Civilians Possibly At Risk in Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

GI-NET/SDC is closely watching the developing situation in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), which has deteriorated since we last spoke of it on Friday. We are particularly concerned with the growing reports of civilians being violently targeted across the country. 
 
Over the last several days, the conflict between incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo and President-elect Alassane Ouattara has intensified. Street fighting between supporters of each candidate has led to at least fifty deaths and there are increasing reports of human rights abuses committed against civilians across Côte d’Ivoire.
 
On Monday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, expressed concern over growing reports of human rights abuses. Commissioner Pillay said that extrajudicial executions were taking place in the country. Many of these killings appear to have been committed by militias allegedly linked to President Gbagbo and appear to target Ouattara supporters in the city of Abidjan.  
 
Additionally, the UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) stated that civilians are being abducted across Abidjan.  These abductions are taking place during the evening, when armed men enter Ouattara-supporting neighborhoods, terrorizing local populations. Many of the abductees are being held incommunicado and several have been found dead. 
 
Over the last week, the international community has increased pressure on President Gbagbo. American and European governments have imposed sanctions on Gbagbo, including asset freezes and visa bans. The UN also extended the mandate of the peacekeeping force in Côte d’Ivoire, disregarding Gbagbo’s demand that the peacekeepers leave the country.
 

GI-NET/SDC staff will continue to watch the situation as the events unfold. While we are primarily focused on the upcoming referendum in Sudan, our wider focus forces us to take action when civilians are victims of widespread violence. In the event that the situation in Côte d’Ivoire continues to deteriorate, we will work to take action in the most effective manner possible.