American Embassy’s National Daily Press Review 

If you are using this material, please include this disclaimer.

This daily press review is compiled by the Information Section of the Public Affairs Office of the American Embassy in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The opinions expressed in these reviews in no way reflect the views of the United States Government and are presented for informational purposes only. The accuracy of reports contained in this summary has not been confirmed by the Embassy. For questions regarding this service, please contact: Mr. Folli Teko in the Public Affairs Press Office, TekoFX@state.gov.

February 14, 2013

Today’s Top Stories

1. Ivoirian government announces new date for local elections
2. Pro and anti-government supporters to organize rallies in Abidjan Saturday
3. Government works to increase maritime security
4. Appeals court confirms jail sentence for Ivoirian opposition leader
5. Government pledges to fight recruitment of child soldiers

1.  Ivoirian government announces new date for local elections

“Local elections set for April 21,” says a front-page headline in Fraternite Matin.  According to the paper (p. 9), the decision was made yesterday in Abidjan during a cabinet meeting chaired by President Alassane Ouattara.  The article also indicates that the decision to reschedule the local elections to April 21 was made following a proposal made by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). 

Another front-page headline in Fraternite Matin casts doubt about the participation of opposition groups in the elections.  The article (p. 9) notes that “no concrete results” have come from the ongoing dialogue between the government and the Ivoirian opposition groups designed to resolve the differences between the two sides and enable the opposition to participate in the elections.

“Local elections set for April 21, Ouattara excludes FPI,” writes opposition paper Notre Voie (p. 3), while an article in L’Inter (p. 5) wonders whether the former ruling party would pull out of the ongoing political dialogue.

Reacting to the government’s decision on a date for the local elections, Le Nouveau Courrier carries a front-page headline suggesting that “Ouattara doesn’t care if FPI participates in the elections.”  However, the same paper (p. 4) also quotes government spokesperson Bruno Kone expressing hope that “parties that did not have enough time to prepare for the elections in February would now have time to file their nominations.”

Le Nouveau Reveil (p. 6) carries a statement issued by the Independent Electoral Commission announcing that the submission of the candidates will begin on February 20 and end on March 6.  

2.  Pro and anti-government supporters to organize rallies in Abidjan Saturday

A prominent headline in L’Expression, a pro-government daily, warns about “danger” as pro and anti-government supporters are planning two separate rallies in the Abidjan neighborhood of Yopougon on Saturday.  The paper (p. 3) reports that youth loyal to former Ivoirian president Laurent Gbagbo will stage a demonstration in Yopougon to demand the release of the former president while victims of the recent political crisis in Cote d’Ivoire are also set to hold a rally in the same area. 

“February 16 meeting in Yopougon, supporters of Ouattara are preparing chaos,” reads a front-page headline in Le Nouveau Courrier.  A front-page headline in Le Patriote calls the demonstration to be organized by the youths loyal to the former ruling FPI party “a provocation” designed to “destabilize” the country.  

3.  Government works to increase maritime security

Fraternite Matin today devotes its front page to efforts being deployed by the Ivoirian authorities in an effort to increase maritime security off the coast of Cote d’Ivoire.  The paper (pp. 4&5) carries the reports after several recent incidents of piracy off the Ivoirian coast.  The paper (p. 6&7) also carries an interview of Hien Sie, the Managing Director of the Abidjan Port, who indicates that measures have been put in place to increase security at the port. 

4.  Appeals court confirms jail sentence for Ivoirian opposition leader

A report in L’Inter (p. 3) says an appeals court in Abidjan has confirmed a six-month jail sentence for Laurent Akoun, the Secretary General of the former ruling FPI party.  The court has also imposed upon him a 12-month ban on moving around the country except for in his village, reports the paper.  Meanwhile, Le Temps carries a front-page headline calling the judgment “a plot.”  

5.  Government pledges to fight recruitment of child soldiers

A report in Fraternite Matin (p. 15) says the Ivoirian government has reaffirmed its commitment to fight the recruitment of child soldiers.  This was announced by the Minister of Solidarity, Family, Women and Children Anne Desire Ouloto, during events marking the celebration of World Child Soldiers Day. 

