsides or waterways. In another report, the daily said the Minister of Construction, Urban Planning and Housing has announced important measures aimed at saving the lives of people living in poor and flood-prone areas in Abidjan. One of the measures is to remove dwellers from these areas by force, indicated the paper. It further quoted the minister as saying that as part of a government-sponsored relocation program, many dwellers received financial assistance; but refused to leave the flood-prone areas.

2. Reporting on President Gbagbo’s official visit to Cote d’Ivoire’s western regions, Fraternite Matin quoted the Ivorian leader as saying that hard work could help buttress peace in his country. The president, who was speaking in the Bafing region, called upon youth to be committed to work because “he who is working has no time to go to war.” While President Gbagbo tours the western region, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) indicated that the presidential visit has rekindled hope among the population in the region. The paper announced that the visit opens new perspectives for development in the war-affected region.

3. On matters concerning the identification of Ivorians living abroad, a report in Fraternite Matin announced that the operation started on June 11, 2009 in Washington D.C., where Cote d’Ivoire’s Ambassador to the United States, Charles Koffi, was registered. “I thank Ivorian authorities, especially the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, for allowing Ivorians living abroad to participate in the peace process,” Ambassador Koffi reportedly said.

4. Reporting on the same issue, Soir Info (an independent daily) said that about 73,000 Ivorians living abroad will be identified. The paper attributed the information to the Independent Electoral Commission which also announced, in a statement published by the paper, that the operation will be conducted in 23 countries. Still on the Ivorian peace process, the paper quoted Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Alain Le Roy as saying “I’m leaving [Cote d’Ivoire] reassured.” During his recent visit, Mr. Le Roy held discussions with Ivorian political stakeholders on preparations for the November 29, 2009’s elections and further measures to be taken so that the elections actually take place according to plan. 

6. Business has resumed at the Abidjan Port after a 10-day strike called by dockworkers, said a front-page story in June 12-13’s issue of Fraternite Matin. The report said this has been made possible following measures put in place by officials to secure the port and some of the dockworkers who have decided to ignore the strike. In a related development, the paper hinted that the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, is to hold an emergency meeting today with representatives of health workers in a bid to avert a nationwide strike called by the health workers’ unions.          

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

1. The visit of Imam Yahya Hendi, the Muslim chaplain at Georgetown University, to Cote d’Ivoire under the State Department’s IIP Speaker’s Program was a subject of substantive reports in Ivorian dailies. “Christians and Muslims are invited to join hands to fight extremism,” wrote Fraternite Matin quoting Imam Hendi, who was speaking Friday to Ivorian reporters during a media encounter organized by the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan. According to the paper, Imam Hendi, who is in Cote d’Ivoire to promote “peace,” said: “Violence is not the solution; we should rather engage in dialogue…” “Imam Yahya Hendi called for inter-religious dialogue,” said a prominent story in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party). “I have come to Cote d’Ivoire to promote dialogue between religions as well as between Cote d’Ivoire and the United states,” the paper quoted Imam Hendi as telling journalists at a press conference. The report further quoted the visiting Imam as saying: “Christians, Jewish and Muslims must live together… because we’re in the same boat. If it capsizes, we will all perish.”

2. Over the weekend, Radio Al Bayane (a Muslim radio in Abidjan) carried a 25-minute message on religious tolerance delivered by Imam Hendi after Friday’s prayer. Radio Cote d’Ivoire (state-run broadcasting network); Radio Frequence Vie (Protestant radio station in Abidjan) and Cocody FM (a commercial radio) also reported on Imam Hendi’s message for peace and religious tolerance.   

3. L’inter (an independent daily) reported that participants at a DVC program organized by ARS Paris and the U.S. Embassy said President Obama’s 100 days in office yielded positive results. The June 11 conference brought together journalists, political leaders, and civic activists and youth leaders.

June 12, 2009

Friday’s Ivorian dailies were dominated by reports on President Gbagbo’s final address to the people of Man.  The papers also talked about interactions between UN Deputy Secretary General in Charge of Peace Keeping Operations and Ivorian political stakeholders.  Other reporting was on the registration of Ivorian voters in France; the impacts of the strike at the Abidjan Port; the selected cantonment sites to accommodate the New Forces troops; as well as the fight against female genital mutilation.

1. Prominent articles in Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported on the events of President Gbagbo’s last day in the western region of Man. According to the paper, President Gbagbo agreed to some urgent social requests submitted by the local people. These include major construction and rehabilitation projects, which will be implemented soon in the region. Reporting the same topic, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) indicated that the President also paid tribute to the Prefects (Government appointed civilian administrators) and the military for their important roles in the actual implementation of Ouagadougou political Agreement.

2. Reporting on the UN Deputy Secretary General for Peace Keeping Operations, Mr. Alain Le Roy’s, working visit in Cote d’Ivoire,(Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) mentioned that Mr. Le Roy held a series of meetings with Ivorian political stakeholders to get first-hand information on the peace process underway.  On his meetings with Ivorian opposition leader Mr. Ouattara, the paper quoted Mr. Leroy as saying “I have come to monitor the peace process and ensure its smooth progress.”  The paper added that Mr. Le Roy previously met with Ivorian crisis facilitator Mr. Badini Boureima.

3. On the voter registration process, a report in Soir Info (a privately-owned daily) said that the operation started yesterday in France.  Three teams from the Independent Electoral Commission have been deployed to the Ivorian Embassy in Paris for this purpose.   Five other sites will be opened soon to allow for more registrations.  According to the paper, registration teams will be stationed in a total of seven cities in France and the operation is due to end on 30 June 2009.

