March 30, 2007 

1. Grip and grin photos of Gbagbo and Soro are prominent in today’s Ivoirian papers, in the wake of the official nomination of the leader of the New Forces as the new Prime Minister of Cote d’Ivoire.

2. “After the signing of his nomination decree, Soro has settled into the Office of Prime Minister,” says a front-page story carried by Le Front. “Soro has been given the decree, signed by Gbagbo, appointing him as the Prime Minister,” reports the paper. “Who is Soro Kigbafori Guillaume?” asks the paper.

3. Responding to the question, the daily close to the New Forces says, “Soro was born on May 8, 1972 in Cote d’Ivoire. He holds a diploma from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Cocody-Abidjan. As a student, he was active in activities of the FESCI – an Ivoirian student movement – becoming its Secretary General in 1994. Soro, who also studied Political Sciences in France, while in exile, created the Patriotic Movement of Cote d’Ivoire (MPCI) in 2001, one of the groups that later became the political wing of the rebellion that split the country into two after the September 2002 military uprising.”

4. “In receiving his nomination, Soro thanked Gbagbo,” says a banner headline running across Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, “The ceremony took place yesterday at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan.  Wearing a blue suit, Soro -- accompanied by New Forces’ top brass -- made a quite entrance at the Palace, while journalists and officials looked on,” reports the paper. It notes, “Contrary to previous years, the ambiance was good.” This, according to the state-owned daily, “Is a sign that peace is taking shape, and that the spirit of the Ouagadougou Agreement remains true.”

5. Speaking to reporters, Soro said: “I thank the President of the Republic. Indeed, the agreement signed after our direct talks recommended a new Prime Minister be selected, and I’ve been chosen to assume this responsibility. … I thank all Ivoirians, and all those who contributed to this denouement. Very soon I’ll address the Nation,” reports Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party.   

6. Regarding the fate of the outgoing Prime Minister, the paper discloses that, “Charles Konan Banny, a former Governor of the West African Central Bank, has been appointed Cote d’Ivoire’s Ambassador to Guinea. He’ll assume duty on April 1.”

7. Narrating events that led to the UN Security Council’s “nod” to the Ouagadougou Agreement and “Soro’s official nomination as Premier,” 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, tells readers, “How Soro maneuvered about ” to win what it calls ‘a small victory.’ According to the paper, Soro made “the approval of the international community one of his pre-conditions to accepting his nomination as Prime Minister.” Citing reliable sources, the paper indicates that, “After signing the Ouagadougou Agreement, Soro successfully blocked the issuance of the presidential decree, until he received the UN’s backing.”

8. On an optimistic note, Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, says, “The official nomination of Soro as Prime Minister marks the beginning of a process that could lead to the reunification of the country.”

9. A day after Soro sat comfortably in the Prime Minister’s chair, Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, suggests, “Soro has shifted from being a military to political leader. Now he must deal with new realities, and he has to quickly find solutions to all the political, economic, and social problems facing the country.” “To succeed in his mission,” the paper carries on, “Soro should distance himself from the traditional political class, restore a climate conducive to confidence, organize credible elections, and prepare the ground for a new political culture in Cote d’Ivoire.”

10. Considering “the heavy task awaiting the new premier,” Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA, wonders “whether Soro really has the powers he claims.”

11. A front-page story in Nord-Sud Quotidien, says, “The first tete-a-tete yesterday between Gbagbo and Soro was marred by disagreements over the composition of the cabinet.” According to the paper, “The two leaders differed over the new transitional government. However, they agreed to leave the matter to their negotiators to find a solution.”

12. Telling a different story, the privately-owned daily, Soir Info, announces that, “The new cabinet is ready.”

13. In another development, L’inter says, “Intelligence services are chasing the exiled former Ivoirian military officer, Major Ibrahim Coulibaly, recently quoted by the Ivorian media as saying, ‘I’m on my way home, and I’m not part of the Ouagadougou Agreement.’”

March 29, 2007 

1. Gbagbo and Soro. These are the two political figures dominating today’s headlines in Ivoirian papers. The Ivoirian head of state and the leader of the New Forces are due to meet today, a day after the UN Security Council endorsed the Ouagadougou Agreement, which was signed a couple of weeks ago.

2. "Gbagbo and Soro are to hold a tete-a-tete today," says a prominent headline carried by the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin. "This maiden meeting, after the signing of the Ouagadougou Agreement on March 4," writes the paper "will focus on the decree that will officially nominate Soro as the new Prime Minister, and setting up the new government mandated by the accord."

3. The paper quotes a communique of the New Forces as saying, "The Secretary General of the New Forces, Soro Kigbafori Guillaume, is expected in Abidjan on Thursday, March 29. Soro will meet with the head of state, Laurent Gbagbo. This meeting is a follow-up to the Ouagadougou Agreement, recommending deliberations on the institutional framework for implementing the new government."

4. According to the paper, "The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, congratulated Gbagbo and Soro for having taken measures to facilitate the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement." "The UN Security Council approves and supports the agreement," while, "The EU welcomes the nomination of Soro as Prime Minister."

5. With a picture of Soro and Gbagbo on its front page, Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, runs a banner headline saying, "Gbagbo and Soro are set for a crucial meeting today in Abidjan." After the UN Security Council’s "nod," "The next step is the official decree appointing Soro as the new Prime Minister," notes the paper. The paper runs a commentary explaining, "Why Soro has accepted the post of Prime Minister." The comment says, "35 years old, Soro does not meet the required age yet to vie for the presidency… However his chances to succeed are not insignificant."

6. "The UN has thrown the Resolution 1721 into the dust bin," says a front-page story in 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition.

7. "The Ouagadougou Agreement has rectified the previous Ivoirian peace agreements, including the Marcoussis Accord," Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party quotes a law professor as saying.

8. Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, quotes the French Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Andre Janier, in reaction to the nomination of Soro as the Prime Minister, as saying, "We have confidence in Ivoirians."

9. According to a front-page story in Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, "Soro wants to take control of the state’s institutions." These include, "The Economic and Social Council, Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, Office of the Mediator, High Chancellery, Audit Office…"

10. According to the paper, "The leader of the New Forces may establish his office in a Hotel in Abidjan in an attempt to pre-empt the harassment that his two predecessors went through." "Some councils of government may also be found in Bouake," suggests the paper.

11. Charles Ble Goude, the leader of the Young Patriots, speaking to L’inter, talked to the privately-owned daily about, "The role I will play in the new government." According to the paper, "This youth leader is likely to get a post in the future administration."

March 28, 2007 

1. Soro Kigbafori Guillaume continues to make the headlines in all Ivoirian dailies. A day after they announced his imminent nomination as the new Prime Minister of Cote d’Ivoire, papers now look at the real powers of the leader of the New Forces, and ponder his chances to succeed in the heavy task awaiting him. 

2. A banner headline running across 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, says, “Soro is a powerless Prime Minister.” According to the paper, “The new government will be announced at the end of this week or early next week.” Citing reliable sources, close to talks underway for the formation of the new cabinet, the paper discloses that, “Soro is likely to commence his mandate without two fundamental tools needed for the good management of a government.” These tools, it explains, include “The ministries of defense and security.” “Our sources said: ‘The head of state wants to keep these key portfolios for his party,” indicates the paper. 

3. As to the legality of the procedure that would lead to Soro’s appointment as a premier, 24 Heures suggests that, “The nomination of Soro by presidential decree will only but reinforce Gbagbo’s powers and enable him to take control of his legitimacy.”