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February 13, 2013

Today’s Top Stories

1. Accused of crimes, supporters of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo cleared
2. UN official in charge of peace operations continues fact-finding mission in Cote d’Ivoire
3. Pro-opposition daily speculates about President Ouattara and U.S. Secretary of State’s phone conversation
4. Positive effects of HIPC initiative on Ivorian economy
5. Exhibition of local products with USAID support

1. Accused of crimes, supporters of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo cleared

A report in Soir Info (p. 4) says five supporters of former Ivoirian president Laurent Gbagbo have been cleared by a court in Abidjan.  According to the paper, the five supporters, which includes former publisher of Notre Voie Simone Hue Lou, were accused in connection with crimes committed during the recent post-electoral violence in Cote d’Ivoire.  The article underscores that the decision by the court to clear the five supporters came after President Ouattara pledged to continue the political dialogue with the opposition groups.   

2.  UN official in charge of peace operations continues fact-finding mission in Cote d’Ivoire

A front-page story in Fraternite Matin says United Nations Assistant Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet yesterday commended the Ivoirian government for its diplomatic and political efforts as well as measures that have been taken to improve security in Cote d’Ivoire.  “There is a responsible government in Cote d’Ivoire,” the paper (p. 6) quotes Assistant Secretary General Mulet as saying after a meeting with Ivoirian Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan. 

Mulet also noted, however, that there are other challenges to be addressed reports L’Intelligent d’Abidjan (p. 2).

“Mr. Mulet, here are the true stories about the country,” reads an editorial carried by opposition paper Notre Voie (p. 2), which compares the current political situation in Cote d’Ivoire to “a hot pot whose cover can blow up at any time.”  The editorial also claims the socio-political situation in the country is “volatile” while the reconciliation process is “deadlocked.” 

3.  Pro-opposition daily speculates about President Ouattara and U.S. Secretary of State’s phone conversation

Le Quotidien d’Abidjan, a daily close to the former ruling FPI party, today carries a front-page headline speculating about what it describes as “ the truth” behind a recent phone conversation that President Alassane Ouattara had with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.  The article (p. 4) claims that during the conversation, Secretary Kerry pressed the Ivoirian authorities to also prosecute supporters of President Ouattara in connection with crimes committed during the recent post-electoral violence in Cote d’Ivoire.

4.  Positive effects of HIPC initiative on Ivorian economy

A feature story in L’Inter (pp. 10&11) outlines the positive effects of the Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) debt forgiveness initiative on the Ivoirian economy.  According to the head of the International Monetary Fund in Cote d’Ivoire, the HIPC debt forgiveness initiative has helped clear two-thirds of the total Ivoirian debt.

5.  Exhibition of local products with USAID support

A report in L’Intelligent d’Abidjan (p. 10) says Ivoirian artists organized an exhibition Monday in Abidjan with the support of the USAID.  The exhibition was held to promote Ivoirian products in both the local and international markets.

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February 12, 2013

Today’s Top Stories

1. President Ouattara meets ally Bedie over the political situation in Cote d’Ivoire
2. Tabloid suspended for invading peoples’ private lives

1.  President Ouattara meets ally Bedie over the political situation in Cote d’Ivoire

A front-page headline in Fraternite Matin says President Alassane Ouattara met yesterday in Abidjan with his political ally, former Ivoirian president Henri Konan Bedie, over the socio-political situation in Cote d’Ivoire.  Speaking to reporters after the meeting (p. 6), President Ouattara reaffirmed his government’s commitment to continue the political dialogue with the opposition, adding that, “Cote d’Ivoire has always been a peaceful country.”  President Ouattara is also reported as saying that, “because of this political dialogue, local elections have been delayed” but “a new date will be announced soon.”  In regards to the ongoing reconciliation process and the trials of people charged with crimes in connection with the recent political violence in Cote d’Ivoire, the president said: “The court procedures must continue.”

