May 30, 2008

Friday’s news reports in the Ivorian press focused on the ongoing peace process as well as efforts by authorities to stamp out corruption in Cote d’Ivoire. The papers also talked about the National Forum on the Role of the Media during the Electoral Period; the case of Guy-Andre Kieffer who went missing in Cote d’Ivoire in April 2004; and the eradication of Guinea worm disease in Cote d’Ivoire.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A prominent headline in the front page of this paper said that the Ivorian Chief of Defense General, Philippe Mangou, had declared "war" on racketeering in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, Mangou said "The control will be rigorous." The paper further said that after an awareness campaign on the racketeering phenomenon, Mangou had outlined "new tasks" that have been assigned to the Cote d’Ivoire Armed Forces, including more stringent measures to deter racketeering. General Mangou, who was speaking to the paper, said: "We’ve effectively decided to tackle the problem concerning the fight against racketeering."

2. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party): In a front-page story, the paper told readers that the voters’ registration has been "delayed" because of "disagreements" amongst the entities that have been tasked to conduct the operation. The paper went on to state that one of these differences was the fact that "the mode of operation that was proposed by SAGEM – the French group in charge of the exercise - did not take into account the electoral rolls that were utilized during the 2000 elections in Cote d’Ivoire." According to the paper, the National Statistics Institute (INS) had made "a series of proposals aimed at remedying the situation."

3. La Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party): The paper told readers that "The November 30 presidential election could be delayed." "The enthusiasm that greeted the announcement of the date of the presidential polls is dying out, while the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) in charge of the organization of the election is struggling to meet the challenge," commented the paper. To meet the deadline, the paper further commented, that the CEI had put in place "an agenda of activities" to be conducted in the run-up to the polls. However, the paper said "the operations such as the reestablishment of birth, marriage and death registries – that were destroyed during the war, which were supposed to be completed this month, has not happened."

4. Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition): "The presidential election postpones to May 2009," said a prominent headline on the front-page of this paper. "There is no smoke without fire," commented the paper, which indicated that "rumors, which have been circulating recently about the impossibility to hold the presidential elections on November 30, 2008, are alarming." Quoting a well-informed source, the paper wrote: "The much-coveted election won’t be held according to plan." The same source, explained the paper, said that the polls could be held during the period of "May-June 2009."

5. On the changes in the political landscape in Cote d’Ivoire ahead of the upcoming presidential election, Fraternite Matin reported that Laurent Dona Fologo, the Chairman of the Economic and Social Council, who was also a leading member of the former ruling PDCI-RDA party, has created his own party. According to the paper, the Rassemblement Pour La Paix (RPP), a movement that was created by Fologo in 2003 for the purpose of promoting peace and justice, has metamorphosed into a "political party." The announcement was made yesterday by Fologo, who the paper quoted as saying, "I leave the PDCI with peace."

6. As the National Forum on the Role of the Media during the Electoral Period, which opened a few days ago, ends today, Fraternite Matin reported on the debates and proposals made by both journalists and political parties in their vows to ensure "a fair and balanced" coverage of the political campaign by the media.

7. L’inter (an independent daily newspaper) devoted its front page to the case of Guy-Andre Kieffer, a French-Canadian journalist who went missing in Cote d’Ivoire in April 2004. The paper carried a headline reading: "Kieffer’s affair has been classified for State’s reason." According to the paper, a documentary film entitled: "Guy-Andre Kieffer: the disturbing journalist" shed more light on the disappearance of this journalist, whose reports focused on coffee and cocoa issues in Cote d’Ivoire. The paper further alleged that Bernard Nicholas, the producer of the documentary film, had "once again demonstrated the implication of people close to the Ivorian Head of State, Laurent Gbagbo in what is called ‘The Kieffer Affair’." [NOTA: Guy-André Kieffer is a journalist of dual French-Canadian nationality who worked in West Africa generally and in Cote d’Ivoire specifically. On April 16, 2004, he was kidnapped, while in a parking lot in Abidjan; he has not been seen since.]

8. On health-related issues, Fraternite Matin reported that "since September 2006, no case of the Guinea worm disease has been recorded in Cote d’Ivoire." According to the paper, the announcement was made yesterday at the World Health Organization’s headquarters in Abidjan by a team of national and international medical professionals. "The spread of the Guinea worm disease has stopped throughout the country," the paper quoted the medical experts' published results on the "Fifteen-year fight" against this disease.

May 29, 2008

The National Forum on the Role of the Media during the Electoral Period; the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire; the report of Save the Children to prevent the abuse of children; and the increase of the petroleum price in Cote d’Ivoire are the major items in today’s Ivorian newspapers.  

1. Fraternité Matin (a state-owned daily): the paper reported that Prime Minister Soro Guillaume and the Representative of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Choi, presided over the opening of the National Forum on the Role of the Media during the Electoral Period. According to the paper, the Prime Minister told journalists that although they are free to write what they want, they also have some obligations. He is quoted as saying: “You have the freedom to inform without censorship or arrest, but you have also the duty to inform the public in an impartial and responsible manner. By doing so, you will contribute to the reinforcement of democratic expression and national cohesion.”

2. On the same National Forum, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) reported that Representative of the UN Secretary General Choi had stressed that the role of the media is decisive for establishing a stable climate during the electoral period.