4. “The challenges awaiting Soro,” is the major news on the front page of Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. “He’s to become the third Prime Minister since the crisis, and his mission won’t be easy. His roadmap is large, and the challenges are huge,” writes the paper. The paper says, “These challenges facing Soro include the identification process, the merger of the Ivoirian national and New Forces army, and how to resolve the problems of workers who have been on strike actions for some time now, to demand better conditions.”

5. As consultations are underway for the setting up of the new cabinet, Nord-Sud Quotidien says, “Soro is under heavy pressure.” The first pressure, notes the paper “is coming from France, which wants a government, whose composition should not exceed 26 portfolios, to be set up quickly.” The second pressure comes from the opposition alliance called the RHDP, which wants “full representation of its members in the new government.”

6. In another development, the paper carries a feature story portraying what it calls “the miserable situation of Ivoirian workers.”

7. “The UN is to endorse the choice of Soro as the next Ivoirian Prime Minister,” says a banner headline in Fraternite Matin, the state-owned daily. According to the paper, “The UN Security Council has recognized the nomination of Soro.” At home, the UDPCI and MFA -- two members of the opposition alliance -- “congratulate Soro,” the paper reports. According to the paper, “The two major opposition parties – PDCI-RDA and RDR – have yet to react to the news.”

8. “After his nomination, Soro has established his headquarters in Yamoussoukro, the Ivoirian political capital,” says Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition.

9. A front-page story in Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI, says, “All Ivoirian political parties are worried about Soro’s imminent nomination as Prime Minister.” Quoting a political observer, the paper suggests that, “The choice of Soro has triggered a small landslide in the political arena, because it marks a generational conflict.”

10. According to Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, “Soro owes his coronation to Gbagbo, and the Youth leader Charles Ble Goude.” The paper quotes Ble Goude as saying, “With Gbagbo and Soro in command, power will belong to the poor.”

11. While attention is focused on Soro’s nomination as Prime Minister and on the new government to be set up, L’intelligent d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily, carries on its front page the picture of exiled former Ivoirian military officer, Major Ibrahim Coulibaly, whom it calls “The presumed true father of the rebellion.” “I’m on my way back home. I’m not part of the Ouagadougou Agreement,” the paper quotes Coulibaly as saying.

March 27, 2007 

1. Today’s big news in pro-government and opposition papers is that the leader of the New Forces, Soro Guillaume, has been offered the post of the Prime Minister.

2. "Prime Minister: Soro takes power," says a banner headline carried by Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party. "An additional agreement was signed yesterday in Ouagadougou, recommending that Soro should be named as the new Prime Minister," reports the paper. According to the paper, the agreement came after a meeting yesterday in the Burkinabe capital between Soro and representatives of the opposition alliance called the RHDP. The meeting, explains the paper, was aimed at "harmonizing positions on the constitutional framework to be put in place in accordance with the Ouagadougou Agreement."

3. The paper comments, "The Secretary General of the New Forces will have the heavy task of leading the government that will be responsible for organizing national elections in Cote d’Ivoire within ten months."

4. The front-page of Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, reads: "Soro, new Prime Minister." According to the paper, Ivoirian President Laurent Gbagbo will sign "a decree, appointing the leader of the New Forces as the Prime Minister." The paper suggests, "One cannot expect a better result from the direct talks initiated by Gbagbo… For the first time since the Ivoirian crisis has broken out, the two belligerents – Soro and Gbagbo – are to work together. The two rivals will be tasked to rule together for the next 10 months, as recommended by the Ouagadougou Agreement."

5. "Direct talks in Ouagadougou are over, and Soro has been confirmed the Prime Minister," says a front-page report carried by Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. According to the paper, Soro is demanding "full powers", as he works on the "first draft of the new cabinet."

6. The political cartoonist for Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, apparently inspired by the question of Soro’s security, shows the New Forces’ leader protected by a mammoth gorilla, while helicopters are hovering over his head.

7. While Ivoirians look forward to knowing the composition of the new government, Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, says, "Hundreds New Force leaders’ CVs are circulating in Bouake, as they bid for portfolios in the new administration."

8. "Banny bids farewell," says a banner headline that runs across Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI. The paper publishes the full text of a speech delivered yesterday in the political capital Yamoussoukro by the Ivoirian current Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny.

9. "Soro snatched Banny’s throne yesterday in Ouagadougou," writes Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. According to the paper, "In a few hours, Gbagbo will sign a decree to officially appoint Soro as his premier." In a piece of advice to Soro, the paper quotes Charles Ble Goude, the leader of the Young Patriots [a movement close to Gbagbo] as saying, "You need to avoid the mistakes committed by the two former Prime Ministers."

10. "I won’t be an obstacle," L’intelligent d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily, quotes Banny as saying. In a commentary, the paper tells readers "how Banny is responsible for his own downfall."

11. "I’m prepared to work for peace." L’evenement, a daily close to Banny, quotes the Ivoirian Prime Minister as saying.

12. Banny is also of the opinion that, "To achieve a lasting peace, no one should be excluded," reports the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. "Every mission has an end," Banny is quoted as saying.

March 26, 2007 

1. Today’s Ivoirian papers look at the formation of a new government, based on the recent Ouagadougou Agreement, and the ongoing debate re:keeping Prime Minister Banny on seat.

2. “A government of 34 members, Guillaume Soro, Prime Minister, 19 portfolios to the G7 (Opposition coalition) and 15 portfolios for the presidential camp” reads a banner headline running across Fraternite Matin, the state-owned daily.

The paper also reports the traditional chiefs of Akan (the ethnic group Banny belongs to) met last weekend in Yamoussoukro, to pay tribute to Banny. They stated that the solution to the crisis doesn’t rest with whoever is the prime minister, but with Ivoirians themselves, who have failed to seize previous chances given them to end the crisis. They think that it would be wise to continue to work with those friends who’ve financially and morally supported Ivorians.

3. “500 soldiers from Burkina Faso, 250 FANCI and 250 New Forces soldiers for Soro’s security,” writes L’inter, a privately-owned daily. According to the paper, Soro has decided to accept the position of Prime Minister, but he doesn’t want “to fall into the lion’s mouth.” Therefore, 500 crack Burkinabe commandos and paratroopers, along with 250 red berets from the New Forces Army and 250 from the government’s armed forces will be deployed to assure Soro’s security.

The paper also writes: “Banny-Soro, the war is declared.” According to the paper, the fight to control the prime minister’s office is on. Alain Lobogon, the New Forces director of communication, told the press in Ouagadougou that if Banny does not resign, the New Forces will stay in Bouake.

4. “Banny loses his last support” says a banner headline running across L’Intelligent d’Abidjan, an independent daily. According to the paper, Former President Bedié who thinks he’s done all a big brother should do to support his young brother, has given up trying to keep Banny in place as Prime Minister. Having sent Patrick Achy and some other staff to Ouagadougou, the PDCI and its president have decided to go on to the next step. For them, the peace process cannot and should not be halted because of Banny.

5. “Banny supporters call for an uprising” says a banner headline running across Notre Voie, the daily close to the ruling FPI. According to the paper, supporters met last weekend in Yamoussoukro and called on the Baoulé (Banny’s ethnic group) to take action and keep him in power.  The paper notes, however, there were some village chiefs who boycotted the meeting.

6. Nord-Sud, a daily close to the opposition RDR, quotes Soro as saying “I am not afraid of becoming Prime Minister.” In an interview with the paper, Soro says that in signing the Ouagadougou Agreement, he thought carefully about the good of the nation, all the Ivorians who are suffering and want peace, and the new role he can play.

