Côte d’Ivoire: Ban warns against retribution towards Gbagbo’s supporters
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara to ensure that there is no retaliation against supporters of his predecessor Laurent Gbagbo, who surrendered yesterday after months of defying the outcome of the election he lost.
Laurent Gbagbo, former President of Côte d’Ivoire
In telephone discussions with Mr. Ouattara late yesterday, the Secretary-General stressed the expectation that since Mr. Gbagbo is now in the hands of the President’s forces, any further bloodshed will be avoided.
Mr. Gbagbo’s refusal to step down after losing the United Nations-certified presidential runoff poll in November plunged the West African country into violence, with his forces pitted against soldiers loyal to Mr. Ouattara, the internationally recognized President.
The Secretary-General said the UN peacekeeping mission in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) will continue to provide the necessary support to the Ivorian Government to restore law and order to avert the risk of a security vacuum.
“The Mission will continue to execute its mandate to protect civilians and stands ready to support the efforts to address the critical humanitarian situation in the country and the forthcoming domestic and international investigations into human rights violations,” according to a statement issued by the Secretary-General’s spokesperson after the phone conversation between Mr. Ban and Mr. Ouattara.
Mr. Ban said that at the request of Mr. Gbagbo, and in line with its mandate, UNOCI will ensure his security and protection while he is in custody.
The Secretary-General welcomed Mr. Ouattara’s call for the immediate establishment of a truth and reconciliation committee.
He once again stressed that those responsible for human rights abuses, regardless of their affiliation, must be held accountable and urged parties to take advantage of the “historic opportunity” to foster national reconciliation, establish a national unity government and ensure accountability for the serious human rights violations committed during the post-elections conflict.
He also called upon both parties to reunify their security forces, disarm the numerous irregular forces that participated in the conflict, re-establish State authority throughout the country and complete the unfinished aspects of the peace process.
“The Secretary-General calls on all parties to work together to put an end to this tragic chapter, which could have been avoided had Mr. Gbagbo respected the will of the people at a far earlier stage,” according to the statement issued by his spokesperson.
Source: UN News
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