The paper also reported on a Save the Children report that indicated ONUCI soldiers have been accused of sexual abuse of children. During the investigation, children revealed that some of them have been raped and others subjected to prostitution in exchange for food and items such as cell phones.

3. Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party): A prominent story on the front page of the paper said: “Electoral Process/the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) tears up Ouagadougou; Mambé tramples SAGEM (the identification operator) and INS (the National Institute of Statistics) under his foot.” According to the paper, the enrollment of voters has been delayed because Mr. Mambé, President of the CEI, refused to use the electoral list of 2000 as a database to start enrollment for the 2008 electoral list as stated in the Ouagadougou Agreement. Also, instead of using birth certificates as indicated in the Agreement, Mr. Mambe wants to add another paper, the certificate of registration for the 2000 electoral list.

The paper also reported that during the visit last week of Mrs. Kyung-Wha Kang, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, she told Ivorian authorities that no amnesty is conceivable for war crimes and crimes against humanity and other serious violations of human rights.

4. L’Intelligent d’Abidjan (an independent daily) reported that Mr. Robert Mambé, the President of the Independent Electoral Commission, met yesterday with SAGEM (the identification operator) and INS (the National Institute of Statistics). He informed journalists that there were no major difficulties in the path to the elections. He said that obstacles had been removed and the date for the start of the identification operation will be announced once the government adopts an implementation plan.

5.  In Le Patriote (a daily close to the Rally of Republicans Party, RDR), the paper reported that during the opening of the National Forum on the Role of the Media during the Electoral Period held May 28, Prime Minister Soro Guillaume spoke in favor of the development of a guide for journalists to use during the electoral period.

Le Patriote also reported that Amnesty International published yesterday its report on human rights to commemorate its sixtieth anniversary. At the end of the ceremony, some invitees deplored the fact that the report did not mention some serious human rights violations which occurred in Cote d’Ivoire.

6.  In Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close the opposition) the paper reported that the UN has no intention of ignoring war crimes committed in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the paper, the Deputy High Commissioner for the human rights, Mrs. Kyung-Wha Kang, recommended to Ivorian authorities a review of the Amnesty Ordinance of April 12, 2007 in order to bring it into accordance with international standards.  

7. L’Inter (an independent daily), reported that the Representative of the UN Secretary General, Mr. Young-Ji Choi, will make a statement May 30 regarding sexual abuses in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, based on the Save the Children report, it is the second time within 12 months that UN soldiers have been accused of sexual abuses in Cote d’Ivoire. Last year it was the Moroccan contingent and this year it is the Pakistani contingent which is accused of sexual abuses against children.

8. On the economic front, Le Patriote reported that transporters threatened that if the Government increases the price of fuel, the price of transport will be increased as well.

9. On the international scene, L’Inter reported on criticism of President Bush in a book by former White House spokesperson Scott McClellan.

May 27, 2008

The identification program designed to provide identity documents for the nationals of Cote d’Ivoire; the civic education scheme; the visit of the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights in Cote d’Ivoire; and the mood within the New Forces following the dismissal of the New Forces military commander, Kone Zacharia, were the major items in today’s Ivorian newspapers.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A prominent story on the front page of the paper said that "the identification program can now begin," this is in reference to the Ivorian government's provision of approximately $ 24 million to SAGEM, the French company that has been tasked to conduct the identification of the population and the electoral census, in collaboration with the National Statistics Institute (INS). According to the paper, the parties involved in this program will sign an agreement today. The report said this announcement was made by the Ivorian Ministry of Economy and Finance. The paper further indicated that this amount represents "the first installment of the total $ 112 million that the Ivorian government should provide to the French company." The paper suggested that upon the payment of this portion, "the identification, the important phase of the peace process underway since the signing of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement on March 4, 2007, can now begin."

2. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party): The paper carried a prominent story on the establishment of the electoral rolls in the perspective of the upcoming presidential elections. The paper suggested that the voters’ registration might delay because the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Robert Beugre Mambe, was trying "to sideline the National Statistics Institute." According to the report, "the Electoral Commissioner, during a meeting yesterday, rejected some sections of the mode of operation on which SAGEM and the INS earlier agreed upon." In a separate story, the paper quoted Desire Tagro, the Ivorian Interior Minister, who is also a leading member of the ruling FPI, saying: "We’ll establish identity documents to all those who have attained the voting age."

3. On a related issue, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) carried a commentary, which said, "More than a month after the new date for the upcoming presidential election was set, many political observers continue to wonder whether the polls can hold." The commentary further said, "Many Ivorians as well as the international community doubt the date of the election, because since the announcement of this date, no concrete action has been taken on the ground in connection with the preparation of the polls."

4. Fraternite Matin: The paper announced the beginning of the civic education scheme, which was designed by the authorities in Cote d’Ivoire to provide jobs for Ivorians especially for the former war fighters. According to the paper, "250 ex-combatants, who went through the demobilization process, started training yesterday to allow their reinsertion into the society."

5. In a separate development, Fraternite Matin told readers that "200 ex-combatants of the New Forces who deserted their ranks following the dismissal of the New Forces' military commander, Kone Zacharia, have resurfaced." According to the paper, the disgruntled soldiers decided to return to their base after they received "assurance" from the New Forces’ leadership that there will be no "reprisals" for their temporary desertion. The paper further reported that the spokesperson of the former rebel movement, on behalf of the Secretary General of the New Forces, "granted pardon to supporters of Kone Zacharia, who went into hiding after their leader was sacked."