7. “Yamoussoukro: the population mobilizes, traditional chiefs speak plainly with Gbagbo and Soro,” writes L’evenement, a daily close to Banny. “Stop humiliating us.” During a meeting organized under the seal of unity and reconciliation, the crowned heads spoke in a frank and direct language to the Head of State and the Secretary General of the New Forces. For the traditional chiefs, there is no way they can get out of the UN 1721 resolution.

8.  “Discussion around the new government: the first refusal of Soro to Gbagbo.” says a banner headline running across Le Nouveau Réveil , a daily close to former ruling party the PDCI. The discussions which start this morning in Ouagadougou will lead to an equitable sharing of the executive power. Soro will not be under Gbagbo’s orders, and will not serve in tandem with Gbagbo, because any compromise accepted by Soro will be fatal for him.

March 23, 2007 

1. News reports say the French government is to reduce its peace force in Cote d’Ivoire. Today’s Ivoirian papers also look at the political situation in the country, following the signature of the Ouagadougou Agreement.

2. "The Unicorn [French peacekeeping force] is leaving… but an emergency force is to stay," writes L’inter, a privately-owned daily. Citing a communique issued by the French military command in Abidjan, the paper says, "French troops in Cote d’Ivoire will be reduced in the coming weeks. 500 soldiers are to go back to France."

3. In a related development, the paper says, "The structure of the new Ivoirian army is being designed in Yamoussoukro." "Senior officers of the Ivoirian Armed Forces and the New Forces have been meeting since yesterday in the Ivoirian political capital in order to put in place the joint military command center, as recommended by the Ouagadougou Agreement," reports L’inter. Regarding training the new army, the paper discloses that, "General Philippe Mangou, Commander of the Ivoirian national army, is seeking for expertise from Angola."

4. "French troops are packing their bags, as the Ouagadougou Agreement takes effect," says a prominent story in Le Courrier d’Abidjan. According to the paper, close to Gbagbo, "French troops will be halved in Cote d’Ivoire in the next two months."

5. "The French troops are to quit western Cote d’Ivoire," writes L’evenement, a daily close to Banny. The former French Co-operation Minister, speaking after a meeting with the Ivoirian Prime Minister says: "The premier is committed to serving his country," reports the paper.

6. "The new Prime Minister will be known by end of March," Fraternite Matin, a state-owned daily quotes Burkinabe negotiator, Djibril Bassole, as saying. According to the paper, "The direct talks between Ivoirian military officers are moving smoothly." As Ivoirian senior military officers meet "to hammer out a new national army," the paper calls the move, "A lesson in commitment and sincerity, on the part of the armed branch of the New Forces."

7. "Cote d’Ivoire won’t be co-managed," says a banner headline running across Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo. "Gbagbo is the only commander on board," comments the paper. It announces that, "Soro is the new Prime Minister."

8. "Soro can be a good Prime Minister," Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR, quotes a leading member of the party as saying.

9. A front-page story in Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, says, "Gbagbo is now facing difficulties, as discussions for power sharing have started." According to the paper, the former French Co-operation Minister announced "Banny’s departure from the post of Prime Minister."

10. Tirbuce Koffi, an Ivoirian veteran journalist and writer, is reported by 24 Heures as saying: "Gbagbo and his associates are a bunch of predators… let’s find ways to chase them out of power." As the French government is set to withdraw part of its peacekeeping forces from Cote d’Ivoire, the paper close to the opposition, says, "France has abandoned Soro."

March 22, 2007 

1. News that the Secretary General of the New Forces, Soro Guillaume, could be appointed the new Prime Minister to replace Charles Konan Banny continues to generate conflicting reactions in the Ivoirian papers.

2. "If Soro accepts the post of the Prime Minister, then he breaks the G7," says a front-page story in Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. The paper quotes a leading member of this party as saying, "The problem with the PDCI-RDA is that it is a logic-based party."

3. "Only The UN can decide on the fate Banny," Maurice Guikahue is quoted as saying. Meanwhile, the paper comments, "Soro is getting closer and closer to the office of the Prime Minister." It says, "The armed wing of the New Forces, leaders of ethnic and religious communities living in the northern Cote d’Ivoire, some members of the G7 [an opposition alliance, and some heads of State in the West African sub-region, are all pressing Soro to accept the post."

4. While representatives of Gbagbo and Soro are meeting in Ouagadougou, in a bid to hammer out "a constitutional framework" for the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement, Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, comments, "Gbagbo and Soro are facing History." The big question, writes the paper, "is what type of government will it be, and how will it bring Cote d’Ivoire out of its political imbroglio and pave the way for free, fair, and transparent elections?"

5. In a prominent story, 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, announces "an imminent divorce between the New Forces and the opposition alliance called RHDP." Because, explains the paper, "It’s now clear that Soro is interested in the post of the Prime Minister." The paper then quotes the current premier, describing his office as "a hot spot."

6. A banner headline in Nord-Sud Quotidien announces, "It’s the Day of Doom for the office of Banny," and then describes "what the last days of Banny in office will look like." The current atmosphere at the Prime Minister’s office inspires the paper’s political cartoonist to draw a picture of Banny, clinging to an iron bar, as he tries to save himself from being taken away by what the paper labels a "Tsunami" that is blowing through his office.

7. "Where are the defenders of UN Resolution 1721?" asks Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo. The paper strongly believes that, "There is no doubt -- Banny will quit the post of Prime Minister," and "The International Working Group – a panel overseeing the implementation of the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire -- will soon cease to exist." It also quotes the former French Co-operation Minister as saying, "The World is now looking on Gbagbo positively."

8. While negotiations are underway in Ouagadougou, a banner headline running across Notre Voie says, "The second round of talks slides into difficulties." According to the paper, close to the ruling FPI party, "President Compaore, who is the mediator in the inter-Ivoirian direct talks, is waiting for Soro to unlock the situation."

9. According to Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, "Soro is demanding large executive powers," in the upcoming administration.

10. According to the privately-owned daily L’inter, "General Gueu Michel Gondi, a top officer in the New Forces, is likely to become the head of the joint military command center" that will be tasked to see to the fusion of the Cote d’Ivoire Armed Forces.

March 21, 2007 

1. News that the African Union has endorsed the Ouagadougou Agreement, and negotiations underway for the formation of a new government, are the main subject in today’s Ivoirian papers.

2. A prominent headline carried by the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin says, "The African Union endorses the Ouagadougou Agreement." The paper publishes the full text of a statement issued by the African organization.

3. The statement says, "The Security and Peace Council of the African Union congratulates the Ivoirian parties that signed the Ouagadougou Agreement for having accepted to compromise and for showing a sense of responsibility. The Council exhorts all Ivoirian political players to support the accord in order to pave the way for reconciliation and the restoration of a lasting peace in Cote d’Ivoire… The Council invites the UN Security Council to support this decision and therefore demands the President of the African Union’s Commission to take the necessary steps for the fulfillment of this goal."

4. Another major news item on the front page of the paper says, "The presidential elections in Cote d’Ivoire are planned to be held in February 2008." Fraternite Matin publishes a statement issued after a meeting between the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon and the Ivoirian Ambassador to the UN. Excerpt says, "In the perspective of the upcoming elections due to be held in February 2008, the UN’s assistance would be welcome."

5. "The war will end in two weeks," says a banner headline that runs across Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI. President Gbagbo, speaking yesterday in Abidjan during a meeting with traditional chiefs, is reported as saying, "In two weeks, the war will end…," because "I’ve taken control of the situation. I plead with you to trust me. Cote d’Ivoire cannot fall down…"

6. "A Prime Minister will be appointed after the second round of negotiations in Ouagadougou," Le Courrier d’Abidjan quotes Soro as saying. Commenting the African Union’s recent decision on the Ouagadougou Agreement, the paper close to Gbagbo writes, "African Union is committed to give peace a chance in Cote d’Ivoire."