“Ouattara responds to FPI,” reads a prominent headline in L’Intelligent d’Abidjan, which reports President Ouattara calling for the end of impunity in Cote d’Ivoire.

From the former ruling party, a front-page story in L’Inter quotes a spokesperson of the opposition FPI party who remained adamant in their demands including “a general amnesty” for those who have been charged with crimes after the recent political violence.  According to the paper (p. 3), Sebastien Danon Djedje, FPI’s spokesperson, while speaking with UN radio said the party is prepared to discuss three key points with the government in connection with the ongoing dialogue.  These include “reconciliation, security and general amnesty,” Danon Djedje is reported as saying.  

2.  Tabloid suspended for invading peoples’ private lives

A front-page story in Notre Voie says Prestige Mag, a weekly tabloid which belongs to the same publishing group as opposition paper Le Temps, has been suspended for two months by the National Press Council (CNP), a state print media regulatory body.  According to the paper (p. 8), the tabloid has been suspended for invading peoples’ private lives.

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February 11, 2013

Today’s Top Stories

1. New U.S. Secretary of State speaks with President Ouattara
2. Security Minister and foreign diplomats meet over security situation in Cote d’Ivoire
3. Teachers and health workers suspend their strike
4. UN official in charge of peace operations visits Cote d’Ivoire for fact-finding mission
5. Ivorian government pledges to fight Female Genital Mutilation

1.  New U.S. Secretary of State speaks with President Ouattara

A front-page story in Fraternite Matin says President Alassane Ouattara and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry had a phone conversation on Saturday.  According to the paper (p. 6), the discussion focused on the reconciliation process underway in Cote d’Ivoire as well as issues pertaining to justice, reforms in the security sector, the ongoing disarmament effort and elections in the country.  The paper, which cites a statement issued by the Presidency, also reports that the two men talked about “the situation in Mali and bilateral cooperation between Cote d’Ivoire and the United States.”  The article also reports the Secretary of State pledged the support of the United States and President Barack Obama to resolve the crisis in Mali.

2.  Security Minister and foreign diplomats meet over security situation in Cote d’Ivoire

Footage on state broadcaster RTI1 showed foreign diplomats, including U.S. Ambassador Phillip Carter III, meeting with Ivoirian Interior and Security Minister Hamed Bakayoko over the security situation in Cote d’Ivoire.  The meeting, the report said, was an opportunity for the minister to brief the diplomats on measures being put in place by the Ivoirian authorities in order to improve security in this country. 

3.  Teachers and health workers suspend their strike

A prominent story in Fraternite Matin says teachers from government’s primary, secondary and technical schools, who had been on strike last week to press for a salary increase, have called off their movement.  According to the paper (p. 10), the decision was the result of a mediation led by Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan.  The report also says the meeting between the prime minister and the striking teachers was followed by a general assembly called by the teachers’ unions during which they called on their colleagues to resume work today.

L’Inter carries a front-page headline calling the decision by the striking teachers to resume work as “a truce.”  Another front-page headline in this paper announces that health workers, who were also on strike, have ended their movement.  Reporting on the decision by the teachers to call off their strike, Notre Voie (p. 8) says the government has finally surrendered, as the teachers have threatened to continue their movement.    

4.  UN official in charge of peace operations visits Cote d’Ivoire for fact-finding mission

A report in Le Nouveau Reveil (p. 3) says United Nations Assistant Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet has arrived in Cote d’Ivoire for a week-long survey of the situation in the country.  The article indicates that the head of the peacekeeping operations will, at the end of his visit, give recommendations to the UN Secretary General on the role to be played in the future by the UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI).

5.  Ivorian government pledges to fight Female Genital Mutilation

“Fight against female genital mutilations: Anne Ouloto declares war to perpetrators,” reads a prominent headline in Fraternite Matin (p. 11).  According to the paper, the Minister of Solidarity, Family, Women and Children, Anna Ouloto, speaking over the weekend during a ceremony marking World Day against Female Genital Mutilations, renewed the government’s engagement to fight this occurrence. The minister is reported as having pledged to use all means possible to have the perpetrators of female genital mutilations be brought to justice. 

