Atrocities by troops loyal to President Ouattara of Ivory Coast

It is no secret that on 11 April 2011, after a power struggle that lasted four months, Laurent Gbagbo, former President of Ivory Coast, was finally kicked out of office and arrested by troops loyal to his rival - President Allasane Ouattara. The president's troops reportedly committed atrocities against pro-Gbagbo civilians during the campaign to oust Gbagbo.

Since violence broke out following the disputed November 2010 presidential elections, hundreds of civilians lost their lives and thousands fled their homes. Troops loyal to the deposed President Laurent Gbagbo were particularly under the microscope and accused of committing crimes against humanity.

With all eyes on Laurent Gbagbo and his men, troops loyal to Allasane Outtara were given a blank check and committed widespread atrocities during the march to force Gbagbo to cede power. Now that Gbagbo is out of office and under house arrest, serious allegations of horrendous crimes and atrocities committed by troops loyal to President Ouattara have surfaced.

Human Rights Watch sent an email to it's supporters on Friday 14 April 2011 - shining light on crimes committed by Ouattara's forces. These crimes include systematic rape, summary executions, killings along ethnic lines, and burning of villages. According to Human Rights Watch, Ouattara's forces massacred more than 100 people in Bloléquin, including babies, women and those "too old or feeble to flee". The town of Duékoué and other western towns were also devastated by Ouattara's forces and hundreds of Gbagbo supporters were brutally killed. 

Crimes against civilians by armed militia men violate international humanitarian law and must not go unpunished. President Allasane Ouattara should investigate and prosecute those responsible for grave crimes committed during the power struggle. 

Investigating only pro-Gbagbo forces will send a wrong message and jeopardize reconciliation efforts in Ivory Coast.

Human Rights Watch interviewed many victims of violence and published a detailed news release on 9 April 2011 urging President Ouattara and his new government to investigate and prosecute perpetrators from both sides of the conflict.

On a side note: During the conflict in Ivory Coast, there was a poll on this blog and readers were asked whether the United Nations should intervene militarily to protect civilians in the west African country. Only 18 people participated in the poll - with 14 (77 percent) in favor of military intervention, 3 (16 percent) against and 1 (5 percent) unsure. I appreciate all those who participated in the poll.

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Swedish UN worker shot dead in Ivory Coast

This afternoon, I was saddened by news that a Swedish UN worker for the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) was shot dead in Abidjan as troops loyal to the internationally recognized President of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, clashed with forces loyal to the illegitimate President Laurent Gbagbo.

The Swedish woman, identified as Zahra Abidi, 34, was reportedly shot and killed by a stray bullet yesterday - Thursday 31 March 2011 in Abidjan, the commercial capital of Ivory Coast.

It is worth mentioning that there has been a recent spike in violence against UN peacekeepers in Ivory Coast. On 13 January 2011, pro-Gbagbo supporters attacked UN peacekeepers and burnt UN vehicles. On 28 March, a UN helicopter came under attack by pro-Ouattara forces.

The death of a UN worker as a result of the on-going power struggle in Ivory Coast resounds the need for all parties involved in the conflict to exercise restraint and stop killing civilians. Attacks against UN workers and civilians is a crime punishable under international law and perpetrators will be brought to book.

The noose is tightening on Laurent Gbagbo who refuses to cede power after losing the November 2010 presidential elections. International calls for him to step down have become louder and atrocities committed by his loyalists are well-documented. When it's all said and done, justice will take its course.

My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends of the slain Swedish UN worker and all the numerous civilians who have been shot death in Ivory Coast since violence broke out following the disputed November 2010 presidential election.

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Barack Obama's video message to the people of Ivory Coast

This morning, I watched a video message posted on the White House Blog from President Barack Obama to the people of Ivory Coast. In the message, the president of the United States recognized Alassane Ouattara as the democratically elected president of Ivory Coast and expressed concern about the on-going power struggle and it's implications on the Ivorian people.

Obama unequivocally condemned Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to relinguish power since he was declared loser of the November 2010 presidential election, and commended the internationally recognized president of Ivory Coast - Alassane Ouattara - for seeking a peaceful solution to the stalmate. Obama urged Laurent Gbagbo to follow the "example of leaders who reject violence."

President Barack Obama's 1 minute 43 seconds long video message ends with a direct appeal to the people of Ivory Coast.



After watching the video, I have no doubt that some people will argue that "the west" is once again meddling in the internal affairs of a "sovereign" state because of "self interest" and the desire to exploit "natural resources". This argument is all too common, but as far as I'm concerned,  it defends the status quo and does not hold water; neither does it provide a solution to today's human rights challenges. People of good conscience do not expect the so-called "west" to sit back and silently watch innocent civilians in any part of the world die in the name of "sovereignty".

Where a state proves to be unwilling or incapable of protecting civilians within its borders from untold large scale violations, the international community has a moral and legal obligation under international law to take "all necessary measures" to protect civilians caught in a deadly conflict.