6. Still on Kone Zacharia, L’inter (an independent daily newspaper) carried a front-page story titled, "Kone Zacharia, who is now living in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, will be confined into asylum until the elections are completed." Meanwhile, Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party) reported that "the former New Forces’ commander is negotiating with his leader, Guillaume Soro, to return home."

7. Fraternite Matin reported on the visit of the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Kyung-Wha Kang in Cote d’Ivoire, where she met with the country’s authorities including Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro. According to the paper, the Deputy High Commissioner also held talks with the Chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights of Cote d’Ivoire, Victorine Wodie. Discussions between the UN commissioner and the Chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights of Cote d’Ivoire focused on "institutional, technical and financial difficulties" facing this institution.

8. Fraternite Matin also reported that the Ivorian Ministry of Labor received about $ 1.2 million from GTZ [a German international cooperation agency]. According to the paper, this money will be utilized "to speed up the campaign against the worst forms of child labor in Cote d’Ivoire."

May 23, 2008

The peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire; the disarmament of New Forces soldiers; the visit of French economic operators to Gbagbo; and the issues surrounding former New Forces military commander, Kone Zacharia, who was sacked by the leadership for indiscipline are the major news stories in today’s newspapers.

1. In Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): the front-page story said: “In connection with the relationships with France, Gbagbo said: there will never be a breaking off in the relationship with France”. According to the paper, French investors who left Cote d’Ivoire following the sad events, which happened in November 2004, want to return.  The paper said, the investors met with President Gbagbo yesterday and apologized for what the former French leaders did to Cote d’Ivoire.

The paper also reported that ECOWAS offered 200 million CFA to the Independent Electoral Commission as their support to the peace process in Cote d’Ivoire.

2. “After the November 2004 crisis, the French businessmen to Gbagbo: We beg for your pardon” is the headline of Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party). According to the paper, the French companies, which were impacted by the November 2004’s events, will come back soon. Mr. Balzer, president of ADESCI (the Association for the defense of the French enterprises impacted in Cote d’Ivoire) paid a tribute to President Gbagbo for his sense of justice. He is quoted as saying: “We were hostages and victims of the politics of former French leaders, who sacrificed us on the altar for their interests. This is why we beg for your pardon. We know that our departure from Cote d’Ivoire gave a bad image of your politics and of Cote d’Ivoire. But we, children of Cote d’Ivoire, we want to re-establish the truth to the international scene to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar.”

Notre Voie also reported that the ex-commander of Seguela, Kone Zacharia, who ran away, found refuge in Burkina Faso, where it is rumored that he had been arrested by Burkina authorities. The paper said that Mr. Zacharia adopted a rebel attitude within his movement and was against the Ouagadougou Agreement. The paper said he was campaigning against Soro and Wattao, Deputy Chief of Staff of the New Forces, by telling the troops under his control that by signing the Ouagadougou Agreement, Soro and Wattao betrayed their fight and made a pact with President Gbagbo.
 
3. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition): “To weaken the New Forces, the ruling party, FPI wants to isolate ex-member of the New Forces, Kone Zacharia from Soro.” According to the paper, while New Forces are doing everything to settle their internal disagreements, FPI is making plans to deepen the gap between Zacharia and his hierarchy. To that effect, Zacharia is presented like an insubordinate soldier and rebel against the Ouagadougou Agreement. (NOTE: In newspapers close to FPI, Koné Zacharia is presented as someone who never agreed with Soro Guillaume.)

4. The front-page story of Le Matin d’Abidjan (a daily close to FPI) said: “After the flight of Kone Zacharia, arms cache was found in Seguela; an impressive war arsenal, two ministers of RDR involved.” According to the paper, after the flight of Kone Zacharia, the New Forces have discovered arms cache in Seguela and its neigboring villages, where Zacharia was preparing his rebellion. The arms discovered did not belong to the New Forces. The paper said that the New Forces have found out that not only did Kone Zacharia buy several pick-up cars on which were mounted arms called 12-7 but also he emptied the gun powder keg of the New Forces. The paper also said sources say that the former Minister of Commerce, Mr. Amadou Soumahoro who is the actual RDR mayor of Seguela and the actual Minister of New Technologies, Hamed Bakayoko, financially supported the purchase of the arsenal and vehicles. The paper said the sources explained that these two ministers are influent members of RDR.

5. Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition): The paper reported that the Prime Minister’s spokesperson, Meité Sindou, held a press conference yesterday regarding the disarmament process. According to Meité, the regrouping of ex-combatants reached its peak on December 22, 2007 when the Head of State and the Prime Minister officially launched the operation in Tiebissou. According to the paper, Mr. Meité cautioned that there are still some constraints, which might slow down the process. These constraints are political, financial and technical. Mr. Meité said that once the ranking of ex-combatants and the quota of New Forces soldiers, which should integrate the new army is settled, the Prime Minister will deal with an important problem, the dismantling of militia.