7. "Bouake gives the post of the Prime Minister to Soro during a meeting yesterday in Bouake," writes Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party. "We’ll be on your side to guide you," the northern population told Soro, reports the paper. "Let’s not fight over the post of the Prime Minister," Soro is reported as telling opposition leaders.

8. Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, explains in a front-page story "how Gbagbo and Soro will co-manage the country."

March 20, 2007 

1. Almost two weeks after the signature of the Ouagadougou Agreement, Ivoirian papers continue to ponder the configuration and the task of the upcoming transitional government, and the prerogatives of the Prime Minister.

2. The state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, devotes its front page to the "relationship between Gbagbo and the Prime Minister." While presidential and New Forces’ representatives have resumed negotiations in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, the paper says, talks in the Burkinabe capital are aimed at "hammering out" what it calls "organic framework on how to ensure a good cohabitation between the Ivoirian president and the head of the transitional government."

3. According to the paper, "The powers to be conferred on the premier are the main issue at the center of fresh negotiations underway in Ouagadougou." "The aim of the meeting is to define the powers and the role of the Premier Minister in the upcoming government," the paper quotes a member of the New Forces’ delegation as saying.

4. Meanwhile, the leader of the youth wing of the opposition alliance, speaking after a meeting with the Secretary General of the New Forces, suggested: "If Soro has to take the post of the Prime Minister, this must be done with the agreement of all the opposition groups in the framework of our G7 alliance. This will make us become stronger."

5. "The next government will discuss the new missions of the United Nations in Cote d’Ivoire," L’intelligent d’Abidjan quotes the Ivoirian Ambassador to UN as saying. According to the privately-owned daily, Alcide Djedje was speaking after a meeting with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in New York, where they discussed "The Ouagadougou Agreement."

6. "Formation of the new government: Banny’s fate hangs in the balance in Ouagadougou," says a banner headline that runs across Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party. Citing reliable sources at the meeting, the paper suggests that, "Both delegations are likely to opt for French-style cohabitation between the Ivoirian president and his premier."

7. "Soro Guillaume confirmed as the Prime Minister," says a prominent headline in Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo.

8. According to L’evenement, a daily close to Banny, the Ivoirian Prime Minister urged his fellow citizens "to be sincere in their search for peace."

9. In a front-page story, Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, depicts what it calls "the profound divisions, contradictions, and disputes" that are "tearing apart the opposition alliances." The paper notes that "since the conclusion of the Ouagadougou Agreement, neither the G7 nor RHDP has met to analyze the accord and come out with an official position."

10. Commenting an interview of the Ivoirian First Lady, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, with the French daily, Le Monde, the paper writes, "Warning, the Gbagbo’s dynasty is under preparation…" "In reality, the ambition of Simone Ehivet Gbagbo to become President of the Republic is noble, and even justifiable," writes the paper, "Because, she has successfully gone through all the difficulties and her CV is evidence." However, the paper carries on, "She is responsible for those practices that do not honor herself, her husband, and her political group – the ruling FPI party."

11. In another development, L’inter, a privately-owned daily, reports that, "A mysterious disease is causing havoc among the population leaving in the territory under the control of the New Forces."

12. In a related development, Nord-Sud Quotidien carries a front-page story saying, "The meningitis epidemic, which has already killed 1.670 people in many Sub-Saharan African countries –including Burkina Faso–, is threatening the neighboring Cote d’Ivoire."

March 19, 2007 

1. A decree signed over the weekend by President Laurent Gbagbo creating a joint military command center – the first step towards the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement – is the dominant issue in today’s Ivoirian papers.

2. "Resolution of the crisis and reconciliation: The Integrated army is in the offing," says a prominent story carried by Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan, a daily close to the opposition. The paper describes the decree creating the Integrated Command Center as "a strong signal." It comments, "Definitely, something important is unfolding to the great displeasure of those who expressed skepticism after the conclusion of the Ouagadougou Agreement."

3. The paper quotes, General Philippe Magou Commander of the Ivoirian Armed Forces, as saying, "Soro and Gbagbo constitute the foundation." General Soumaila Bakayoko, commander of the New Forces Armed Forces said: "We’re committed to implement this agreement," reports the paper.

4. A banner headline in the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin, says, "The second round of the negotiations is due to open today in Ouagadougou." According to the paper, "Discussions between the representatives of Gbagbo and Soro will focus on the post of the Prime Minister, the composition of the new government, and the distribution of portfolios." General Magou, speaking after a meeting with the leader of the New Forces over the weekend in Bouake, said: "We’re the pillars of peace."

5. "I’m not afraid of the Integrated Command Center," L’intelligent d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily, quotes General Magou as saying.

6. As General Magou and General Bakayoko met to discuss the contours of the Integrated Command Center, L’evenement, a daily close to Banny, says, "Discussions are hampered by the question relating to the grades of the New Forces."

7. Telling a different story, Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, quotes General Magou as saying, "The issue concerning the grades of the New Forces is not a problem." According to the paper, "The youths of the opposition RHDP alliance met with Soro in Bouake over the weekend on the Ouagadougou Agreement." The spokesperson of the delegation is reported as saying, "If Soro has to be nominated as the prime Minister, this must be done with agreement of all the opposition groups."

8. "The RHDP is on the verge to collapse, after the conclusion of the Ouagadougou Agreement," says a front-page story carried by Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo. According to the paper, "The coalition, which was set up to fight Gbagbo’s regime, is divided over simple issues concerning the distribution of portfolios in the upcoming administration."

9. "The opposition must leave it to Gbagbo and Soro to bring peace back to Cote d’Ivoire," says a front-page story carried by the Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. The paper quotes the President of the Economic and Social Council, Laurent Dona Fologo, who was speaking on the UN Radio in Abidjan.

10. While all attentions are focused on the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement, L’inter, a privately-owned daily, carries a prominent headline reading, "Simone is the possible successor of Gbagbo." The paper publishes a story culled from the French daily, Le Monde, where the Ivoirian First Lady, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, is quoted as saying, "It’s not ruled out that I take over from my husband."

March 16, 2007 

1. Friday’s Ivoirian press is dominated by the "political bargaining" taking place re: the formation of a new transitional government in Côte d’Ivoire.

2. "Direct talks: The second round has begun," says a banner headline that runs across Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces. An upcoming meeting, which will bring together government and New Forces delegation in Ouagadougou, will focus on the "calendar for the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement," indicates the paper.

3. "ECOWAS’ ministers are due to meet today in Ouagadougou to discuss the peace agreement," reports the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin. The news was announced yesterday by the spokesperson of the UN Mission in Cote d’Ivoire, reports the paper.

4. Ivoirian Prime Minister Banny, speaking to politically active women yesterday in Abidjan, said: "Peace cannot include exclusion," reports the paper. It also quotes the Secretary General of the ruling FPI’s women wing as saying, "We’ll conduct peace missions throughout the country."

6. "Power sharing in Ouagadougou: Soro takes the lion share," says a front-page story in Le Jour Plus. The paper, close to the opposition, indicates that, "Even before the beginning of the second round of the talks in Ouagadougou to address the issue of power sharing, President Gbagbo has already ceded to the New Forces several ‘strategic portfolios’ -- defense, economy and finance, and the army’s Integration Command Center."

7. "Implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement: Mangou at Soro’s tomorrow," writes Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party. According to the paper, "The secretary general of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro, will hold a meeting on March 17 in Bouake with Generals Soumaila Bakayoko and Philippe Mangou [Commanders of the New Forces and Cote d’Ivoire Armed Forces respectively]." "The creation of the new army will be high on the agenda," indicates the paper.