4. Providing updates on dockworkers’ strike at the Abidjan port, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) reported that negotiations between dockworkers and port authorities are ongoing.  According to the paper, activities at the port remain disrupted. The paper reported on urgent measures taken to mitigate negative impacts on the country’s economy.

5. On military matters, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that eleven cantonment sites have been identified in Bouake for the New Forces troops.   In line with Ouagadougou political agreement, some 5,000 volunteers from the New Forces will be deployed in these barracks as part of the DDR process.

6. On human rights issues, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on the campaign against female genital(FGM) mutilations by the NGO, Generation des Femmes du 3e Age (Senior Women’s Generation.) The paper said that women from the western town of Biankouma were sensitized by the NGO on the dangers of FGM during a campaign, which also addressed  HIV AIDS and other health issues.

June 11, 2009

A U.N-supported program to establish a lasting peace and social cohesion in Cote d’Ivoire was the major issue in today’s Ivorian press. The newspapers also reported on President Laurent Gbagbo’s official visit to Cote d’Ivoire’s western regions, the impact dockworkers’ strike, as well as the plight of inmates in a prison located in Sassandra, south-western Cote d’Ivoire. President Barack Obama’s upcoming visit to Ghana and his 100 days in office were also subjects of comments in the dailies. The state-run News Agency also reported on a conference on child soldiers that was organized by the U.S. Embassy last week.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A report in this paper said that the U.N. Deputy Envoy to Cote d’Ivoire, Abou Moussa, urged the country’s civic groups to promote peace, tolerance and national harmony. Mr. Moussa said this when he addressed a conference on Ivorian civic groups’ contributions to promote peace and social cohesion in Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday. The U.N. envoy also praised the Ivorian civic groups for playing an important role in the peace process underway in this country, the report said. According to the report, the conference, which was sponsored by the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI), is aimed at providing members of the civic groups with skills and techniques they need to lead the campaign for peace and reconciliation in Cote d’Ivoire.  

2. Another report in Fraternite Matin said that the political situation in Cote d’Ivoire was the main agenda item during a meeting between French Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire Andre Janier and Ivorian opposition leader Alassane Dramane Ouattara on Wednesday. Speaking after the meeting, the French Ambassador was quoted as saying: “Mr. Ouattara and the other Ivorian political leaders have reassured me of their commitment to the peace process and the electoral process. They all told me that they’ve come to an agreement on November 29, 2009 as the date for the first round of the presidential elections and that the elections will be held as scheduled.” On France-Cote d’Ivoire relations, the French ambassador, who will be leaving Cote d’Ivoire soon said: “The two countries must continue to dialogue and their cooperation.”

3. On the identification process designed to provide identity documents to Ivorians, Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) quoted the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Robert Mambe Beugre, who said: “We’re ready to launch the program abroad.” According to the paper, the Commissioner further said that the program will be conducted in 23 countries including the United States.

4. On another development, Fraternite Matin reported that President Gbagbo, who is on a visit to Cote d’Ivoire’s western region told the government-appointed administrators (prefects) to secure the country’s rain forests in a bid to prevent what he called “illegal encroachment and occupation.” President Gbagbo reportedly said that 800 security forces will soon be deployed in the region to ensure the security of the population. According to the paper, this new deployment will help beef up security along Cote d’Ivoire’s boarders with Liberia and Guinea (Conakry).

5. A report in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that Konate Navigue, the leader of the youth wing of the ruling FPI called on the youths to reject any act of tribalism. Mr. Konate, who was addressing a rally in the western city of Danane in connection with the president’s visit to the region said: “Don’t listen to those who are spreading hate messages.” [NOTE: On Jan 17-31, 2009, Navigue KONATE, who is also a junior officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is one of many participants from around the world in the State Department-sponsored program on the Transition of Power in the U.S. Federal System.]    

6. A report in L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) talked about the difficult living conditions of inmates in a prison located in the south-west city of Sassandra. According to the paper, cells are overcrowded and inmates are often subject to diseases. In a bid to improve detainees’ conditions, the prison’s officials have carried out a series of rehabilitation projects. According to the report, officials are also working with the town’s main hospital to ensure attention to the medical needs of the detainees.

7. Reporting on the ongoing dockworkers’ strike at the Abidjan main Port, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) indicated that for more than ten days now businesses at the port are at standstill following anti-riot police intervention to control striking dockworkers. Reporting the same issue, L’inter (an independent daily) indicated that this could have negative impacts on the national economy and would result in food shortage and inflation. The paper also mentioned that the port management is taking urgent measures to assuage the situation.

8. On U.S. issues, Notre Voie quoted Ivorian ambassador Jean-Vincent Zinsou as saying that “The United States has recovered a lovely image” with President Barack Obama in power. According to the paper, Ambassador Zinsou was speaking Wednesday in Abidjan during a conference on President Obama’s 100 days in office. The conference was organized by Reseau des Parlementaires pour Obama [an Ivorian network of MPs supporting Obama]. The Ivorian diplomat reportedly said that the inauguration of President Obama on January 20, 2009 had brought “a radical change” not only in the United States but also in the world. Ambassador Zinsou, who is an expert in international relations, reportedly lauded President Obama’s economic reforms. The speaker described President Obama’s June 4 speech in Cairo as: “a message of reconciliation.” On U.S.-Africa relations, Ambassador Zinsou noted that President Obama mentioned Africa in his speeches only once since he assumes power, and this was during his inauguration. “We hope that the speech he will deliver in Accra [Obama is expected in Accra, Ghana on July 10-11, 2009] will help have a clearer vision of his projects for Africa,” the Ivorian diplomat was quoted as saying.