May 22, 2008

In today’s edition, the state-owned daily reported that the Ivorian authorities sought the support of the United States to finance a civic education program in Cote d’Ivoire. The former New Forces military commander, Kone Zacharia, who was sacked by the leadership for indiscipline, was again in the spotlight. The peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire and a report by a US-based Human Rights Watch on the spate of violence in Cote d’Ivoire are the other major news stories in today’s newspapers.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A report filed by the paper’s correspondent in Washington said that the Ivorian President’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Sarata Ottro Zirignon-Toure, who was on an official visit to the United States, pleaded with American policy makers - Senators Russel Feingold of Wisconsin and Edward Royce, the former Chairman of African Committee in the US Congress - to help implement a civic education program. According to the paper, the program, which was crafted by the Ivorian government as part of the ongoing peace process, is due to begin today. The paper further explained that the program is intended "to provide training for about 20,000 demobilized ex-fighters from the New Forces, self-defense militia groups, and also other youths, who were familiarized with guns." Speaking after a meeting with American Congressmen, Mrs Zirignon-Toure reportedly said: "The civic education program was designed to reintegrate former combatants from both armed forces [government and New Forces] into the society, where they can choose to do the job they want." According to the paper, "President Gbagbo’s emissary used the occasion to urge the Americans authorities to provide financial support to this vital program, which is recommended as part of the resolution of the crisis." In the report, Fraternite Matin’s Washington reporter quoted a senior staffer Senator Russel Feingold as saying: "The resolution of the Ivorian crisis constitutes a model in terms of solutions to the current crisis on the African continent."

2. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition): As the former New Forces military commander, Kone Zacharia, who was sacked by the leadership for indiscipline a few days ago continues to hit the headlines, a prominent front-page story in this paper said that the spokesperson of the New Forces, Sidiki Konate was trying "to calm things down." The paper said in reacting to previous news reports that suspected "a connection between IB (Ibrahim Coulibaly, ex-member of the New Forces) and Kone Zacharia," Konate said: "Zacharia is not with IB." According to Konate, the New Forces leader-turned Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro "spoke with Zacharia, who will come back soon."

3. Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party): A banner headline that ran across this paper said that "a commando is tracking down the former New Forces military commander who is still running." The paper allegedly reported that "Kone Zacharia, who was in Mali, left this country following pressure from the Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure. After taking refuge in Burkina Faso, he [Kone Zacharia] is now negotiating with Soro to come back home." Le Matin d’Abidjan (another daily close to the ruling FPI) told readers that "Kone Zacharia was arrested in Burkina Faso." Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Ivorian ruling party, Pascal Affi N’Guessan, who was commenting on the dismissal of the New Forces military commander, was quoted by L’intelligent d’Abidjan (a privately-owned daily) as saying, "This is an internal matter to the New Forces."

4. The issue of internal disputes within both the New Forces and the ruling party with regard to the implementation of the peace process is a subject of a front-page item in Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition). With a story entitled: "Gbagbo and Soro are fighting their devils," the paper noted that more than a year after the signing of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement, "The Ivoirian President and his Prime Minister have made a giant stride." The paper further said "Their achievements get no support within their own camps, as internal disagreements are emerging from both sides."

5. Commenting on the identification program designed to provide identity documents to Ivorians ahead of the upcoming elections, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) carried a prominent story in which it accused SAGEM, the French group that has been appointed to conduct the identification program, for "preparing fraud." "Under the pretext that the time is running out and that there is a need to speed up the process, SAGEM has decided to print voters’ cards to be used in the coming election in France." The paper attributed the remarks to unnamed well-informed sources. The same sources, the paper went on, hinted that "SAGEM conspicuously wanted to print the voters’ cards outside in a bid to sideline the National Statistics Institute (INS)." The paper reminded readers that the French group was appointed by the Ivorian authorities and had been tasked to conduct, "in collaboration with the INS, programs including the identification of the population, voters’ registration, and the establishment of the national identity and voters’ cards." In a commentary, the paper underscored the necessity for "a transparent election" in Cote d’Ivoire, as "the only way to definitely resolve the lingering political crisis in this country."

6. Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party): A story in this paper said that Human Rights Watch demanded the government of Cote d’Ivoire to take immediate steps to end "impunity for members of FESCI (a pro-government student group)." According to the paper, the NGO, Human Rights Watch said: "Since 2002, when a failed coup attempt plunged the country into a political and military crisis, the Student Federation of Cote d'Ivoire (Federation Estudiantine et Scolaire de Côte d'Ivoire, FESCI) has been responsible for politically and criminally motivated violence, including murder, assault, extortion, and rape. Attacks have often targeted perceived opponents of the ruling party, the Popular Ivorian Front (Front Populaire Ivoirien, FPI)."

May 21, 2008

Today, L’inter, an independent Ivorian daily, with the second largest circulation in the country, printed an op-ed on the May 21 celebration of the Day of Solidarity with the Cuban people. The other stories in the today's papers include the US Democratic party’s primaries; the dismissal of one the New Forces’ military commanders for "indiscipline"; community development issues; and the state of the media in Cote d'Ivoire.

1. L’inter (a privately-owned daily): "Struggle for freedom and democracy: The Americans express their solidarity with the Cuban people," said a prominent story in this paper. The paper published the full text of an op-ed distributed by the US Embassy in Abidjan on the celebration of May 21 as the Day of Solidarity with the Cuban people. The paper called May 21 "a very significant day for the United States," as the country shows its solidarity to "the courage and determination of the Cuban people." According to the report, the United States is using this day as an opportunity to call for "the liberation of all Cuban political prisoners and the abolition of any measures that permit the Cuban government to arrest citizens who express dissenting opinions, peacefully."