8. Still on the integrated army, 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, explains how "Gbagbo and Soro are working towards this objective." As army commanders of the Ivoirian Armed Forces and New Forces are set to meet tomorrow, the paper says, "The aim of this conclave is to hammer out a plan to join the two armies, and also to sensitize soldiers from both side about their role in the implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement."

9. A front-page story in Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, says, "The former ruling PDCI-RDA party, marginalized by other members of the opposition alliance RHDP, is fighting to keep Banny as the Prime Minister of the new transitional government." According to the paper, "A plan is underway to have the Baoule [Banny’s ethnic group] go to the streets in support of UN Resolution 1721 and Banny."

10. In another development, the privately-owned daily L’inter publishes excerpts of a report released by the Human Rights organization, Amnesty International, accusing, "Government forces, FESCI – Federation of Students in Cote d’Ivoire –, and the rebels of widespread sexual abuse."

11. "Computer Revolution," is how Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, describes a multi-million-dollar technology park, to be partly financed by China and India, which will create 20,000 jobs in Cote d’Ivoire.

March 15, 2007 

1. Pro-government papers prominently report on yesterday’s meeting between the US Ambassador and President Gbagbo, where they discussed the peace agreement signed in Ouagadougou. Other dailies continue to ponder the composition of the next transitional government, and what the future holds for the current Prime Minister, Charles Banny.

2. With a banner headline reading "The United States salutes the inter-Ivoirian peace," Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, sees this as a "sign that peace has begun to take shape in Cote d’Ivoire." The paper quotes Ambassador Hooks as saying, "The UN will endorse the Ouagadougou Agreement… The result of the talks is very positive."

3. The Ambassador, speaking to the press after his meeting with Gbagbo, is quoted by the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, as saying: "I met the Head of State to review the situation and, of course, to congratulate him on the peace agreement signed in Ouagadougou." According to the paper, "Aubrey Hooks was optimistic." The paper also quotes him saying, "The United States salutes the Ouagadougou Agreement, and will back the African Union when it proposes a draft resolution."

4. Regarding this scenario, the US diplomat is reported as saying, "It’ll be difficult for the UN Security Council not to approve what the African Union proposes," perhaps "simply putting ‘finishing touches’ on the text, without changing it deeply."

5. The Ouagadougou Agreement, tabled at a UN Security Council meeting yesterday in New York, was described as "a good foundation towards the resolution of the Ivoirian crisis," according to a banner headline carried by Fraternite Matin.

6. "The Ouagadougou Agreement and Resolution 1721: UN backs Bedie," says Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. According to the paper, "The UN needs clarification regarding the accord."

7. "The UN supports the Ouagadougou Agreement," writes Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition. In discussing the composition of a new government, the paper wonders about the "powers that should be conferred on the ‘new head of government,’ so as to prevent the president from encroaching on the premier’s prerogatives."

8. On its front page, Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan, a daily close to the opposition, ponders "the configuration of the new government." The paper notes, "All ministers close to Banny are in the departing lounge." "Gbagbo would love to see in the new government technocrats, able to accomplish their missions," indicates the paper.

9. A front-page story in 24 Heures says, "The leader of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro, is under heavy pressure as the race for the post of the Prime Minister is kicked off." According to the paper, close to the opposition, "Gbagbo has insisted Soro take the position."

10. "Soro, an ally of Gbagbo?" wonders Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party. In a long interview with the paper, the spokesperson of the New Forces, Sidiki Konate, explains "why the former Ivoirian president, Henri Konan Bedie, does not love them."

11. On the front page of Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, Konate warns about those people "who will try to torpedo the Ouagadougou Agreement." "Soro has kept his promises vis-à-vis the G7 [an opposition alliance]," he is reported as saying. Meanwhile, "The Ivoirian press has been invited by national media regulatory committees to support the accord," reports the paper.

March 14, 2007 

1. The New Forces leader, Guillaume Soro, spoke yesterday about the recent peace agreement signed in Ouagadougou a week ago. His address dominates today’s Ivoirian papers.

2. "Implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement: Soro commits himself and reassures his camp," says a banner headline that runs across Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party. The paper quotes the leader of the New Forces as saying, "The Ouagadougou Agreement is a good political compromise." "The time has now come for peace," Soro is reported as saying. "Gbagbo announces major changes," the paper reports. "In a few weeks, we’ll make major changes, because the Ouagadougou Agreement will be implemented, and the program for the implementation will be respected," Gbagbo told supporters yesterday in Abidjan.

3. "Soro joins Gbagbo," writes Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to the president. Meanwhile, "Gbagbo announces that elections will be held this year," reports the paper.

4. "Gbagbo and Soro agree to give peace a chance," writes the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin. According to the paper, Soro held talks yesterday in Bouake with President Gbagbo’s legal advisor and spokesperson on the "formation of a new government." The paper quotes a political commentator as saying, "The Ouagadougou Agreement is the first tangible step towards peace." Regarding the controversy over the possible nomination of Soro as the next Prime Minister, a leading member of the New Forces told the paper that, "The Prime Minister is neither a gimmick nor a panacea."

5. Commenting on Soro’s address, Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, writes: "Prime Minister: the leader of the New Forces has finally put an end to the suspense." The paper suggests that, "By not addressing the issue in his speech, it shows he is still interested in the post."

6. Profiling the "next Prime Minister," the privately-owned daily L’inter, says, "A short-list of five has been made… the new head of the transitional government must be accepted, not only by both belligerents, but also by the international community. He should be politically independent, a technocrat or a good manager."

7. Still on the nomination of a new Premier, L’evenement, a daily close to Banny, quotes the French Co-operation Minister as saying, "ECOWAS, the African Union, and the UN will decide."

8. In a front-page story, Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, explains "how France is working to thwart the Ouagadougou Agreement."

9. On the front page of Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan, a daily close to the opposition, Soro invites the G7 – an opposition alliance – "to accept the Ouagadougou Agreement." The paper announces that "the second round of inter-Ivoirian negotiations is due to open next week in the Burkinabe capital."

10. "I’ll be in power before March 13, 2008," L’intelligent d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily, has Ivoirian opposition leader Alassane Dramane Ouattara saying. According to the paper, the president of the opposition RDR party said this during a program in Abidjan yesterday to celebrate women.

11. With a picture of Ouattara on its front page, Le Patriote, a daily close to RDR, called yesterday’s rally "a pact of victory." "Get ready for decisive elections," Ouattara told his audience of women, reports the paper.

12. "Don’t allow people to steal your victory," Nord-Sud Quotidien quotes Ouattara as saying.

March 13, 2007 

1. The New Forces leader, Guillaume Soro, is the main focus in Ivoirian papers. He is expected to deliver a speech, the first after the signature of the Ouagadougou Agreement more than a week ago.

2. "Gbagbo has proposed me the post of Prime Minister," the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, quotes Soro as saying. According to the paper, the leader of the New Forces, who was speaking to the French daily, Le Monde, does not rule out "a victory of President Laurent Gbagbo in the upcoming presidential elections."

3. A few days after the Ouagadougou Agreement was brokered, "Negotiations are to resume today in Bouake in a bid to find a compromise on a new power-sharing arrangement," indicates the paper. As Ivoirians await Soro’s speech, the leader of the New Forces is reported as saying, "It’s possible to find a solution in a couple of weeks on issues that have been hindering the peace process for the past few years."