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FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Today’s Top Stories

1. Mamadou Koulibaly’s LIDER Party says it won’t participate in the local elections
2. Union of health care workers threatens to intensify their strike
3. West African Development Bank extends loan to  finance road construction project in Cote d’Ivoire
4. The Ivorian government pledges to make available US $ 24 million to fight against gender-based violence

1. Mamadou Koulibaly’s LIDER Party says it won’t participate in the local elections

According to an article in Le Nouveau Courrier (p. 5) the leadership of LIDER, the party of former president of the National Assembly Mamadou Koulibaly, said yesterday it will not take part in the upcoming mayoral and regional elections. The party’s decision is meant to denounce the government’s refusal to address concerns the opposition has voiced over arrangements to be made ahead of the poll. The daily reported that LIDER spokesperson Benson de Gnacabi said talks between the government and opposition parties to find common ground on measures to ensure fair and inclusive elections have failed. Opposition parties have suggested an update of the voter register and security arrangements, including the disarmament of former combatants before the poll is held, the paper said, adding that the government has rebuked all these demands.

L’Inter (p. 2) carried a similar account, adding that the LIDER Party said, however, that it will continue negotiations with the government. 

2. Union of health care workers threatens to intensify their strike

According to Notre Voie (p. 7) the strike called by the major union of Ivorian health care workers (SYNICI) may be intensified as agreement with the government appears unlikely at this stage. Citing SYNICI spokesman Dr. Ernest Boka, the paper said that the union has warned the government against imposing sanctions or intimidating its members as a result of the ongoing strike. “Such a scenario will force us to call all health care workers, with no exception to stay off the job,” the paper reported Dr. Boka as saying.  The paper noted these remarks came in response to the Ivorian Health Minister Raymonde Goudou making bitter remarks on the strike and calling on the activists to abide by the law as they are engaged in the strike.

Le Nouveau Courrier (p. 4) carried a similar account, adding in a separate development that the Ivorian Customs may follow the move soon should the government fail to address their demand.

Le Patriote (p. 2) denounced the ongoing strikes and called on the activists to reconsider their position.   

3. West African Development Bank extends loan to finance road construction project in Cote d’Ivoire

According to Soir Info (p. 8) the West African Development Bank (WADB) and the Ivorian government signed yesterday an agreement over a US $ 28 million loan. Proving details, the paper noted that this was the second installment of a loan project totaling US $ 40 million to finance the construction of a major traffic intersection in Abidjan. According to WADB president Christian Adovelande, the signing of this agreement is in line with the bank’s support for the construction of infrastructure. Ivorian Minister in charge of Finance Niale Kaba thanked the leader of the bank for the loan and committed the government to using the funds efficiently.

A similar account appears in L’Intelligent d’Abidjan (p. 5) which added that cooperation between the Ivorian government and the bank are bound to be strengthened.

4. The Ivorian government pledges to make available US $ 24 million to fight against gender-based violence

In a bid to address gender-based issue, the Ivorian government said it will make available some US $ 24 million. The information was reported by Le Patriote (p. 12) which noted that the announcement was recently made by the Ivorian Family and Social Affairs Minister Anne-Desire Ouloto. According to the paper the government’s response to the phenomenon will include campaigns to raise awareness on the phenomenon.  

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FEBRUARY 7, 2013

Today’s Top Stories

1. The Ivorian government hails Ghana over arrest of exiled partisans of former president Laurent Gbagbo, announces more extraditions 
2. The government to initiate talks with workers’ unions over ongoing strikes
3. Hijacked French-owned  tanker released by pirates, cargo emptied

1. The Ivorian government hails Ghana over arrest of exiled partisans of former president Laurent Gbagbo, announces more extraditions

The Ivorian government yesterday commended Ghanaian authorities for their cooperation which has led to the arrest and extradition of supporters of former president Laurent Gbagbo who had fled into exile to this neighboring country following the deadly post-electoral crisis.  According to L’Inter (p. 2), government spokesperson Bruno Kone said the recent developments underscored the good relationship between the two countries. “We are committed to bringing to justice those who are planning to destabilize the country and we can rely on the help of friendly countries to achieve this goal,” he reportedly said. In a separate development, the paper noted that besides Major Jean-Noel Abehi and Gbagbo activist Jean Yves Dibopieu, who were recently arrested in Ghana and extradited to Cote d’Ivoire, more people are to follow soon.