2. Commenting on the ongoing primaries for the nomination of the Democratic candidate for the upcoming presidential election in the United States, Soir Info (a privately-owned daily) told readers that "barring the unexpected, Barrack Obama would be the next President of the United States to accomplish the ‘dream’ of Martin Luther King Jr." According to the paper, "Barrack Obama possesses all the assets to become a great president in the United States like John F. Kennedy and George Washington were before."

3. On home issues, Soir Info devoted several commentary columns on the current situation in the ranks of the New Forces after the dismissal of one of its military commanders. In a prominent story, the paper called Kone Zacharia, the disgruntled military commander who was sacked a few days ago for "indiscipline" and IB (Ibrahim Coulibaly, ex-member of the New Forces) as "the monsters that are hunting Soro." The paper believed that "the wrangling amongst the leadership of the ex-rebel movement has seriously undermined the cohesion of the group." "Many soldiers, who supported IB, fled the New Forces-controlled territories… Today, Kone Zacharia, one of the powerful and charismatic military commanders, is out of favor with the leadership, because he believed that the New Forces leader-turned Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, betrayed them by accepting the post of the head of the government in the current administration."

4. On the same issue, Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI) carried pictures of IB and Kone Zacharia on its front page. The paper told readers that "a coalition of evil is on the offing." The paper, whose report implies "a connection between IB and Kone Zacharia," quoted an unnamed New Forces’ military commander as saying that "a coup is under preparation." The paper went on to comment that "Nobody can foresee the consequences of the crisis that is facing the New Forces." It is in this context that the paper is advising the Ivorian Prime Minister to call President Laurent Gbagbo "for rescue." The paper also quoted observers as saying that "any advice from the Head of State could be helpful to enable Guillaume Soro to forestall any frictions that could hold back the current peace process."

5. Meanwhile, a front-page story in Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI) said that the New Forces’ new military commander of the northern city of Seguela, Ouattara Issiaka, who was appointed shortly after the dismissal of Kone Zacharia, has taken "full control" of the region.

6. In a related development, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) informed readers that the mayors have now taken "full control" of the northern cities of Seguela, Kani and Massala, which were formerly manned by the New Forces. This is one of the results of the Ivorian government’s efforts to redeploy administration throughout the entire country.

7. On community development issues, Fraternite Matin reported that the government of Cote d’Ivoire is to build 300 bare holes to provide potable water for rural communities. According to the paper, the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) is to finance the nearly $7.0 million project. In a separate story, the paper reported that more than 80,000 children are suffering from malnutrition in the north of Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the announcement was made by the Ivorian Health Minister.

8. On more development issues, Fraternite Matin carried on its front page an exclusive interview of Mrs Dominique Folloroux Ouattara, the wife of the Ivorian opposition figure, Alassane Dramane Ouattara. According to the paper, Mrs Ouattara, who is the president of Children of Africa, was speaking ahead of a ceremony during which an award will be conferred on her for her leadership in addressing problems facing poor children. The paper quoted her as saying that "Children of Africa is a child-support organization that focuses on various issues including health, education, and culture. It also helps the population in poor communities especially women." On the current situation in Cote d’Ivoire, Mrs Ouattara said: "The living standard in the country has drastically dropped and the poverty line has shot up to more than 40 per cent." To reverse this situation, Mrs Ouattara called for "solidarity" and believed that an atmosphere conducive for peace would encourage more "investors to come back to the country and hence create jobs to our fellow citizens."

9. On the media, Fraternite Matin reported that "Political parties are demanding a revision in the management of the state-owned daily." According to the paper this demand was made during the ongoing consultations between the political parties and media representatives. One of the issues of the consultations is to find ways to ensure equal access to the state-owned media.

May 8, 2008

Today’s Ivorian newspapers announced that the international community has contributed more than 115 billion Francs CFA (about 270 million US dollars) towards the peace process underway in Cote d’Ivoire. The identification; the meeting of the Permanent Consultative Committee overseeing the Ouagadougou Political Agreement scheduled for May 9 in Yamoussoukro; and the conference of the Ministers of Security of Community of Sahel-Saharan states (CEN-SAD) underway in Abidjan; are the other top stories in today’s newspapers.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A prominent story in this paper said that seven months ahead of the presidential elections, some international donors, have contributed more than 115 billion Francs CFA (about 270 million US dollars) to support the implementation of the peace agreement signed between President Laurent Gbagbo and the leader of the New Forces turned Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro. According to the paper, "Part of these funds will cover the peace process and the remaining will be used to finance the electoral process." The announcement was made yesterday in Abidjan by the UN Secretary General Special Representative, Y.J. Choi during a press conference. According to the paper, Mr. Choi, called on the international community to stand by Cote d’Ivoire and play its part in the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. He concluded by saying "We’re now at the end of the tunnel."

2. Still on the implementation of the peace accord, Fraternite Matin announced that Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore, who is also the facilitator in the Ivorian peace process, is due to arrive today in Yamoussoukro to take part in the third meeting of the Permanent Consultative Committee overseeing the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. According to the paper, the other members of the oversight committee including "President Gbagbo; the Ivorian Prime Minister Guillaume Soro; Cote d’Ivoire’s ex-president and leader of the former ruling PDCI-RDA party Henri Konan Bedie; and the leader of the opposition RDR party, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, will all attend this meeting." Though the paper did not elaborate on the agenda of this meeting, it said that the Permanent Consultative Committee, which has been tasked "to examine any question relating to the peace agreement," is also charged "to consolidate national cohesion" amongst the people of Cote d’Ivoire.