Ivory Coast is in chaos and there're allegations of crimes against humanity committed by supporters and troops loyal to Laurent Gbagbo. The United Nations reports that about a million people have fled their homes as a result of post-elections violence.

I welcome President Obama's message to the people of Ivory Coast, but more concrete steps should be urgently taken to protect civilians on the ground. More importantly, those who have participated in any way in perpetuating human rights violations in Ivory Coast since the disputed November 2010 presidential elections should bear the full weight of the law.

Read the country profile of Ivory Coast for more information about the country and please take the POLL on the top right hand corner of this blog [UPDATE: Poll closed].

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Gbagbo's youth minister incites violence in Ivory Coast

It is no secret that power struggle between beleaguered Laurent Gbagbo and the internationally recognized President of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, as well as incitement of violence by Gbagbo's youth minister - Charles Ble Goude (pictured) - has pushed Ivory Coast to the brink of another civil war.

Since Laurent Gbagbo was declared loser of the November 2010 presidential election, his refusal to relinguish his firm grip on power has lead to bloodshed and loss of innocent lives. Young Gbagbo supporters, under the influence of his youth minister, have reportedly committed horrific crimes against supporters of  Alassane Ouattara and foreigners. These crimes, according to the UN and Human Rights Watch, could amount to crimes against humanity.

Charles Ble Goude has been instrumental in shoring up support for Gbagbo and inciting violence against opposition supporters. According to Human Rights Watch, on 25 February 2011, Charles Ble Goude urged "real" Ivorians to "denounce" foreigners. His statement was followed by coordinated violence against foreigners

Earlier today, the BBC reported that thousands of youths have responded to Goude's call to "join the army" and "liberate" the country. The youth minister reportedly encouraged youths to fight against supporters of the opposition. Responding to the youth minister's call, thousands of young Ivorians showed up at an army base to enlist.

Incitement of violence in Ivory Coast should be unequivocally condemned at all levels. It undermines calls for an end to violence and human rights abuses in the west African country. The country is yet to recover from damaging consequences of the 2002 -2003 civil war, hence Ivorian youths should exercise restraint and reject manipulation and calls that could spark another civil war.

Charles Ble Goude should use his influential position as youth minister to unite; rather than incite violence and divide the youths of Ivory Coast along political lines.

These are tough times for human rights around the world and free people all across the globe are closely watching events in Ivory Coast. Perpetrators of violence, including those who use the privilege of leadership to incite violence, will be brought to book.

Charles Ble Goude, Gbagbo's militant youth leader and minister, is currently under UN sanctions for inciting violence. More sanctions should be considered.

Since November 2010, more than 425 people have died and 500,000 people have fled their homes.

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Crimes against humanity in Ivory Coast

This afternoon, while watching Impact with Mishal Husain on the BBC, I was taken aback when the anchor of the program failed to mention the volatile situation in Ivory Coast - even after saying the program covers "stories that matter from across the globe." Of course Libya, Japan and Bahrain were on the headlines, but the entire 30 minutes program ended without any mention of Ivory Coast. This goes to show that the situation in Ivory Coast does not matter to western media - despite the fact that yesterday, a renown human rights organization - Human Rights Watch - reported on-going crimes against humanity by Gbagbo forces in the west African country.

The BBC and other western media outlets might downgrade the conflict in Ivory Coast and look away while Gbagbo forces slaughter civilians, but people of good conscience around the world cannot look away.

Since the disputed November 2010 presidential election in Ivory Coast, forces loyal to Laurent Gbagbo have committed horrific crimes, including extra-judicial killings, forced disappearances, gang rapes, attacks against national minorities and political violence against opposition supporters.

On 3 March 2011, in a show of barbarism and uttered disregard for human life, forces loyal to Gbagbo opened fire on unarmed women calling for the removal of Laurent Gbagbo. On this day, seven women were brutally killed and many wounded. In the spirit of endemic impunity, no one has been arrested in relation to the incident which sparked domestic and international outrage.

A lot has been said and written about the volatile situation in Ivory Coast, but concrete steps are yet to be taken by the international community and other actors to restore the inherent dignity of Ivorians and bring perpetrators of violations to book.

Now that Human Rights Watch has published detailed allegations of crimes against humanity by Gbagbo forces, it remains to be seen whether governments and the UN Security Council will divide their attention equally between Libya and the Middle East - where the oil and money is - on the one hand, and Ivory Coast on the other hand.

The Security Council should refer the equally deadly situation in Ivory Coast to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In December 2010, the ICC warned that those who perpetrate violence against civilians in Ivory Coast will be prosecuted. Over the past couple of months, we have seen violence against unarmed civilians and opposition supporters escalate. Now is the time to take concrete steps to bring perpetrators to book.

* Photo: allWestAfrica. 

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Horrific crimes committed by Laurent Gbagbo forces in Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast Police crackdown on demonstrators. Photo: PicsfromAfrica.