9. Reporting on the same issue, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) quoted the President of Reseau des Parlementaires pour Obama, Pale Dimate, who said: “Obama’s visit to Ghana is a hope for Africa.” The Ivorian MP further said: “We’re not saying that Obama will do miracle to revamp African economy just because he is a Black. The simple fact that he’s a Black is a reason [for Africans] to be proud. The continent will gain from the spirit of change that he epitomizes.”

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

The state-run News Agency (AIP) also reported on a conference on child soldier that was organized by the U.S. Embassy June 03, 2009. The program was based on Ishmael Beah’s book, “A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier.” The report said that the conference was an opportunity for Ivorians to understand the problem of child soldier in Africa and the ways to stamp it out.    

June 10, 2009

President Gbagbo’s ongoing visit to Cote d’Ivoire’s western region of Man; reactions from the Ivorian politicians following the death of Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondimba; the visit of the U.N. Deputy Secretary General in charge of Peacekeeping Operations to Cote d’Ivoire and reforms in coffee and cocoa sector were the major topics in the Ivorian dailies today. The dailies also talked about new security measures in the Ivorian sports stadium; the ongoing dockworkers’ strike and an America-sponsored project for the construction of a new slaughter house in Abidjan. Notre Heure published the last part of President Obama’s June 4 Cairo speech.

1. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) reported on President Gbagbo’s visit in Kouibly, in Cote d’Ivoire’s western region. “I have come here to bring you peace,” the paper reported President Gbagbo as saying. “We should forget the war and look forward,” the Ivorian leader reportedly said. The daily reported that President Gbagbo called on prefects (Government-appointed administrators) to help consolidate the ongoing peace process in the region.

2. In another development, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on President Gbagbo’s reaction after the death of President Bongo. President Gbagbo called on Gabon’s authorities and its people to abide by the Constitution and to avoid trouble. The report said leaders from Ivorian political parties, including the PDCI-RDA and RDR as well as the Social and Economic Council’s president, Mr. Laurent Dona Fologo paid tribute to the late Gabonese president for his commitment to the emancipation of the African continent.

3. Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) informed readers about Mr. Alain Le Roy’s three-day working visit to Cote d’Ivoire. Mr. Le Roy is the U.N. Deputy Secretary General in charge of Peacekeeping Operations. According to the paper, the purpose of this visit is to evaluate the ongoing peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire and identify urgent issues to be addressed. Mr. Le Roy will be meeting with Ivorian political stakeholders and facilitators. 

4. A report in Soir Info (an independent daily) shed light on yesterday meeting of Ivorian Coffee and Cocoa Reform Committee. The meeting was to discuss a development policy as instructed by the Ivorian government. The reform committee, the paper added, is tasked to make proposals in view of developing the sector to make the two commodities to be more competitive on the international market. 

5. Reporting on the dockworkers’ strike in Abidjan Port, Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition), indicated that the movement has brought to a standstill activities at the port. This situation, the paper added, is a real setback for the economy.

6. According to Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party),  Ivorian sports authorities yesterday announced new security measures to be put in place in the country’s sports stadiums.  In a statement, the authorities said that these new measures will be tested on June 13, 2009 during a friendly match between Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon.  These new measures will help avoid incidents like the March 29th stampede that left 20 people dead and some 131 injured at Abidjan’s main soccer stadium.

7. In another development, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on the construction of a new slaughter house in Anyama (a suburb of Abidjan) with the support of the American company, Century Group Corporation. According to the paper, representatives of the American group are meeting with Ivorian authorities to finalize the project.

8. Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) published the last part of President Obama’s June 4th Cairo speech. The first part was published in June 8 and June 9’s issues.

June 9, 2009

The general political atmosphere and President Laurent Gbagbo’s official visit to Man, in the western region of Cote d’Ivoire, were the major issues in today’s Ivorian press. A pro-opposition daily told readers that the ruling FPI party has shipped weapons into the country. The trial of top Ivorian officials incarcerated for their alleged involvement in a cocoa and coffee scandal; the strike of dockworkers and President Gbagbo’s reaction following the death of Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondimba were the other major stories. Notre Heure published the second part of the text of President Obama’s Cairo speech in French and promised to publish the rest of the document in its coming issues.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A banner headline in this paper said that General Robert Guei, the leader of the former Ivorian military junta, will be buried in August this year. According to the paper, the announcement was made Monday by President Gbagbo in the hometown of General Guei, during his visit to the western region of the country. President Gbagbo also promised to attend the funeral of the leader of the former Ivorian military junta. [NOTE: General Robert Guei, the leader of the former Ivorian military junta, was killed during the September 2002 coup attempt against Gbagbo that turned into a full-scale rebellion. There was a controversy between the government and his party/family about his burial which delayed it until now.] “Get ready to bury a great man by the end of August…,” the paper quoted Gbagbo, as the Ivorian leader paid tribute to the former military junta leader. This declaration, the paper indicated, has “definitely closed a seven-year quagmire and misunderstanding” over the death of late military leader.

2. “Gbagbo solves Guei’s problem,” said a prominent story in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party). According to the paper, those who predicted a clash between Gbagbo and the family of the late former Ivorian military junta leader were disillusioned because “there was rather a total communion between Gbagbo and the population of Man.” Reporting on the same issue, L’inter (an independent daily) suggested that there was no acrimony during the meeting between Gbagbo, “the supposed assassin of Guei,” and the population of Man, because they see him as “a messiah.” After years of conflict, the war-affected population in Man is living in dire straits, and in such a situation, they have no option but to ask the president to help resolve their daily problems.          