3. On the same subject, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) reported on the agenda of the Permanent Consultative Committee’s meeting. It quoted the facilitator’s representative in Cote d’Ivoire, Boureima Badini, as saying that "the meeting would focus on the financing and the issue of security during the electoral process."

4. Regarding the voter’s registration during the upcoming presidential elections, Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) said that the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the National Statistics Institute (INS) and SAGEM – the French group in charge of the identification process – are due to meet next week on the groundwork for the establishment of the new electoral rolls. According to the paper, this announcement was made yesterday by the Chairman of the CEI, Robert Beugre Mambe after a meeting with the heads of the INS and SAGEM. "We’ve had a very important meeting with SAGEM and INS to work on our collaboration on the registration of voters.

5. As the Permanent Consultative Committee is due to meet tomorrow, Notre Voie suggested that there would be a heated debate on many issues including "the disarmament of the former rebels," as the New Forces and the ruling FPI party are "divided over the deadline for the completion of the program."

6. L’inter (a privately-owned daily): In a prominent front-page story, the paper announced that barring the unexpected, "a crucial meeting" will bring together military top brass from the government defense and security forces, the New Forces, and impartial forces in Yamoussoukro today. Citing military sources, the newspaper suggested that the discussion may focus on "the disarmament program, especially the mode of operation to be used in the conduct of the scheme."

7. Fraternite Matin reported on the outcome of the visit of the Ivorian Prime Minister to the Middle-East. Soro, who returned back to Abidjan yesterday, told reporters that a mission of the Islamic Bank is expected in Cote d’Ivoire ion May 11 "to evaluate the peace process and the national service program," reported the paper.

8. In a separate story, Fraternite Matin reported that a meeting of Ministers of Security from the Community of Sahel-Saharan states (CEN-SAD) opened yesterday in Abidjan. According to the paper, discussions focus on "ways to improve security measures and combat small arms traffic in the region."

May 7, 2008

Ivorian newspapers today reported on the continuing strain in the relationship between the ruling FPI party and the New Forces. The papers also reported on the identification process; the reappearance of Radio France International(RFI) FM (a Paris-based radio) in Cote d'Ivoire's airwaves; and the role of the media in the electoral process in Cote d’Ivoire.

1. Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party): In a prominent story, the daily suggested that the relationship between the Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and his Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro is likely to be strained following recent "attacks" by the ruling FPI party against the New Forces. The paper recalled that the First Lady, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, who was speaking at a rally in Yamoussoukro, told supporters that "The five-month deadline set by the New Forces to complete the disarmament of their former fighters was too long." "Cote d’Ivoire cannot afford the luxury to having on its soil armed rebels after they have taken control of the post of the Primature [the office of the Prime Minister]. Even if they are 50,000, they have to disarm now."

2. Le Nouveau Reveil also reported on two sides of the same issue - Madam Gbagbo's demand in which she talked about the "steps to be taken by the ruling FPI party in case the New Forces fail to disarm their soldiers within a five-month deadline set by the New Forces to complete the disarmament of their former fighters was too long," as well as the response of the New Forces to the First Lady's demand. The paper quoted parts of a leading New Forces member's response in which he said: "What is being implemented is the Ouagadougou Political Agreement that we signed together. No action was carried out unilaterally by a party of the agreement. We heard Mrs Gbagbo’s statement on the disarmament and we were surprised."

3. Soir Info (a privately-owned daily): In a front-page story, the paper reported on concerns in the delay of the identification program. The paper said that since the signing of a protocol between SAGEM and the Ivorian government April 17, 2008, the French group that was assigned to conduct the exercise did not "show up." The paper also said that the delay of the identification program could be blamed on the fact that "the collaboration between SAGEM and the National Statistics Institute (INS) is yet to be clarified and that the French group is seeking security and legal guarantees to start the program."

4. Le Patriote (a daily close to the opposition RDR party): The paper told readers that the National Commission for Supervision and the Control of the Identification (CNSI) wanted to play "a significant role" in the identification process. In a report, the paper said that participants in a CNSI-organized seminar recommended the set up of a Local Commission for the Supervision of the Identification; this commission should be tasked to "certify the identification process." On the same issue, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition), in a front page story said "The war over the nationality issue has resurfaced again."

5. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): The paper announced the reappearance of transmissions from Radio France International, today. The paper reported that the National Council on Audiovisual Communication (CNCA), an Ivorian national media regulatory agency yesterday lifted a three-month ban on Radio France International -- RFI’s FM broadcasts in Abidjan. The lift came following the appointment of a correspondent, as dictated in a previous agreement between the authorities of the radio station and CNCA. [NOTE: CNCA – a state media regulator – banned the French public broadcaster, Radio France International (RFI) off local airwaves on January 31, 2008. In a January 31, 2008 statement, announcing the ban, CNCA said the station had missed a January 31 deadline to assign a new correspondent to Cote d’Ivoire.]