Nord Sud Quotidien (p. 2) carried a similar account adding that the government has called on all political figures in exile to return to Cote d’Ivoire and play their role on the political scene.

Still on the issue, Le Quotidien d’Abidjan (p. 4) alleged that the recent wave of extraditions is part of a deal brokered between President Alassane Ouattara and his Ghanaian counterpart John Dramani. The latter, the paper said, was left with no other option but to back down after the Abidjan regime and its western allies threatened to depose him should he remain reluctant to hand over people wanted by the Ivorian government. 

2. The government initiates talks with workers’ unions over ongoing strikes

The government said yesterday it will reach out to the unions of public school teachers and health care workers to try to persuade them to call off their strikes.  L’Intelligent d’Abidjan (p. 5) noted that discussions are ongoing although no agreement has emerged so far. According to the daily, Government spokesperson Bruno Kone condemned the strikes by both unions, arguing that striking should have been the last resort once reconciliation efforts and negotiations failed.

For Notre Voie (p. 6) the government, instead of engaging in a fair dialogue with the activists, has opted for intimidation. According to the paper, the government has threatened sanctions against those who have stayed off the job.

3. Hijacked French-owned tanker released by pirates, cargo emptied

According to an article in Soir Info (p. 10) the hijacked French-owned ship Le Gascogne was released yesterday by pirates who seized the diesel tanker off Abidjan last week. The information was confirmed by the vessel owner Sea Tanker. “Sea Tanker is very pleased that all 17 members of the crew are reported safe.  Two members of the crew were injured during the incident but are receiving treatment,” the company said in a statement without providing further details. 

Le Quotidien d’Abidjan (p. 5) alleged that there may be hidden motives behind these series of attacks on vessels off the Ivorian waters. According to the daily the move could be a covert operation aimed at providing western countries, including France and the USA, a pretense to control Ivorian waters and benefit from its riches, the paper added. 

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FEBRUARY 6, 2013

Today’s Top Stories

1. Ghana extradites a former key military chief and a Gbagbo activist to Cote d’Ivoire
2. No seat secured by the ruling RDR party in the parliamentary by-election
3. The Ivorian government eyes the private sector to rebuild the country’s economy
4. Two FRCI soldiers charged with kidnapping and racketeering

1. Ghana extradites a former key military chief and a Gbagbo activist to Cote d’Ivoire

Major Jean-Noel Abehi, a former commander of the armored squadron at the Agban paramilitary police barracks of Abidjan was arrested in Ghana and extradited to Cote d’Ivoire yesterday. The press noted that Maj. Abehi was apprehended together with Jean-Yves Dibopieu, a former leader of FESCI, the pro-Gbagbo student union. In a statement read yesterday on RTI and published in Le Nouveau Reveil (p. 5) the Ivorian Interior Ministry said Abehi and many other people were arrested and transferred to Cote d’Ivoire in a joint operation with Ghanaian law enforcement agents. 

L’Inter (p. 2) carried a similar account, adding that their arrest came few days after former youth leader Charles Ble Goude was captured by Ghanaian intelligence agents and handed over to Ivorian authorities. The paper also opined that the recent developments do not bode well for pro-Gbagbo figures in exile in neighboring Ghana.

Le Patriote (p. 2) said Maj. Jean-Noel Abehi and Jean-Yves Dibopieu were both within Gbagbo’s inner circle. The paper alleged that Abehi was the main instigator of violence committed by the Gbagbo regime as the crisis was raging in Abidjan. He is said to be the master mind behind the massacre of Abobo in 2011 when seven women were shot down by the army as they joined a rally to press former president Laurent Gbagbo to cede power. Dibopieu, the paper added, was better known for his hard-line rhetoric against the French government.

