Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) – Pressure is growing for the outgoing President of Côte d'Ivoire, Laurent Gbagbo, to recognise the victory of Alassane Ouattara in the vote at the end of November and leave power. The European Union (EU) extended economic sanctions previously adopted against Ggagbo, his wife and his entourage (officers, magistrates, military and politicians). To the more than 61 names already inserted on a “black list” by the EU, have been added others, as well as more than 11 companies still controlled by Gbagbo. These include the government agency that controls trade in coffee and cocoa, for which Côte d'Ivoire is the world's leading producer, the national oil company Petroci and one that manages the port of Abidjan, the most important in West Africa. The sanctions involve the freezing of bank accounts and other assets within the EU and, for the individuals, travel bans within EU territory and the issue of entry visas to member countries.
Simultaneously, Ouattara's camp is multiplying appeals for the international community to put an end to the crisis through forceful, precise and contained action. “A speedy and well-targeted operation will halt the mass killings and put an end to the chaos,” said the Prime Minister appointed by Ouattara, Guillaume Soro, to the French weekly “Jeune Afrique”.
Ouattara, who is blockaded in his general quarters in a Hotel in Abidjan, confirmed in a video conference with the Centre of Strategic and International Studies at Georgetown University in Washington that he is ready to form a united national Government which is also made up of those close to Gbagbo, but at the same time declared that “it is time to use military force to make Gbagbo leave”. Ouattara also accused the outgoing President of having recruited 3,000 foreign mercenaries and of having imported a substantial quantity of ammunition for his troops. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 15/1/2011)