7. In another development, Fraternite Matin reported that Cote d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Communication has decided to work with media partners and political stakeholders to design a handbook on electoral coverage for local and international journalists in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, an official of the Ministry said that this is to supplement the current code of conduct.

May 6, 2008

A feature story in today’s L’inter (a privately-owned daily) said that the American electoral system could be a model for Ivorians. The identification process ahead of the upcoming presidential elections; the relationship between the ruling FPI party and the New Forces; the national service program; efforts by the Ivorian authorities to stamp out racketeering; and the state of the media in Cote d’Ivoire are also subjects of front-page stories in the newspapers.

2. L’inter (a privately-owned daily): In an article entitled: "the American electoral system could serve as a model for Ivorians," the paper’s political reporter, Felix Diby Bony, reported on what he called "the lessons of American primaries." Bony, who recently covered the Pennsylvania primaries as part of the Reporting Tour of the Foreign Press Center, referred to the primaries as "democracy at the grassroots," that enables the American people to choose their flagbearer for the November presidential elections. He said, "Despite its uniqueness in the world, the American democratic system could serve as a model for young democracies in Africa that are finding it difficult to overcome obstacles including violence." He suggested that the American electoral system offers "some recipes" that could help avoid conflicts that come up during elections. With regards to the upcoming elections in Cote d'Ivoire, Bony said, "It’s important to note the positive aspects of the American democracy, which could help Ivorians to get rid of certain clichés and to progress towards the construction of a true nation on a strong foundation." The writer also saluted the American "power shift mechanism," which he said could contribute to avoid "useless conflicts in Africa." He said that in the United States, "there is no room for witch-hunting, which has been a source of conflicts in many African countries." In conclusion Bony commented that at the end of the two terms in office, "The Bush Administration will leave office without rancor against the new team that will replace them."

2. L’inter also reported on the issue of birth registrations in Cote d'Ivoire. According to the paper, Mr. Yua Koffi, Chairman of National Commission for Supervision and the Control of the Identification told a gathering that "The identification of the population must be conducted fairly." The paper said that the purpose of the gathering was to reinforce the capacity of all stakeholders involved in the general identification of the population ahead of the upcoming elections in Cote d’Ivoire.

3. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): Reporting on the same issue, a story in this paper said that the question of "how to secure the birth registers in Cote d’Ivoire" was the major issue that was raised at a two-day seminar that was organized by the National Commission for Supervision and the Control of the Identification process. According to the paper, the gathering focused on the reestablishment of the birth registers, and how to solve weaknesses of the Ivorian registration system.

Reporting on the same issue, a story in this paper said that the question of "how to secure the birth registers in Cote d’Ivoire" was the major issue that was raised at a two-day seminar that was organized by the National Commission for Supervision and the Control of the Identification process. According to the paper, the gathering focused on the reestablishment of the birth registers, and how to solve weaknesses of the Ivorian registration system.

3. In a separate story, Fraternite Matin reported that the New Forces denounced what they called "attacks" from the ruling FPI party. According to the paper, the former rebel movement sent a petition to the party to demand "clarification" after "the high-ranking personalities of the FPI party took delight in many verbal attacks targeted against Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro; the New Forces; and the peace process."

4. In another development, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) devoted a full-page to the national service program, which it said, was designed by the Ivorian government as part of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement to reintegrate ex-combatants and members of the militias into the society. According to the paper, the program will include approximately, 40,000 people.

5. L’intelligent d’Abidjan (a privately-owned daily): On the meetings of security forces, economic operators and civic groups, yesterday in Abidjan, the paper reported that "major decisions" have been taken to stamp out racketeering and corruption in Cote d’Ivoire. According to the paper, the plan includes an awareness campaign to sensitize the population on the dangers of these phenomena. In a related development, Fraternite Matin reported that the leader of the Ivorian Workers Party, Francis Wodie, has proposed a blue-print designed to ensure "good governance in Cote d’Ivoire." "We need another political system. Not the one that enriches some and impoverishes others," Wodie was quoted as saying.

6. Reporting on the state of the media in Cote d’Ivoire, Le Patriote (a daily close to the RDR political party) quoted the Minister of Communication, Ibrahim Sy Savane, as saying that "Financial independence could allow newspapers to become free." According to the paper, Savane, who was speaking to UNOCI FM (a UN radio in Cote d’Ivoire), delivered a message to Ivorian journalists, especially the young ones, that they should "thoroughly check information before publishing it."

May 5, 2008

The disarmament of the former rebels in Cote d’Ivoire; Prime Minister Guillaume Soro’s visit to the Middle-East; and World Press Freedom Day are the major issues that made headlines in today’s Ivorian newspapers.

1. L’inter (a privately-owned daily): In a front-page story, the paper reported on what it called the "mystery" behind the decision by the New Forces to relaunch the disarmament program. According the paper, the "long-awaited" program got underway last Friday with 1,000 ex-combatants from the former Ivorian rebel movement. The paper said that about 43,000 former rebels are expected to lay down their arms as part of a five-month disarmament program; and it is estimated that some 26,000 former rebels will be reintegrated into civilian life, and the remainder will be integrated into the national army.