4. Speaking to Fraternite Matin after a meeting with Soro yesterday in Bouake, the French Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire described the Ouagadougou Agreement as "a good deal if it’s applied." Regarding the future of the French peacekeeping troops in Cote d’Ivoire, Andre Janier is reported as saying, "The agreement recommends effectively the dismantlement of the confidence zone. But, it’s up to the UN Security Council to decide… Nowhere in the agreement is it mentioned that the impartial forces have to leave…"

5. On the front page of the privately-owned daily L’inter, Soro vows, "It will be more difficult for Gbagbo to maneuver around me than to maneuver around Banny." Meanwhile, a leading opposition leader told the paper that, "Soro is right man to be nominated as the Prime Minister." "Any other person who could be named Prime Minister would, in less than month, become the puppet of Gbagbo or Soro, and henceforth lose his/her authority," Anaky Kobena warned.

6. "Soro has finally spoken his mind on whether he will or will not accept the post of Prime Minister," says a banner headline that runs across Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. The leader of the New Forces warned that in case the Ouagadougou Agreement fails, "Gbagbo will be the big loser." In another development, the paper denounces "the control of the state-run Broadcasting Corporation by the ruling FPI party."

7. A front-page story in 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, says, "News that Soro could become the next Prime Minister has led to a split within the RHDP, an opposition alliance."

8. According to Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI, "Consultations have begun for the formation of the new government." According to the paper, Soro is "optimistic, as Abidjan has demonstrated political willingness."

March 12, 2007 

1. Barely a week after President Laurent Gbagbo and the leader of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro, signed a peace accord designed to end the lingering political stalemate in Cote d’Ivoire, the dailies try to reveal the political bargaining and key negotiators who played behind-the-scenes roles that led to the deal. Papers also comment on Gbagbo’s weekend state address and ponder Soro’s much-awaited maiden speech, to be delivered tomorrow.

2. "Ouagadougou Agreement: The secret pact between Gbagbo and Compaore," says a banner headline that runs across Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition. "The Ouagadougou Agreement – signed on March 4 – is likely to become a lasting bomb….," comments the paper, "Because the deal has been imposed on both Soro and the New Forces." According to the paper, "Pressures on Soro came from the mediator, President Blaise Compaore, following injunctions from the Libyan leader Colonel Kadhafi, who was responding to Gbagbo’s call for help."

3. With a front-page headline reading, "All about the deal between Gbagbo and Compaore," L’inter, a privately-owned daily says, "The two leaders have decided to bury the hatchet for good." According to the paper, "The decision by Gbagbo and Compaore to smoke the peace pipe is not a surprise, for the two men know each other very well. The Burkinabe leader was Gbagbo’s financier when he was in the opposition during the time of the late President Felix Houphouet Boigny." And the new rapprochement between the two "friends" was made possible thanks to "South African President Thabo Mbeki, who envisages reinforcing the relationships between Abidjan and Ouagadougou."

4. A front-page story in Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, suggests that, "The solution to the political crisis facing Cote d’Ivoire depends on the capacity of actors to work through nine key points outlined in the Ouagadougou Agreement." They are, among others, the questions of "the identification scheme, army reform, the suppression of the confidence zone, etc." The paper also publishes the full text of a statement issued by the FPI calling upon Ivoirians "to work for the success of the Ouagadougou Agreement."

5. Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, calls the Ouagadougou Agreement, "A genuine chance for peace." As part of the implementation of the deal, "Soro is consulting the war lords," reports the paper.

6. Le Temps is of the opinion that, "After Gbagbo’s state address, a united front is in the offing to fight the enemies of peace." Speaking at a rally in the Ivoirian political capital Yamoussoukro, the leader of the Young Patriots [a movement close to Gbagbo], Charles Ble Goude, is reported as telling the Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, "Ceding the seat of Prime Minister is not a humiliation."

7. As Ivoirians await Soro’s maiden speech, the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, reports that, "Ble Goude exhorted Soro to opt for a solution that can save the country."

8. At a different rally in the Ivoirian economic capital, Abidjan, yesterday, "25000 youths concurred with the Ouagadougou Agreement, but insisted that it must be implemented according to UN Resolution 1721," says a front-page report carried by L’evenement, a daily close to Banny. According to the paper, "The aim of the gathering was for the youths to pledge their support for Banny."

9. A front-page story in Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, says, "The New Forces’ war lords have urged Soro to accept the post of the Prime Minister, and have vowed to assure his security."

10. "After the Ouagadougou Agreement, the security of Soro is at the heart of the discussion," writes Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan. According to the privately-owned daily, "Ivoirians are concerned about Soro’s capacity to move freely throughout the country."

11. "Soro has demonstrated his capacity to handle difficult situations," Nord-Sud Quotidien, a privately-owned daily close to the opposition, quotes a leading member of the opposition as saying. "Gbagbo is yet to surrender his sword," another opposition figure is reported as saying. In a related development, the paper indicates that, "In sharing their perspectives on the nomination of a new Prime Minister, Banny and the Ivoirian ex-President, Henri Konan Bedie, have decided to speak with one voice."

12. Finally, a front-page report in the privately-owned Soir Info says, "Consultations have started for the formation of the next government."

March 8, 2007 

1. The implementation of the Ouagadougou Agreement signed last Sunday in Ouagadougou by President Laurent Gbagbo and the leader of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro, is the main focus of today’s Ivoirian press.

2. Five days after the Ouagadougou Agreement was brokered, the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin, announces that, "President Laurent Gbagbo will address the nation tomorrow to emphasize the challenges facing the nation." Regarding the controversy surrounding the nomination of the leader of the New Forces as the head of the new transitional government, the paper quotes Charles Ble Goude, leader of the Young Patriots [a movement close to Gbagbo] as saying, "Everyone should be prepared to accept Soro as the Premier." "Soro flew yesterday to Libreville, Gabon to hold talks with President Omar Bongo Omdinba," reports the paper.

4. "Soro has broken relations with his sponsors," says a banner headline that runs across the privately-owned daily, L’inter. "The young leader, who has gained in stature," comments the paper, "has visibly decided to demonstrate his independence vis-à-vis Alassane Dramane Ouattara, leader of the opposition RDR party, and France, who were seen as his godfathers."

5. Meanwhile, Charles Ble Goude has confirmed his plan to travel to Bouake to meet his ‘brother Soro’," reports the paper. "The aim of this visit is to convince the skeptics that the Ivoirian political players have effectively buried the hatchet."

6. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day today, the paper devotes a full page to the event, saying, "US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is one of the top women ruling the world."

7. Responding to the recurrent question of whether the current Prime Minister will keep his post, L’intelligent d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily, comments, "The die is cast, as Soro and Ble Goude have thwarted the dream of Charles Konan Banny." Citing insiders, the paper discloses that, "Banny failed to get the support of Bedie and Compaore."

8. According to Dernieres Nouvelles d’Abidjan, a privately-owned daily, "Ordinary Ivoirians continue to wonder whether the Ouagadougou Agreement will work." The paper says, "‘Francafrique’ is maneuvering to sabotage the accord." It alleges that, "France is working to create obstacles to the implementation of the political arrangements."

9. A front-page story in the privately-owned daily, Soir Info, says "The former ruling PDCI-RDA and the opposition RDR parties differ over the Ouagadougou Agreement." The paper suggests that "the political allies are divided because of political calculations." Regarding International Women’s Day, Mrs Constance Yai, an Ivoirian former minister "castigates the country’s political leaders," reports the paper.

March 7, 2007 

1. The agreement signed last Sunday in Ouagadougou by President Laurent Gbagbo and the leader of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro, in a new attempt to end the political impasse in Cote d’Ivoire, continues to receive a great deal of commentary in the Ivoirian papers, which wonder whether this latest deal will work or not.