On the other hand, Le Quotidien d’Abidjan (p. 2) said the move is inconsistent with the peace and reconciliation processes underway. According to the daily, while calling for reconciliation, the Ivorian government is engaged in a witch-hunt against partisans of former president Laurent Gbagbo and is therefore jeopardizing the already fragile FPI-government talks.

2. No seat secured by the ruling RDR party in the parliamentary by-election

According to figures released by the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) the ruling RDR party secured none of the six posts at stake during Sunday’s parliamentary by-election. Notre Voie (P. 3) claimed the poll was a real setback both for President Ouattara’s RDR and the PDCI which grabbed only two seats. Four candidates not affiliated to any political parties were elected, the paper added.  However, Le Nouveau Reveil (p. 2) claimed that the PDCI took four seats out of the six, demonstrating its political weight.

Reacting to the results, RDR spokesperson Noel Nguessan said this could be traced to the low turnout and is a sign from the grassroots to the party’s leadership.

3. The Ivorian government eyes the private sector to rebuild the country’s economy

According to a report in L’Intelligent d’Abidjan (p. 10), the Ivorian government is reaching out to the private sector to rebuild the country’s war-torn economy. To that end, the Ivorian Minister in charge of Finance Mrs. Niale Kaba met yesterday in Abidjan with Ivorian businessmen. On the occasion, Mrs. Kaba said efforts are being made to improve the business environment. She pledged the government is going to increase investment to US $ 2.05 billion next year.

Le Nouveau Reveil (p. 9) carried a similar account adding that the private sector, by providing employment, will be at the heart of the country’s economic recovery.

4. Two FRCI soldiers charged with kidnapping and racketeering

A military court in Abidjan yesterday sentenced two soldiers from the Republican Forces of Cote d’Ivoire (FRCI) to eight and six months of prison. According to Soir Info (p. 3) the two soldiers, Corporal Bamba Youssouf and Private Soumahoro Yacouba were found guilty in a kidnapping and racketeering case.

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FEBRUARY 5, 2013
Today’s Top Stories

1. Points of agreement rise as government-FPI talks continue
2. Most public school teachers and health care workers stayed off the job yesterday as unions called for a nationwide strike
3. Clash reported ahead of mayoral election in Gagnoa
4. French tanker hijacked off Cote d’Ivoire found in Nigeria

1.  Points of agreement rise as government-FPI talks continue

According to Fraternite Matin (p. 7) points of agreement are arising between the government and the FPI as they continue their talks.  The announcement was made yesterday after a meeting between Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan and the leadership of the FPI. The daily noted that both parties agreed on security arrangements and efforts to be made to allow for a peaceful environment and national cohesion. According to FPI official Lavry Nguessan, his party and the government have found common ground on some issues such as press freedom, freedom of speech and equal access to state media. Discussions are ongoing on the FPI’s request to release all political prisoners, the paper added.

Still on the issue, L’Intelligent d’Abidjan (pp. 4-5) said that the FPI has suggested a tête-à-tête between President Alassane Ouattara and former president Laurent Gbagbo. According to the daily, the FPI said its participation in the local elections is contingent upon the release of political prisoners and a reconfiguration of the electoral body.

Le Nouveau Courrier (p. 2) argued that the FPI has made its move and it is now in the turn of the government to respond. 

2. Most public school teachers and health care workers stayed off the job yesterday as unions called for a nationwide strike

The strike called by the unions of Ivorian public school teachers and health care workers was largely followed according to the press. Le Temps (pp. 6-8) said the movement hit a record upcountry as most schools and health care facilities were closed yesterday.  According to the daily, the strike has caused mayhem in the country’s public hospitals and sick people were left unattended. Papers as varied as Nord Sud, Le Nouveau Reveil, and L’Inter all described the sectors as paralyzed.