While the world is focused on calls for democracy in the Middle East, security forces and militias loyal to Laurent Gbagbo - who is believed to have lost the disputed November 2010 presidential election in Ivory Coast - are committing horrific crimes against civilians and supporters of Alassane Ouattara - the internationally recognized winner of the November election.

Since the African Union, United Nations, European Union and ECOWAS recognised Alassane Ouattara as the winner of the disputed elections in December 2010 and asked Laurent Gbagbo to step down, security forces loyal to Gbagbo have repeatedly clashed with supporters of Ouattara and committed horrific crimes - leaving many civilians dead or wounded and on the run.

Horrific crimes by Gbagbo loyalists against civilians and members of the opposition are well-documented and include the following:

• Abductions
• Forced disappearances, 
• Extrajudicial killings
• Gang rapes
• Intimidation and brutal crackdown on demonstrators. 

Families in pro-Ouattara neighborhoods told Human Rights Watch that Laurent Gbagbo security forces conduct raids in opposition strongholds and abduct supporters of Ouattara. Many abductees remain missing and unaccounted for.

UN peacekeepers have also been attacked by pro-Laurent Gbagbo security forces - who reportedly opened fire on a UN vehicle in December 2010.

Even more disturbing are reports of the presence of Liberian mercinaries in Ivory Coast, recruited to reinforce Gbagbo's security forces. During the 24 February clash with forces loyal to Ouattara, Liberian mercinaries fought alongside Gbagbo's troops.

Gang rapes, forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and other horrific crimes committed by Laurent Gbagbo forces against a civilian population amount to "crimes against humanity" and "war crimes." When it's all said and done, those commanding such operations will be held to account. We've seen justice take its course in DR Congo - where a Lieutenant Colonel was recently jailed for commanding a mass rape operation.

In December 2010, the International Criminal Court (ICC) warned perpetrators of crimes in Ivory Coast that they would be prosecuted.

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Ivory Coast: Power struggle endangers lives

Laurent Gbagbo.

On 16 December 2010, following a warning issued by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to perpetrators of possible crimes in Ivory Coast, supporters of Alassane Ouattara - the internationally recognized winner of the disputed presidential elections - clashed with riot police loyal to incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, leaving at least 20 people dead.

Prior to this dispute that has raised concerns of another civil war in Ivory Coast, the electoral commission declared Alassane Ouattara the legitimate winner of the 28 November presidental run-off election, but the Constitutional Council (reportedly loyal to Laurent Gbagbo) later overturned the results and declared incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo the "legitimate" winner. This marked a major setback to attempts to secure a fragile peace in Ivory Coast.

The ensuing power struggle endangers lives in the west African country, and although power struggle and post-elections violence is typical in Africa, commonsense suggests that no life should be lost because of attempts to cling to power.

Times have changed and this time, the world is closely watching the events in Ivory Coast. The African Union, in a rare move, has asked Laurent Gbagbo to step aside, the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), United States, South Africa, France and Nigeria have done the same.

Ivorians have the right to elect their leader and according to the independent national electoral commission and the international community, the masses democratically elected Alasssane Ouattara. Laurent Gbagbo should do the right thing and relinguish his firm grip on power. The people have spoken and they deserve to have their voices heard.

Perpetrators of post-elections violence and crimes in Ivory Coast and beyond would eventually have their day in a national or international court of law.

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ICC warns perpetrators of possible crimes in Ivory Coast

Luis Moreno-Ocampo, ICC Prosecutor.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo (pictured) has warned all parties involved in the disputed Presidential elections in Ivory Coast that the court would prosecute perpetrators of crimes - should violence escalate. This warning comes only a day after the Prosecutor presented a case against six Kenyans for massive crimes against humanity committed during the 2007-2008 post-election violence in Kenya.

Ivory Coast is in chaos and recent events have raised fears of violence and possible commission of crimes - as incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo clings to power after reportedly losing the Presidential election to opposition leader - Alassane Ouattara.

Incumbent Laurent Gbagbo clings to power despite loud and clear calls from the international community, including the African Union, United Nations, European Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and countries including the United States, South Africa, France, Nigeria.

Earlier today, troops loyal to Laurent Gbagbo clashed with supporters of Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, killing at least one person.

This post-election chaos in Ivory Coast is representative of the sorry-state of democracy and the rule of law in Africa - a continent where incumbent Heads of States, more often than not overrule the peoples' choice in presidential elections and cling to power. This, no doubt, often leads to post-election violence and massive crimes against unarmed civilians. We have seen it in Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Kenya, you name it.

Although Ivory Coast is not party to the Rome Statute, the ICC Prosecutor's warning against possible violence in Ivory Coast is a timely deterrent against possible crimes against humanity in the west African state. Governments shouldn't use the principle of "Sovereignty" as a shield against justice.

No one should die as a result of power mongering and disputed presidential elections. Above all, under no circumstance should perpetrators of post-election crimes against humanity go unpunished.

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