3. On the general political atmosphere in the run-up to the November 29 presidential elections, Fraternite Matin quoted President Gbagbo as saying: “There are no obstacles, we’ll go to polls” according to plan. The president, who was speaking during a rally in the western region of Man, said: “I’ve come here to bring you peace and to defy those who thought the Ouagadougou Political Agreement would not work. The team led by the Prime Minister has finished its job. All the political issues are resolved. The remaining ones are just technical issues…”

4. On other developments, Fraternite Matin reported that the disarmament process was the agenda of a meeting last week in Abidjan between the representative of Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore [facilitator in the Ivorian peace process], Ivorian government forces, New Forces’ military commanders and other government officials. According to the paper, the meeting focused on the housing issue for about 5,000 soldiers of the New Forces that have been selected to join Cote d’Ivoire’s new army. A technical team – including military commanders from government forces, New Forces and impartial forces – has been set up to look into the problems relating to the issue in order to find solutions.

5. A front-page story in Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) said that the ruling FPI party has shipped weapons into the country. According to the paper, these weapons, which were acquired in violation of an arms embargo imposed on Cote d’Ivoire by the U.N. Security Council, are reportedly being kept in arms cache in Abidjan, the country’s economic capital. 

6. A report in Fraternite Matin said that 30,000 war-displaced persons have returned home in the western region of Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the multi-faceted project, which includes human rights protection; social cohesion; community health rehabilitation; and community economic recovery, was jointly run by the International Rescue Committee and Care International.

7. On another issue, a report in Fraternite Matin said that one of the Ivorian officials who have been kept in custody for the past 12 months for their alleged implication in a cocoa and coffee scandal was questioned Monday by investigators. According to the paper, the interrogation came after thousands of people demonstrated Saturday in Abidjan to demand that the jailed officials be released on bail. Reporting on the same issue, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) quoted an unnamed lawyer as saying that the trial of the top officials could be “continuously delayed because many people are involved in this scandal.”

8. On economic issues, a prominent story in Soir Info (an independent daily), said security has been stepped up at Cote d’Ivoire's main port of Abidjan after police used tear gas to disperse dozens of striking dockworkers who slowed the flow of goods through the port on Monday. According to the paper, the striking dockers are demanding a salary increase.  The report said Monday's tear-gassing marks an escalation of the strike, which began last week.

9. A day after the official announcement of the death of Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondimba, President Gbagbo said that “Africa has lost one of its most illustrious sons and a key player in its political emancipation,” said a prominent story in Fraternite Matin.

10. Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) published the second part of President Obama’s June 4 speech in Cairo in French and promised to publish the rest of the document in its coming issues. The speech was provided by the State Department via the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan.

June 8, 2009

Today’s Ivorian press was dominated by the coming presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire as the country’s principal political leaders are engaged in a pre-election campaign. A report in the state-run daily Fraternite Matin said that Cote d’Ivoire’s First Ladies called for peace as the country celebrated Mothers Day. The newspapers also talked about human rights issues and the possible trial of top Ivorian officials incarcerated for their alleged involvement in a cocoa and coffee scandal. A rumor of the death of Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondimba was also a subject of front-page stories. The press again reported on President Barack Obama’s June 4 speech in Cairo.

1. A prominent story in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that President Gbagbo stole the show when he arrived Sunday in the western region of Man formerly under the control of the New Forces. The paper indicated that the president’s “official visit” to this war-torn region was planned two years ago but was continuously delayed. Gbagbo, who is touring this region almost seven years after the beginning of the conflict in September 2002, was welcomed by his Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, members of government and local officials, the report said. According to the report, some of his supporters carried placards with a message reading: “Gbagbo-Guei [General Robert Guei] together for the development of the western region.” [NOTE: General Robert Guei, the leader of the former Ivorian military junta, was killed during the September 2002 coup attempt against Gbagbo that turned into a full-scale rebellion.]

2. A story in Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) announced that President Gbagbo is expected in Kabacouma, the home village of General Guei, to present condolences to his family. The paper went on to suggest that Gbagbo’s visit to this village will help dispel misunderstanding surrounding the death of General Guei.

3. Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party): The paper carried a prominent story saying that thousands of youths welcomed the Ivorian former President, Henri Konan Bedie, on Saturday in Williamsville, a district of Abidjan. The Ivorian ex-president and also possible flagbearer of the PDCI-RDA during the coming presidential elections was quoted as saying that “Together we’ll work to achieving social development for all.” Bedie, 75, was further reported as saying that his age does not constitute a handicap for him as a candidate for presidency.

4. Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition): A prominent story in this paper said that the Ivorian opposition heavyweight, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, said that President Gbagbo alone cannot be held responsible for the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire. Mr. Ouattara, the paper said, was speaking over the weekend to supporters during his tour in southwestern Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, Mr. Ouattara, who is leader of the opposition RDR party, has been touring this region as part of a pre-electoral campaign.

5. As Cote d’Ivoire gears up for November 29, 2009’s presidential elections, a report in Fraternite Matin said that the country’s First Ladies met over the weekend and called for peace and economic revival. Mrs Simone Gbagbo, wife of the current president, two former First Ladies and the wife of the leader of the RDR attended the function, reported the paper. It further quoted Mrs Therese Houphouet-Boigny, wife of the late President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, as telling Ivorians: “You must continue to keep the flame of peace alive.” 

