Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Agenzia Fides)- “The political path of Côte d'Ivoire is mapped out until late October when there will be elections, postponed for the umpteenth time. This postponement opened a debate on what direction to take pending the elections” Fides was told by a local Catholic source in Côte d'Ivoire in crisis since September 2002. “The postponement of elections until the end of October was accepted by all parties, in fact the objective conditions for an election do not exist. Disarmament of militant groups has not started, no population censure has been taken and as a consequence no list of eligible voters has been drafted, and no electoral law has been adopted” the source said.
Yesterday 5 September the country’s main political leaders met in the capital Yamoussoukro in a bid to restart the peace process but they came to no agreement. The meeting was chaired by prime minister Konan Banny and participants included President Laurent Gbagbo and his opposition Alassane Ouattara and Henri Konan Bédié, and Guillaume Soro head of the rebellion which controls the north western region of Côte d'Ivoire. “We did not come to an agreement but we are determined to continue dialogue to find a solution to the crisis” the participants said at the end of the meeting.
“Ivorian leaders are trying to reach an autonomous solution to avoid foreign intervention” the source said. “In fact on 15 September the Ivorian crisis will be discussed by the UN Security Council to decide who should govern the country until the elections”. The main difficulty is what to do with the head of state, Gbagbo. His already prolonged mandate expires at the end of October with the elections. The postponement of the vote opened a debate as to who will be president until the elections. Gbagbo says he has a popular mandate and will remain. The Opposition said his mandate cannot be prolonged after October 31. Recently the president of abon Omar Bongo, proposed a 2 year “cohabitation” between Gbagbo and his main political adversaries: Gbagbo would retain presidency Alassane Ouattara would have vice-presidency, Guillaume Soro would be premier and Henri Konan Bédié chairman of the constituent assembly charged with drafting a new Constitution and electoral law . The proposal was rejected by the party of the President, whereas the rebellion found it interesting.
“It is a good thing that our political leaders are talking, this will prevent a recourse to arms. However the talks appear to be threatened because the participants seem little concerned for the general good of the country, and more concerned in party interests” the source told Fides. What is needed is more courage and decision in seeking a true and just peace”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 6/9/2006 righe 42 parole 524)