2. A banner headline carried by state-owned daily Fraternite Matin says, "Gbagbo was congratulated in Accra, Ghana, after the signature of the Ouagadougou Accord." "The Ghanaian President, John Agyekum Kufuor, who is also the chairman of the African Union, congratulated Presidents Gbagbo and Compaore for the successful conclusion of the direct dialogue in his speech marking the 50th anniversary of Ghanaian independence yesterday," writes the paper.

3. Meanwhile, "The former ruling PDCI-RDA party has rejected all," reports the paper. The paper publishes the full text of a statement issued yesterday by the party expressing "serious reservations over the agreement." Excerpts of the statement say, "The PDCI-RDA is concerned about the simultaneousness of the suppression of the confidence zone and the withdrawal of the peacekeeping forces, which are scheduled to take place before the dismantlement of the militia groups." Regarding the formation of a new government (as recommended by the Ouagadougou Accord), "The PDCI-RDA questions the rationale of forming a new government whose implementation could delay the application of the agreement."

4. "Bedie criticizes the Ouagadougou Accord… but accepts it," writes Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party.

5. In a critical analysis, Le Jour Plus, a daily close to the opposition, comments, "Though the preamble of the accord underscores the preeminence of UN Resolution 1721 over the Ouagadougou Accord, there are still some points that contradict this resolution." As an example, "the Prime Minister, who is a key player in the peace process that should lead to the reunification of the country and organization of transparent elections, is not a member of the committee that will be created to oversee the implementation of the accord," indicates the paper.

6. "While the PDCI-RDA opposes the creation of a new government," reports the privately-owned daily L’inter, "Soro is subject to heavy pressures aimed at convincing him to accept the post of Prime Minister." Citing diplomatic sources, the paper says, "The leader of the New Forces sees this offer - made to him by Gbagbo - as a political trap."

7. Regarding the position of France on this matter, Soir Info, another privately-owned daily, quotes the French Co-operation Minister as saying, "The agreement talks about the setting up of a new government and not the appointment of a new Premier."

8. "The Ouagadougou Agreement: France wants to sabotage all," says a banner headline carried by Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo. "France is using the services of the medias to achieve this objective," alleges the paper.

9. "Soro’s time to take revenge on the RHDP [an opposition alliance] has come," says a front-page story in Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo. The paper recalls how Soro was "abandoned by his allies from the RHDP in November 2005 when he fought for the post of Prime Minister."

10. Commenting on the successful conclusion of the direct dialogue, the paper discloses that, "This was made possible thanks to South African President, Thabo Mbeki; Mario Giro, member of the international organization Communaute Siant’Egidio; and President Compaore’s legal advisor, who worked behind the scenes."

11. According to Le Front, a daily close to the New Forces, the UN Security Council is meeting on Monday "to study the Ouagadougou Agreement."

March 6, 2007 

1. In the wake of the conclusion of the peace agreement signed between President Laurent Gbagbo and the leader of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro, aimed at ending the political impasse in Cote d’Ivoire, pro-government and pro-opposition papers look critically at the deal and ponder the future of the peace process in this West African country.

2. Two days after the Ouagadougou agreement, the state-owned daily, Fraternite Matin, devotes its front page to the recurrent question of "whether the Ivoirian Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, will quit his post or not." The paper, which describes the post of Prime Minister in Cote d’Ivoire during this transitional period as "an unstable position," comments, "The Ouagadougou Accord appears to sound a death knell for Banny, who was totally forgotten during the negotiations."

3. Regarding the creation of a new government, as recommended by the Ouagadougou Agreement, Fraternite Matin expresses its concern about "the composition of the new cabinet." "In a bid to pre-empt mistakes of past governments," suggests the paper, "the new team should be made up of nationalists who should be prepared to see Cote d’Ivoire as their only party." The paper also believes that, "The government’s priorities should also include moves to restore peace to Cote d’Ivoire to pave the way for presidential elections to be held by the end of this year."

4. Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, is optimistic and calls the Ouagadougou deal "a realistic and applicable agreement."

5. "We hope they’ll implement this agreement," Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, quotes the US Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire, Aubrey Hooks, as saying. According to the paper, the US diplomat was speaking to newsmen in Abidjan yesterday after a meeting with ex-President Henri Konan Bedie. "I think that for the international community the most important thing is to find ways out of the crisis. And if the political actors have reached an agreement, the international community has to support them. The question now is how it will be implemented." The paper, which questions the "sincerity" of the Ouagadougou Agreement, also wonders "whether Banny wants to resign."

6. 24 Heures, a daily close to the opposition, pinpoints "the six handicaps that could delay the implementation of the agreement." One of these obstacles, comments the paper, is "the fact that the Ouagadougou Agreement does not contain any recommendation concerning the legitimacy of the Prime Minister."

7. "48 hours after the signature of the agreement, Banny is expected today in Ouagadougou to hold talks with Compaore," announces L’inter, a privately-owned daily. "Despite assurances from Gbagbo, Banny would like to know more from the mediator about his fate in order to negotiate an honorable exit," comments the paper.

8. Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, calls the Ouagadougou Agreement "a revolution," that sends "Alassane Dramane Ouattara, leader of the opposition RDR, and the Ivoirian ex-President, Henri Konan Bedie, to retirement." The paper also believes that the agreement has "saved Cote d’Ivoire from France’s domination."

9. While the spokesperson of the New Forces, Sidiki Konate, describes the Ouagadougou Agreement as "the best ever signed" since the beginning of the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire, Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, carries a banner headline reading, "Peace is here, let’s protect it."

10. According to Nord-Sud Quotidien, a daily close to the opposition, "The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, has stepped up pressure on Gbagbo and Soro to implement the Ouagadougou Agreement."

11. In another development, the paper reports that "Yesterday, police used tear gas to disperse teachers who were protesting to demand salary increases."

March 5, 2007 

1. An agreement signed yesterday in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, by President Laurent Gbagbo and the leader of the New Forces, Guillaume Soro, in a new attempt to revive the stalled peace process in Cote d’Ivoire has generated mixed reactions in the Ivoirian papers.

2. "Ouagadougou Peace Agreement: The hatchet is buried," says a banner headline carried by the state-owned daily Fraternite Matin, announcing the peace deal signed yesterday in the Burkinabe capital. The paper publishes the full text of the agreement brokered by President Blaise Compaore. Major decisions of this agreement include, "The creation of a new government within five weeks of the signature of the accord, the gradual suppression of the Zone of Confidence to allow free circulation of goods and persons, and the organization of elections in the 10 months following the signature."

3. Reacting to the agreement, Gbagbo said: "It’s a victory for Cote d’Ivoire," while Soro is quoted as saying, "Peace is possible in Cote d’Ivoire." According to the paper, "Soro met with the leadership of the G7 [an alliance of the Ivoirian opposition parties and the New Forces] before he signed the agreement on Sunday." According to the Alassane Dramane Ouattara, leader of the opposition RDR party, "One cannot claim legitimacy by using guns," reports the paper.

4. 24 Heures, a daily newspaper close to the opposition, calls the Ouagadougou agreement "a success for Gbagbo and a failure for the UN." "We’re committed to implementing the deal," the paper quotes Soro as saying. For Gbagbo, "It’s high time to organize elections." In the wake of the signature of the deal, the paper indicates that "the Ivoirian Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, will have to present himself on a second ballot," bringing forward the debate on "whether Banny will remain in office or not after the deal between Gbagbo and Soro."