6. On human rights issues, a report in Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said that the Ivorian League for Human Rights (LIDHO) denounced the impunity that Cote d’Ivoire’s Student Federation (FESCI) enjoys. According to the paper, a document published by the civic rights organization following its 6th Congress called on the Ivorian government “to help end the impunity that members of FESCI continue to enjoy.” “It is important for the Ivorian human rights body not to keep silent over human rights violations committed by FESCI and the protection that it receives from public authorities,” the paper quoted the document as saying.

7. Fraternite Matin hinted that Ivorian top officials, who have been kept in custody for the past 12 months for their alleged implication in a cocoa and coffee scandal, could appear before a court next week. Still on this issue, the paper reported that thousands of people demonstrated Saturday in Abidjan to demand that the jailed officials be released on bail.   

8. A rumor that Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondimba died was a subject of front-page stories in many Ivorian newspapers today. “After 41 years grip on power, Omar Bongo, the last godfather of France-Afrique died,” said a front-page story in L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily). Fraternite Matin, which also announced the death of Gabonese president, however quoted Gabon’s Prime Minister as saying: “I’m not aware,” of Bongo’s death.

9. On President Obama’s Cairo Speech, Notre Heure published the first part of the text in French and promised to publish the rest of the document in its coming issues. The paper also devoted its back page to a photo album from Cairo provided by the State Department via the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan. The state-run TV network (TV2) also carried excerpts of the message during its weekly English News program. Other local radio stations – including the Radio Al Bayane (a Muslim radio station in Abidjan); Radio Bingerville (a suburb of Abidjan); Radio Amitie in Yopougon (a district of Abidjan) aired excerpts of the speech.   

June 5, 2009

Ivorian dailies mostly reported on Prime Minister Soro’s interview; President Gbagbo’s future upcountry visit; and the National Coordinator of the National Program for Reintegration and Community Rehabilitation’s interview. There were also reports on the UN Special Envoy’s meeting with diplomats in Cote d’Ivoire; the voter registration process; a strike by dockworkers; and a poliomyelitis immunization campaign.  Many papers gave positive factual reports on President Obama’s Cairo speech, drawing on stories from international outlets. 

1. In a frontline article, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported Prime Minister Soro’s interview on recent developments in the ongoing peace process.  Soro pointed out major achievements such as the power shift from military to government administrators, the ongoing voter registration process and the establishment of an Integrated Command Center. He was reported as saying that ‘’as per the recent meeting in Ouagadougou, the closing date for voter registration is set for June 30, 2009.’’ This step will be followed by cross-checking prior to the official release by the Election Commission of the voters list, he further added. On security, the Prime Minister indicated that the situation is improving.

2.  On the upcoming presidential visit to the western part of the country, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) indicated that everything is now ready. Citing Mr. Bih Emile, President Gbagbo’s Campaign Manager in the Western region, the paper mentioned that people are preparing to welcome the president after several delays. For MP Noutoua Youde, this is ‘’an historical visit and a challenge to meet.” This will be the first president’s visit in the region since the war broke out.

3. L’Inter (an independent daily) reported on an interview by the National Coordinator of the National Program for Reintegration and Community Rehabilitation, Mr. Daniel Kossomina Ouattara. The program, the coordinator said, is now focused on civil activities for the reintegration of former combatants and militia men. Some 1600 former soldiers have been reintegrated with the joint support of the Ivorian Government, the UN and French assistance. Efforts should be made now to address the rehabilitation issue, the coordinator added.

4. Reporting on the Independent Electoral Commission meeting held yesterday, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) mentioned that 19 teams will be deployed in France and 6 others in New York, Washington, Los Angeles and Atlanta in the framework of Ivorian abroad registration. The operation, the paper added, is due to last 15 to 18 days. The process still continues up to June 30, 2009 upcountry and a final phase will be held in Abidjan in mid-June, the paper further added.

5. On the elections certification process, Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) reported a meeting between UN Special Envoy Mr. Choi and diplomats in Cote d’Ivoire. Discussion focused on the main criteria for the UN-led certification. Mr. Hamadoun Touré, ONUCI Spokesperson, recommitted the institution’s support for the identification process.

6. An article in Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) shed light on the strike launched on June 1, 2009 by dockworkers at Abidjan’s sea port. According to the paper, the workers are requesting better social and professional treatment. Still on this strike, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (a privately-owned daily) informed readers on the potential shortage of common goods as a result of port activities perturbations.

7. On health issues, an article in Soir Info (an independent daily) reported on the poliomyelitis immunization campaign co-sponsored by the National Ministry of Public Health and Rotary International.  Children from 0 to 5 years of age received two inoculations against the disabling disease. Cote d’Ivoire is engaged in the fight to eradicate this disease, the paper added.

8. Ivorian media outlets also reported on President Barack Obama’s speech in Cairo. Most of these stories, which were culled from international media outlets (AFP; Reuters; AP; RFI; France 24; France Soir), were overall positive in tone. Fraternite Matin (state-owned daily) carried a report reading “Obama advocates reconciliation between the United States and Muslims.” The paper also published a reaction from a Muslim leader who described President Obama’s speech as “An honor for the Muslim world.” “The cycle of suspicion must stop,” Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) quoted President Obama as telling the Muslims. A report in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said:  “President Obama calls on Muslims around the world to show openness and moderation,” while a report in Soir Info (an independent daily) said: “Obama calls for the end of an era of mistrust with the Muslim world.” Government-run and private radio and TV stations (including UNOCI FM – a UN radio in Cote d’Ivoire) carried excerpts of the speech with voiceover in French.

