AfricaBlog

Ivory Coast Simmers

With the peace process at a near halt and demonstrations growing more violent, the Ivory Coast may be on the verge of a resumption of real hostilities. With 3800 soldiers in the country, and a large political investment in the peace talks, France is in a difficult position. Neither side seems to respect or trust French interests or guidance, and both sides are using escalating violence to pressure the other into concessions.

"The French tango between the rebellion and legality must end. They must decide which side they are on," said Pascal Affi N'Guessan, from President Laurent Gbagbo's Ivorian Popular Front (FPI).

Expect the current ban on demonstrations to be tested soon; and expect the results to be bloody.

A modest proposal: France is obviously having difficulties establishing order or pushing forward the peace talks. Perhaps they should ask the UN for assistance.

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Posted by zombyboy at October 17, 2003 10:23 AM