Le Quotidien d’Abidjan (p. 3) said the strike kicked off yesterday foretells a more general uprising against President Ouattara as Ivorians are fed up with the high cost of living.

3. Clash reported ahead of mayoral election in Gagnoa

According to an article in Le Nouveau Reveil (p. 5) partisans from the ruling RDR party yesterday clashed in Gagnoa. An angry mob ransacked the mayor’s office, the paper reported, adding that a leadership conflict between two rival groups competing for the Mayor’s office is the reason behind the clash. Law enforcements agent eventually intervened to stop the violence.

The assault was unanimously condemned, the paper said describing the move as an antidemocratic act.

4. French tanker hijacked off Cote d’Ivoire found in Nigeria

According to Le Patriote (p. 11) for the third time within five months, a tanker was hijacked off the Ivorian coast.  The latest attack occurred last Saturday when track of a French tanker identified as the Gascogne and sailing under a Luxembourg flag was lost off the Abidjan port.

“The ship was indeed hijacked 139 kilometers from Abidjan, in Ivorian waters, by an armed gang,” Colonel Bertin Koffi Tano, Cote d’Ivoire’s director of maritime affairs, said during a press conference, adding that the vessel appeared to be somewhere off the coast of Nigeria.

Nord Sud Quotidien (p. 8) carried a similar account, arguing that pirates are taking advantages of the relatively low security measures in Gulf of Guinea. 

For Notre Voie (p. 9) pirates have found haven in Cote d’Ivoire and are operating freely. 

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FEBRUARY 4, 2013

Today’s Top Stories

1. Low turnout reported in Sunday’s parliamentary by-elections
2. Despite appeal by the government, teachers and health care workers to go on strike
3. The U.S. government writes off over $ 214 million Ivoirian debt

1. Low turnout reported during Sunday’s by-elections

Turnout in the parliamentary by-elections held yesterday was low according to Fraternite Matin (p. 4).  Elections were held in constituencies where the initial poll was marred by incidents and in constituencies which have become open since the last election. Providing details, the paper noted that the poll which was closely monitored by Ivorian and UN law enforcement agents was peaceful overall. Results, the paper added, may be made public in the course of the day today by the electoral body, the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI). Voters from six localities, including Koumassi, Bonon, Divo, Facobly and Bangolo voted for their deputies.

Soir Info (p. 3) said the president of the electoral body Mr. Youssouf Bakayoko was in the western central town of Bonon yesterday to see for himself how the poll was being carried out. On the occasion, the paper said, he called on the rival candidates to abide by the results of the poll.”You must all commit to abiding by the results of the poll,” he reportedly said after visiting a polling station. 

2. Despite appeal by the government, teachers and health care workers to go on strike

As announced last week, Ivorian public school teachers and health care workers are to go on strike as of today to press for salary increases and the payment of overdue allowances. The information was reported in most newspapers, which provided differing commentary. According to Le Temps (p. 9) the social front is going to be heated after the government and workers unions failed to find common ground.

Notre Voie (p. 8) for its part noted that the government’s efforts were deemed unsatisfactory. Unions of Ivorian health care workers complained that the government only partially addressed their concerns. In a separate development, the paper noted that if both parties are at loggerheads, it is basically because of a lack of leadership from the government on the issue.

For Le Patriote (p. 2) these strikes are politically motivated. The paper argued that activists close to the former ruling party and partisans of ex-president Laurent Gbagbo are the ones pulling the strings behind the public sector strike. Citing people such as Mesmin Comoe, Dr. Atte Boka and Jean Yves known for their alleged links to former president Laurent Gbagbo, the paper said the move is unjustified as the government has demonstrated its good faith in addressing the workers’ demands. In a related development, the paper noted that speaking yesterday on RTI, Ivorian Minister of Education Kandia Camara asked the workers to call off their strike arguing that the government is committed to addressing the issue.

Soir Info (p. 9) for its part said the government has announced increased security measures in the country’s public schools. The move was qualified as a vain intimidation attempt by the activists, the paper added.