June 4, 2009

Guinean leader Moussa Dadis Camara made headlines in today’s Ivorian press as he is expected Friday in Yamoussoukro as part of a maiden official visit to Cote d’Ivoire. The dailies again reported on an attack in a village located in northern Cote d’Ivoire. The identification of Ivorians living abroad; a new commander of French contingent stationed in Cote d’Ivoire and World Bank’s support to anti-HIV/AIDS campaign were the other major news items.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A banner headline in this paper announced that the Guinean leader, Moussa Dadis Camara, is expected Friday in Cote d’Ivoire’s political capital Yamoussoukro as part of a maiden official visit to this country. On the agenda of the visit, the paper said the leader of the military junta that seized power in Guinea in December 2008 will hold talks with President Laurent Gbagbo on bilateral issues. The paper further commented that this visit would enable Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea to buttress their relations and dissipate misunderstanding between the two West African countries that share common borders.

2. On other bilateral issues, Fraternite Matin reported on a meeting between President Gbagbo and the new commander of the French contingents in Cote d’Ivoire, General Jean-Francois Hogard. “The Licorne remains present, vigilant and ready to help secure the electoral process,” the paper quoted General Hogard as saying. The report further reported the outgoing force commander General Philippe Houbron as saying that half of the peace process has been completed following the recent transfer of power between the New Forces military commanders and the government-appointed administrators (prefects). [NOTE: France has down sized its military force, Operation Licorne, in Cote d’Ivoire by half to bring it down to 900 troops. French Prime Minister Francois Fillon in January announced a planned cutback in Operation Licorne, which was deployed in the West African country following a failed coup bid against President Laurent Gbagbo in September 2002.]

3. On matters concerning the voter registration exercise, a front-page story in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that the Ivorian living abroad are not happy because they fear that some of them will be disfranchised during this operation. Still on the coming presidential elections billed for November 29, 2009, L’inter (an independent daily) quoted the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Robert Beugre Mambe, who said: “The commission will do everything possible so that the polls, which are scheduled for November 29, 2009, are held according to plan.” The electoral commissioner, the paper said, was speaking following a recent meeting with Ivorian Roman Catholic clerics.

4. A few days after an armed attack in a village in northern Cote d’Ivoire, a front-page story in L’inter said that the New Forces military commander who led the attack was dismissed. According to the paper, a delegation of the New Forces visited Wednesday the village to apologize for what happened. Media reports yesterday said that one person was killed and scores were injured as armed men attacked Petionnara, a village in northern Cote d’Ivoire. In a related development, Soir Info (an independent daily) said that the recent attack in the northern called for urgent measures so that the deployment of 8,000 special mixed government forces and New Forces becomes effective.

5. On health issues, a report in Fraternite Matin said that the World Bank on Wednesday signed a $20 million financing agreement to support projects aimed at fighting HIV/AIDS in Cote d’Ivoire. The four-year program will be implemented by seven government departments including the ministry in charge of HIV/AIDS and that of education, social affairs, interior, defense and sports. 

June 3, 2009

An attack on a village located in northern Cote d’Ivoire by armed men was a subject of prominent stories in today’s Ivorian press. The Ivoirian newspapers also reported on new developments in the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire. The reduction of French troops stationed in Cote d’Ivoire; a recent anti-corruption awareness campaign co-sponsored by Cote d’Ivoire International Visitors Association and the U.S. Embassy; the fate of 14,000 Liberian refugees living in Cote d’Ivoire were the other major news items in the papers. President Barack Obama’s maiden visit to Egypt on Thursday was also in today’s news.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A prominent story in this paper said that one person was killed and scores were injured as armed men attacked Petionnara, a village in northern Cote d’Ivoire. The paper quoted eyewitness reports, which said that the attack was carried out by gunmen in khakis. According to the paper, calm returned to the area after a New Forces detachment was dispatched to the village. The paper further attributed an explanation to unnamed sources, who said that the attack resulted from a disagreement between a businessman and youths in the village over management of a gold mine located in the area.

2. “New Forces soldiers attack a village,” said a front-page story in L’inter (an independent daily). According to the paper, one former rebel was killed, while many villagers sought refuge in the bush.

3. In another development, a report in Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said that despite the recent power transfer from New Forces military commanders to government-appointed administrators, plan to restore state’s authority in the entire country is yet to be effected on the ground. According to the paper, the New Forces continue to collect taxes in the regions formerly under their control. The report said New Forces soldiers are still in control at checkpoints; this has been confirmed by travelers, traders as well as truck drivers, who frequent these regions.

4. Another prominent report in Le Jour Plus said that a U.N-sponsored job creation micro-project is in jeopardy because the leader of the  organization responsible for the implementation of the project has taken off with the  FCFA 12 million (about $26,000) budgeted for the project.  The purpose of the project is to create jobs for former militiamen and school dropouts in the western region of Cote d’Ivoire.

5. A report in Soir Info (An independent daily) said that the decision by France to down size its military contingent in Cote d’Ivoire - Operation Licorne - to 900 troops has been put in place. According to the paper, this was announced by Force Commander General Philippe Houbron on Tuesday in Abidjan.  The paper quoted Houbron, who said: “In the space of three months, we've sent 900 personnel back to France and closed our base in Bouake [former New Forces stronghold], though a liaison team of 15 men remains there.”

6. As Cote d’Ivoire is geared for presidential elections on November 29, 2009, Soir Info suggested that the electoral process could slide into violence. The paper noted that in the run-up to these crucial polls, many political leaders and their supporters, engaged in pre-campaign, are being subjected to obstacles and are being denied free access throughout the country. The paper went on to warn that if this situation is not corrected, the electoral process could be scarred with violence. After calling on poltical leaders to abide by the Code of Good Conduct they signed, the paper said that the Center of Integrated Command – a government forces and New Forces joint security unit – has a big role to play in bringing the situation under control.

