Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) - The delegation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) met yesterday, 28 December, for three hours with the outgoing President of Côte d'Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo, to renew their ultimatum for him to leave the Presidential Palace and allow the induction of Alassane Ouattara in his full powers (the President recognized by the international community). Gbagbo has remained firm in his position, claiming he is the legitimate Head of State.
The ultimatum was announced on 24 December, after the extraordinary summit of ECOWAS in Abuja (the capital of Nigeria). The 15 members of ECOWAS threatened the use of force if Gbagbo should continue to remain in power. To try to convince him at a summit in Abuja it had been decided to send a delegation composed of the Presidents of three Countries of the Community, each representing the three linguistic areas by which ECOWAS is divided: Boni Yayi from Benin (French-speaking country), Ernest Bai Koroma from Sierra Leone (English) and Pedro Pires from Cape Verde (Portuguese). These three countries are considered as “neutral” in the Ivorian situation. La Banque centrale des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (BCEAO) has also entrusted Ouattara to carry out the audit of state-owned accounts, provoking protests by Gbagbo, which may not be able to pay the salaries of State employees.
Gbagbo has also launched a wide-ranging media offensive, on both an international and local level. In the first round Gbagbo gave an interview to leading French newspapers, in which he claims to be a victim of a “French-American conspiracy” and declares he is sceptical about the possibility of military intervention by ECOWAS. According to U.S. press Gbagbo's Government has also hired a prominent American lobbyist to represent his position to the institutions of Washington. Internally, the press close to Gbagbo continues to support the claims of the outgoing President, portraying him as a victim of international conspiracy. The newspaper “Notre Voie”, for example, published yesterday, Monday, 28 December, the plans for a proposed plan by the French military to kill Gbagbo.
Gbagbo has also warned that in the case of military intervention by ECOWAS, there will be serious consequences for the community of African immigrants in the country. Finally, Gbagbo has threatened to expel from Abidjan the ambassadors of the Countries that recognize the Ivorian diplomats appointed by Ouattara. Alassane Ouattare, whose general headquarters at a hotel in Abidjan are protected by the Blue Helmets peacekeeping force in Côte d'Ivoire, launched a call for a general strike, to be carried out in alternating phases. The political tension has pushed approximately 19,000 Ivorian refugees into neighbouring countries, especially into Liberia. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 29/12/2010)