5. With a picture of Gbagbo celebrating the new accord on his arrival in Abidjan from Ouagadougou, Le Temps, a daily close to the Ivoirian leader, carries a banner headline reading, "Gbagbo brings peace back to his country."

6. Nord-Sud Quotidien wonders whether the Ouagadougou agreement will be "the final one, which could bring peace back to Cote d’Ivoire." According to the paper, "France envisages withdrawing its troops from Cote d’Ivoire."

7. Still on the future of the peacekeeping troops stationed in Cote d’Ivoire, Le Courrier d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, quotes the French Minister of Co-operation, Brigitte Giradin, as saying, "I think that as of now we can envisage a pull-out by the international community."

8. "According to the new agreement," writes Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI party, "upcoming elections in Cote d’Ivoire are scheduled for January 2008." The deal, the paper quotes Gbagbo as saying, "marks the beginning of a new era."

9. In another development, Le Nouveau Reveil publishes the full text of what the paper calls "the statement" made by the State Prosecutor, Tchimou Raymond Fehou, during a press event last Saturday in Abidjan to explain the case of Denis Kah Zion, Publisher, and André Silver Konan, editor of Le Nouveau Réveil, who were briefly detained last week by the gendarmerie over a story. The paper quotes the prosecutor as saying, "I’ll close down press groups."

10. Regarding the cases of the two journalists accused of defaming the head of state, the prosecutor says, "The legal actions against Kah Zion and Silver Konan are not over," reports the paper.

11. Explaining the judicial procedures that led to the detention of the two journalists from the Le Nouveau Reveil, Raymond Tchimou said: "The State Prosecutor does not imprison journalists," reports Fraternite Matin.

March 2, 2007 

1. Ivoirian papers join to celebrate the victory of football maestro Didier Drogba who was named 2006 CAF African Footballer of the year yesterday in Accra, Ghana. The inter-Ivoirian talks underway in Ouagadougou and the meeting of the International Working Group – the panel overseeing the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire – are other major stories in the dailies.

2. With Didier Drogba dressed in traditional attire holding tightly onto his trophy, Le Courrier d’Abidjan proclaims the Ivoirian footballer "King of Africa." According to the paper, "Drogba’s victory was greeted by celebration in the whole city of Abidjan and other parts of the country."

3. "Drogba, the 15th King of Africa," writes Le Matin d’Abidjan. The paper shows the Chelsea and Ivoirian striker, who is flanked by Ghana President John Agyekum Kufuor and CAF President Issa Hayatou.

4. A day after the result, Le Front says, "Drogba is on the summit of Africa." "Drogba is the winner," writes L’intelligent d’Abidjan. The paper quotes the African top footballer as saying, "I’m delighted."

5. Speaking to his fellow Ivoirians, Drogba says, "I’m proud of my country. I hope the whole of Cote d’Ivoire will be reunited and this trophy will contribute to bringing life, true life, back to Cote d’Ivoire," reports Fraternite Matin.

6. Regarding the direct dialogue between the government and New Forces’ delegations in Ouagadougou, the paper quotes the French Co-operation Minister, Brigitte Girardin, as saying, "I think they’re close to concluding an agreement." According to the paper, the French diplomat was speaking yesterday in Ouagadougou after a meeting with President Blaise Compaore, mediator in the Ivoirian crisis.

7. Meanwhile, an Ivoirian women’s advocacy group called "La Paix par Les Femmes (Peace by Women)" denounces "the absence of women at the Ouagadougou talks." For its part, Cote d’Ivoire’s chapter of the Network of African Women Ministers and Parliamentarians called upon "Ivoirian political stakeholders to give peace a chance."

8. A front-page story in Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party, says, "France has endorsed the direct dialogue." According to the paper, "The upcoming elections are France’s top priority." The paper quotes Mrs. Girardin as saying, "The most important thing is for Ivoirians to freely choose their leader."

9. In the wake of a visit by the Ivoirian Prime Minister, Charles Konan Banny, to the campus of Abidjan University yesterday, L’evenement writes, "Banny discovers the plight of the students." "Our problems are many," Serges Koffi, the leader of the Ivoirian Students Federation, told the Premier.

10. "The zealous state prosecutor renounces a plan to hear journalists from Le Nouveau Reveil," says a banner headline that runs across Le Nouveau Reveil, a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party. According to the paper, "Pressure from both the Ivoirian papers and opposition groups has overcome the prosecutor’s plan."

March 1, 2007 

1. Today’s Ivoirian papers express concerns over the delay of the conclusion of the inter-Ivoirian talks underway in Ouagadougou, and analyze the prospects for the resolution of the Ivoirian crisis.

2. On the front page of Fraternite Matin, the state-owned daily, President Laurent Gbagbo told journalists "to stop speculating on the date he and the leader of the New Forces will sign the Ouagadougou Agreement." "I’ll announce the date when everything is ready," Gbagbo is quoted as saying. The paper also reports that the delegation of the opposition alliance RHDP, which held talks with President Blaise Compaore, mediator in the Ivoirian crisis, "met yesterday in Abidjan to inform their executives on the progress of the direct dialogue." "We’re working in the framework of UN Resolution 1721," the spokesperson of the alliance.

3. "Nothing has changed in Ouagadougou," says a banner headline carried by Le Patriote, a daily close to the opposition RDR party. According to the paper, "Soro won’t become the Prime Minister. Neither the leader of the RDR, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, nor the former head of state, Henri Konan Bedie, intends to claim the post of vice-president in a new administration after the Ouagadougou talks." The paper also denies reports saying, "Relations between the RHDP and the New Forces are strained." "There is no disagreement between the New Forces and opposition alliance."

4. "The signature of the Ouagadougou agreement is imminent," writes the privately-owned daily L’inter. However, the paper express skepticism, saying that, "The Ouagadougou agreement is likely to become a still-born baby because of the perennial misinterpretation of peace agreements in Cote d’Ivoire." The paper suggests that, "The mediator should take this issue into consideration," which it says, "could kill all his efforts to broker a deal."

5. On the controversy surrounding Soro’s nomination as the new Prime Minister, L’inter indicates that, "For the New Forces’ top brass, the post of Prime Minister could confer on their leader a kind of prestige and help him tap an international audience."

6. 24 Heures, a privately-owned daily close to the opposition, says, "The signature of the agreement between Gbagbo and Soro has been delayed because of the future of Banny." According to the paper, "The New Forces have rejected a new institutional framework that could lead to the formation of a new government with Banny as Prime Minister." In a related development, the paper predicts that, "The inter-Ivoirian talks in Ouagadougou will be high on the agenda of the 13th meeting of the International Working Group scheduled for March 2 in Abidjan."

7. A banner headline in Le Temps, a daily close to Gbagbo, accuses "President Jacques Chirac of trying to sabotage the direct dialogue in Ouagadougou." The paper says, "Compaore must oppose Chirac’s last will," in a bid save the direct dialogue from what the paper calls, "The Lome Syndrome."

8. In another development, Le Matin d’Abidjan, a daily close to Gbagbo, reports that, "Ivoirian security forces have impounded weapons in Adjame – a district of Abidjan."

9. With a picture Gbagbo and Burundi’s President, Pierre Nkurunziza – who left Abidjan yesterday after a four-day working visit to Cote d’Ivoire – on its front page, Notre Voie, a daily close to the ruling FPI, reports that "Ivoirian health and agriculture experts are to help in the reconstruction of Burundi."

10. According to L’evenement, a daily close to Banny, "The Ivoirian Prime Minister is to chair a "special cabinet meeting" due to be held today on the campus of Abidjan University." "He’ll use the opportunity to evaluate the situation on the campus," the paper says.