7. An anti-corruption awareness campaign - “Youth and Corruption” organized by Cote d’Ivoire’s United States International Visitors’ Association (AIVI-USA) was a subject of an extensive  report in Fraternite Matin. The American Embassy’s Political and Economic Chief Silvia Eiriz contributed to the discussion. The program was designed for youths in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire’s political capital; over 300 students were present. Many returning international visitors and other American diplomats, including Etta Toure and Elizabeth Ballow attended the event.

8. In a separate development, a report in Fraternite Matin said that the U.N. High Commission for Refugees encouraged some 14, 000 Liberian refugees to return to their country. According to the paper, the Country Director of the UN High Commission for Refugees in Cote d’Ivoire, who was speaking a few days ago, exhorted the refugees to return home in order to participate in the reconstruction of their country.

9. Finally, on matters relating to U.S. diplomacy, L’inter reported on President Barack Obama’s upcoming visit to Cairo, Egypt. “The United States is one of the biggest Muslim countries in the world,” the paper quoted President Obama as saying Tuesday on Canal+ (a French TV network) ahead of his Thursday visit to Cairo. The paper informed readers that the American leader is set to deliver an important message to Muslims worldwide.  

June 2, 2009

Today’s Ivoirian papers reported on the French Ambassador’s interview on the Ivorian crisis; the Independent Elections Commission’s plans to register Ivoirians abroad as well as detainees; and the National Consensus Day’s final resolutions. The UN Security Council’s meeting on Cote d’Ivoire and a report on female genital mutilations were also in today’s press.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on an interview by French Ambassador Andre Janier on the latest development in the Ivorian crisis. According to the paper, the French official re-committed France’s support to the peace process and called on Ivorians to continuously work towards peace. Discussing the recent handover of power from New Forces military commanders to government administrators (prefects,) Mr. Janier stated that the atmosphere is now better and that mutual trust is noticeable.  Regarding the election certification, the French Ambassador said that it will be carried in accordance with Cote d’Ivoire’s electoral law. 

2. Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) informed readers about the ongoing identification process upcountry and also reported on the Independent Elections Commission’s press statement, which announced that the registration of Ivoirians abroad will begin soon. The process, the paper added, will start in mid-June 2009 in countries, where there is a high concentration of Ivoirians.

3. On the same topic, Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) indicated that Ivorian prison detainees in Cote d’Ivoire will also be registered; the registration is expected to begin soon in all prisons nationwide. The paper further said that although legally deprived of some civil rights, detainees still have the right to be issued national identification cards.

4. Reporting on the recent National Consensus Day, a forum that took place in Abidjan, L’inter (an independent daily) said that final resolutions focused on mitigating conflicts, boosting the peace process and ultimately regenerating the country’s social, political and economic system. Still on the final resolutions of the National Consensus Day, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said that participants called for a review of Cote d’Ivoire’s Constitution to reinforce democracy and social cohesion. Dr Patrick N’gouan, the Ivorian Civil Society Coordinator, said the resolutions will be handed over to the President Gbagbo.

5. Soir Info (an independent daily) reported on the UN Security Council meeting of May 29th, which called on Ivorian political stakeholders to abide by the timetable of the presidential elections set for November 29, 2009. According to the paper, the Council emphasized the necessity of respecting all commitments in order to finalize the peace process.     

6. On human rights issues, a report in Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said that 36.4 percent of Ivorian women are victims of female genital mutilation. The north, the northern-west and western regions of Cote d’Ivoire are areas, where this traditional practice is highly practiced. According to the paper, experts say that young girls face psychological and physical risks during these mutilations and added that consequences are often irreversible, hence the necessity to stop this practice. 

June 26, 2009

Friday’s Ivorian dailies were dominated by President Gbagbo’s address to the Ivorian bar and the threat of a public demonstration by the Ivorian Students Union (FESCI.) Other reports were on the government’s support to victims of heavy rains, as well as the final phase of the voter registration process. The death of American pop star Michael Jackson also made the news.

1. A prominent article in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on President Gbagbo’s address to the Ivorian bar, which was commemorating its fiftieth anniversary in Yamoussoukro, yesterday.  According to the paper, President Gbagbo commended the Ivorian lawyers for their commitment to justice and equity and told them of his commitment to the rule of law.

Still on the same ceremony, Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) reported on comments  by former president of Ghana Jerry Rawlings and Senegal’s former president Abdou Diouf. Both presidents appealed to Ivoirians to abide by the principles of democracy, especially during the upcoming elections.

2. Mr. Abdou Diouf, who is the Secretary General of the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF), also met with the Independent Electoral Commission President, Mr. Robert Mambe. According to Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) Diouf’s discussion with Mr. Mambe focused on the ongoing registration process and the OIF’s support for the operation.

3. Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) reported that the Ivoirian Students Union (FESCI) plans to hold a demonstration that will close down activities in Abidjan on Monday, June 29, 2009.  According to the paper, FESCI is protesting a planned strike by teachers.  On the plans for the demonstration, the paper quoted Mr. Augustin Mian, the Secretary General of FESCI, who said “We will paralyze Abidjan on Monday, if nothing is done.”  Mian also reportedly called on President Gbagbo to respond to the demands of the teachers.

Reporting on the same issue, Soir Info (a privately owned daily) said that the planned demonstration by FESCI is to urge national authorities to put an end to what it called “a boycott of the exams”.  According to the paper Mian said “Our demonstration is contingent upon the outcome of the meeting the President is due to have with the Teachers Unions.”