3. The U.S. government writes off over $ 214 million Ivoirian debt

The United States and the Ivorian government signed a debt cancellation agreement Friday.  The information made news over the weekend and was largely covered by the press. Providing details, L’Inter (p. 5) noted in its Saturday release that the U.S. government has decided to forgive a total of US$ 214 million. The debt forgiveness from the United States is part of financial incentives that followed Cote d’Ivoire’s qualification for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) status, the paper said. “Debt relief is an important tool that allows for countries to develop and prosper…the signing of this agreement today is one of many steps that have been taken to give Cote d’Ivoire the tools it needs to thrive in the future,” the paper reported Ambassador Carter as saying. Ivorian Minister in charge of Finance Niale Kaba commended the U.S. government for the support, the paper added.

Le Nouveau Reveil (p. 3) and Soir Info (p. 6) said 98% of the country’s debts have been written

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FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Today’s Top Stories

1. Supporters of Charles Ble Goude plead for his release
2. UN envoy in Cote d’Ivoire Bert Koenders calls on government and FPI to find common ground
3. Health care workers to go on strike to press for the payment of overdue salary

1. Supporters of Charles Ble Goude plead for his release

According to an article in L’Inter (p. 3), supporters of former youth leader Charles Ble Goude met yesterday in Abidjan with Ivorian Minister of Interior Hamed Bakayoko to plead for Ble Goude’s release.  “We want you to intercede with President Ouattara so that he is granted mercy and released,” the paper reported Joel Pote, the acting president of Ble Goude’s COJEP movement (The Pan African Congress of Young Patriots) as saying.  “Our political differences must not prevent us from dialogue,” Mr. Pote added, arguing that by granting release to all political prisoners, the Ivorian leader will definitively pave the way for social cohesion and national reconciliation.  Minister Bakayoko said the rule of law must prevail. “I know your concerns but the recent history of the country calls for justice to be rendered,” the paper reported him as saying.

Soir Info (p. 4) noted that, according to the Minister Bakayoko, the ex-youth leader is under house arrest and is being granted close protection.  “He is not being detained illegally…As in any other country, special arrangements are made for high-profile inmates and this is the case for Ble Goude,” the paper reported Mr. Bakayoko as saying in reaction to comments that the ex-activist is being detained in an unknown location.

Le Patriote (p. 2) carried a similar account, adding that the protective measures are aimed at preventing possible attacks targeting Ble Goude as he is awaiting trial.

2. UN envoy in Cote d’Ivoire Bert Koenders calls on government and FPI to find common ground

Speaking at a capacity-building workshop this week in Abidjan to engage the media in the reconciliation process, United Nations (UN) envoy in Cote d’Ivoire Bert Koenders called on the Ivorian government and former ruling party FPI to find common ground as the two parties continue reconciliation talks.  The information was reported by Notre Voie (p. 4), which noted Mr. Koenders insisted both parties must pursue discussions until a mutual agreement is reached.  “Whatever time it takes, these discussions must be conclusive,” the paper reported Mr. Koenders as saying.

With more on the government-opposition talks, Le Nouveau Reveil (p. 3) said not much should be expected from these discussions, arguing that the FPI has remained adamant in its prerequisites and conditions.  In a separate development (p. 2), the paper noted that the decision of the FPI to take part or not in the upcoming elections will be known today with the conclusion of the talks.

3. Health care workers to go on strike to press for the payment of overdue salary

Health care practitioners are to go on strike as of Monday according to Notre Voie (p. 5), which noted that unions of health care workers said the government has so far not addressed their concerns.  “The payment of our overdue allowances and salary increases have not be made as the government committed to,” the paper reported Dr. Ernest Boka, the spokesperson of the Union of Health Care Workers as saying.

In a related development, Fraternite Matin (p.13) said, according to Ivoirian Labor Minister Gnamien Konan, it is not yet time to reap the benefits of the reforms as they are still on-going. He called on the workers to be patient while the reforms are implemented.

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