2. L’inter also described the exercise as "an important step" on the part of the Ivorian Prime Minister who is also the leader of the New Forces towards the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement. The paper said, through this disarmament, "Guillaume Soro has proved that he is still capable of controlling his fighters, who earlier accused him for having betrayed their struggle after signing the peace deal." The paper also suggested that the second challenge of the disarmament program is to convince the entire international community, which is believed to be using the disarmament program as one of the preconditions to provide funds needed for the implementation of the peace deal.

3. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): Still on the disarmament of the ex-rebels, the Ivorian First Lady, Simone Ehivet Gbagbo is demanding that the exercise should be completed "now." Mrs. Gbagbo, who was speaking during a political rally, argued that five months for the completion of the program is "too long." According to the paper, Mrs. Gbagbo said - "At a time when we are talking about the peace process, Cote d’Ivoire cannot afford to have on its soil rebels who are still carrying guns after they have taken control of the post of the Prime Minister. Even if they are 50,000, they have to lay down their guns now." She was also quoted saying, "Those who are living in our country and who have no reason to carry arms should get away from our soil." In the weekend edition of Fraternite Matin, the Defense Minister, Michel Amani N'Guessan stated that the decision by the New Forces to depose their guns should be "irreversible." According to the paper, Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, responded in a statement, congratulating his fighters for starting the process, a "strong signal" that the peace accord signed in Burkina Faso last year is being implemented.

4. Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition): Soro’s official visit to the Middle-East was a subject of a front-page story in this paper. According to the paper, the Ivorian Premier who is in the region looking for funds to finance post-crisis projects in Cote d’Ivoire signed a 40 billion CFA-deal with the Islamic Development Bank. The money will be used to finance the construction of a highway and a project aimed at providing potable water for the population of Abidjan, the country’s economic capital.

5. As the world celebrates Press Freedom Day, Fraternite Matin quoted the Ivorian Minister of Communication, Ibrahim Sy Savane, as saying "The [Ivorian] press has a historic chance to change its image after the war." According to the minister, the freedom of the press should move together with the "responsibility" of the journalists. He also announced that his department is planning to organize a seminar to discuss the issue on equal access for the political parties to the state media.

6. In another development, Le Jour Plus (a daily close to the opposition) said that security forces, economic operators and civic groups are due to meet today to hammer out a plan aimed at stamping out racketeering in Cote d’Ivoire.

May 2, 2008

News reports in today’s Ivorian daily newspapers said that the cantonment of Cote d’Ivoire’s former New Forces rebels is due to commence today. The May Day celebration was also a front-page item in many dailies.

1. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily): A front-page story in this newspaper said that the cantonment of the former combatants of the New Forces is due to begin today in the central city of Bouake, the stronghold of the New Forces. The paper noted that the program, which is in connection with the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, will resume after "a four-month suspension." The paper said though "government forces had completed their cantonment on January 24, 2008," the program, which was launched on December 22, 2007, was halted in the zones under the control of the New Forces because of "financial and technical problems." The paper further suggested that "The resumption of the exercise becomes possible following the recent visit to Cote d’Ivoire by the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, who helped resolved some financial problems."

2. In a related issue, L’inter (a privately-owned daily) carried a prominent story saying that after the announcement of the date of the upcoming elections in Cote d’Ivoire, "The UN Security Council is now looking forward to the publication of the electoral list, a crucial step in the electoral process." According to the paper, this was contained in a statement issued by the world governing body. According to the paper, the statement said "In the context of the forthcoming presidential elections, the Council called on the parties to make concrete progress to promote political and security stability in such key areas as the disarmament and dismantling of militias; the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration program; weapons storage; the unification and restructure of defense and security forces; and the full restoration of State authority throughout the country."

3. As the authorities in Cote d’Ivoire are engaged in the preparation of the upcoming elections, Fraternite Matin reported on Mamadou Coulibaly’s (Speaker of the National Assembly) description of the Code of Good Conduct as "an arm against post-electoral violence." According to the paper, Coulibaly was speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2008 first session of the Ivoirian National Assembly that was held April 30 in the country’s political capital Yamoussoukro. The paper said that Koulibaly encouraged Ivorians to respect this Code especially articles 11 and 16. [NOTE: Article 11: The signatories pledge to use dialogue and all other peaceful and legal means in the settlement of their differences. They agree to refrain from entertaining and financing militia groups, self-defense groups, or Para-military groups. Furthermore, they pledge not to manipulate or use any armed force. Article 16: The signatories pledge to implement the present code of good conduct with goodwill and admit that the elections are the only means for a political party, a political grouping, a political force, or a candidate, to conquer power and for every voter to express his choice.]

4. Still on Coulibaly’s comments, L’intelligent d’Abidjan (a privately-owned daily) published the full text of his speech, which he also described "corruption and tribalism as the common enemies for Ivorians." According to the paper, Koulibaly further said "The Ouagadougou Political Agreement was not clear on the issue of the disarmament." The paper further said that Koulibaly proposed that the government should stop paying "war allowances to soldiers," as a way to put an end to "the warfare" in Cote d’Ivoire.

5. Notre Voie (a daily close to the ruling FPI party): A front-page item in this paper said that workers’ union denounced the current social situation in Cote d’Ivoire, which has been marked by "a high cost of living, racket, impoverishment, and corruption." According to the paper, the trade union leaders made this pronouncement as Cote d’Ivoire celebrated May Day, yesterday. The paper reported that President Laurent Gbagbo, in response, called on the workers to assume dialogue with the government in order to find solution to their grievances.