4. On the government’s efforts to assist victims of recent heavy rains and mudslides Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) reported that accommodations have been set up for ORSEC Plan in Treichville in the center of Abidjan.  According to the paper, the government is working to find lasting solutions to address the issue of heavy rains victims; the government is also looking voluntary support to ensure success in its efforts.

5. Finally, the death of American pop star Michael Jackson was reported in several dailies today.  L’intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily)told readers that the 50-year old world famous singer suffered a cardiac arrest in Los Angeles, California and that he was planning a series of comeback concerts.

June 29, 2009

Reports in the press over the weekend and today in Cote d’Ivoire were dominated by pre-election “fever” in this country. The dailies also announced the end of the voter registration on June 30, 2009. The joint mock military exercise conducted by the U.N. Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) and Licorne (French troops stationed in Cote d’Ivoire); the two cases of swine flu confirmed in Cote d’Ivoire; and the controversy over government’s subsidy to the Ivorian press were also in the news. The papers continue to report on the death of the American pop star, Michael Jackson.

1. A banner headline in Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) said that Ivorian political leaders are on the campaign trail for the upcoming Cote d’Ivoire’s presidential elections billed for November 29, 2009. Addressing a rally on Saturday in the central city of Bouake – former stronghold of the New Forces -, Ivorian opposition leader Alassane Dramane Ouattara said: “We’re all Ivoirians,” according to the paper. Mr. Ouattara, who was barred from running for the presidency in 2000 following the controversy over his nationality, reportedly said: “The suspicion over nationality of certain citizens should come to an end to build the country with all Ivoirians.” According to the paper, Mr. Ouattara, leader of the opposition RDR party, whose message focused on “pardon and reconciliation,” insisted that the presidential elections be held this year.

2. “We want to change Cote d’Ivoire,” Fraternite Matin quoted Francis Wodie, the leader of Ivorian Workers Party (PIT), as telling supporters during a pre-campaign rally on  Saturday in Abidjan. On the continuous delay of the coming presidential elections, Mr. Wodie said: “We’re tired.” He further said, “We hope that this time, those that pledged to organize the elections, will live up to their promise.” In a related development, a story in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that the Chairman of the FPI party, Pascal Affi N’Guessan, called on the party’s rank and file members to unite. According to the paper, the chairman was reacting to recent events of internal discord, which he reportedly said could undermine the party’s efforts to win the elections and retain power.

3. On matters concerning the voter registration, Notre Voie published a public statement issued by the Independent Electoral Commission, which said that the operation will end on June 30, 2009. According to the statement, the decision by the electoral body not to extend the exercise is in compliance with ”the timetable agreed upon by various political parties during the May 18, 2009’s meeting of the CPC – a committee overseeing the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement.”

4. While Cote d’Ivoire is preparing for crucial presidential elections, a report in the weekend’s issue of L’inter (an independent daily) said that the U.N. Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) and Licorne (French troops stationed in Cote d’Ivoire) has been trained on how to contain crowds. The report said that police officers from the Jordanian U.N. troops and elements of Licorne conducted a joint mock exercise on June 24, 2009 in Grand Bassam, a town close to Abidjan. The exercise was part of routine training aimed at testing reactions of U.N. troops in Cote d’Ivoire.  

5. On health issues, a prominent story in the weekend’s issue of Fraternite Matin informed the public that the Ministry of Health in Cote d’Ivoire on Friday confirmed two cases of swine flu. According to the paper, the cases were confirmed by the Institut Pasteur (Cote d'Ivoire’s National Influenza Center) and then by a World Health Organization laboratory. [NOTE: In the context of its ongoing efforts to improve the health of the Ivorian people, the U.S. government donated on April 29, 2009 advanced equipment and computer technology to Institut Pasteur in Cote d’Ivoire. The equipment is to allow doctors to diagnose respiratory diseases, including a variety of strains of influenza, more rapidly than ever before. In addition to common influenza-like illnesses, the equipment also gives the laboratory the capacity to rapidly diagnose avian influenza strains and other unique influenzas that may have pandemic potential among human beings.]

6. On media issues, Fraternite Matin reported that the Ivorian government has provided Francs CFA 542 million (about $1.2 million) to Fonds de Soutien et de Developpement de la Presse (FSDP) – Funds for assistance and development of the press in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the report, Francs CFA 50 million (about $107,526) will be allocated to the printing media in Cote d’Ivoire, a decision that was immediately rejected by the GEPCI – Association of Ivorian newspapers publishers. The paper quoted the president of GEPCI, Denis Kah Zion, who denounced what he calls “the small portion” for the printing press.  According to the paper, he accused the government of not respecting its commitment; the total operation budget of the FSDP is estimated at Francs CFA 3.120 billion ($6.7 million). 

7. On the death of American pop star Michael Jackson, Fraternite Matin carried a two-page story on his visit to Cote d’Ivoire in February 1992. The paper republished a story published in connection with his visit here. “Dangerous Michael!” said the front-page report. The report said that thousands of fans, journalists and photographers turned up at the Felix Houphouet Boigny International Airport to catch a glimpse of or snatch words from the pop star. Another front-page report in Nord-Sud Quotidien said that Krindjabo, a town in south-eastern Cote d’Ivoire is mourning Michael Jackson. The paper, which devoted its full back-page to the death of Michael Jackson, reminded readers that the late pop star during his visit to  Cote d’Ivoire, also went  Krindjabo (believed to be his original hometown), where he was crowned a king.