AFRICA/COTE D'IVOIRE - “We know who was responsible for the attack” says the Premier who has called for an international investigation on events in Bouaké

Abidjan (Agenzia Fides)- “We know who was responsible for the attack. The police are on their tracks but I will say no more at this point”. Ivorian prime minister Guillaume Soro who had a narrow escape on June 29 when anti-tank rockets were fired at the plane in which he had just landed at Bouaké airport. In the attack the Premier was unhurt but four members of the government delegation were killed.
Soro, leader of the former rebel group New Forces which has control of the north of the country, was appointed prime minister of a national unity government on the basis of an agreement signed in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) on March 4 (see Fides 5 March 2007). The agreement stipulated territorial reunification and restoration of state administration all over the country.
Bouaké is the stronghold of the New Forces, and some local observers say the unsuccessful assassination attempt was the work of a dissident group of the former rebels, angry with Soro for selling their cause to reach an agreement with President Laurent Gbagbo at any cost. The Premier denies that his men were involved: “I read in the papers than my military leaders were responsible. This cannot be so because I am familiar with their methods ” he said, calling for calm and assuring the people that the peace process would continue.
The Premier called for an international investigation into the Bouaké attack. “I want an international investigation.” Soro declared. His request is connected with a dispute over security at Bouaké airport where French and UN peace keepers are present. No one so far as assumed responsibility for airport security, and meanwhile fierce arguments over the incident are reported local press. Security measures have been tightened at all airports to prevent further attacks. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 5/7/2007 righe 37 parole 407)