D.J.CI* CALLS FOR ROBUST INTERNATIONAL ACTION ON IVORY COAST SITUATION


 November 14, 2005

For several months now, D.J.CI has been appealing to the international community
to take a robust stance regarding the Ivory Coast conflict. We have
repeatedly expressed our doubts that the current (Linas Marcussis) peace
process would succeed, given the lack of seriousness and integrity of both
the current Ivorian government and opposition leaders. Slowly, the
international community and the population seem to be realizing this obvious fact.

Progressively stronger Economic Comunity of West African States (ECOWAS)
and African Union recommendations and United Nations Security Council
resolutions suggest it. This is positive. However, the pace is too slow.
As a result, the Ivory Coast situation continues to deteriorate to the point
of a catastrophe. This is serious, both for the Ivorian people and for
their regional neighbors.

According to the latest UN Security Council Resolution 1633, President
Gbagbo's term in office is extended as of October 30 for up to a further
year to allow time for the organization of elections. The provision was that
a new Prime Minister, agreeable to all Linas Marcussis signatories, be
found. He or she should have full executive powers. Two weeks after
this deadline, no such Prime Minister has been found. Our expectation is
that none will be found, given the lack of seriousness of the various
parties involved. Meanwhile, the country continues its deterioration with
no real governance, the rebellion continues, and the people suffer. The
international community spends a fortune on peacekeeping interposition
troops that maintain the status quo.

D.J.CI once again, appeals to member states of the international community
to take energetic measures to put an end to this situation. The time for
robust action has come. Any delay under the Linas Marcussis myth is only
going to lead to a catastrophe for the Ivory Coast and the region.

The UN Security Council, based on the recommendations already provided by
ECOWAS and the African Union, needs to appoint the required Prime Minister,
and provide the full supports he or she may need to govern the country
until an election is possible. All necessary actions must be taken to make
President Gbagbo accept his new role under this scheme. Elections need to
be prepared properly if they are to lay the foundation for a sustainable
peace and be more than a mere ritual. This involves extensive national
reconciliation activities and strong civic education campaigns. A culture
of national unity, ethnic inclusion, and democratic tolerance and respect
needs to be promoted.

D.J.CI knows that the bulk of the Ivorian people greatly welcomes
international community support for the country along these lines.

In order to make this clear to the outside world, we ask all our fellow
Ivorians to come together and show agreement with the following basic
points:

1. The political situation in the Ivory Coast has reached an impasse. The
current political class has failed.

2. During this transition period, the National Constitution will be
suspended.

3. Only a neutral, non-partisan, technocratic transition government formed
by people not involved in the previous failure can carry out these tasks.

4. This required impartial arbiter can only be the international community,
represented through ECOWAS and the African Union working in close
cooperation with the UN Security Council.

5. Before new elections can be held, an intensive program of detoxification
and promotion of ethnic tolerance and national unity is needed.
Comprehensive reconciliation and civic education programs must be conducted.

6.This government must be established in a very short time and supported by the international arbiter.

Let us unite to send a strong message to the international community that
the time for action is now. No further delays are possible. The survival of
our country and our people, as well as the stability of the West African
region is at stake.

Modeste Seri,
D.J.CI President

Cell Phone: 1-646-320-8779
E-mail: modestseri@aol.com

* D.J.CI (Diaspora et Jeunesse de Côte d'Ivoire) is an umbrella organization bringing together Ivorian civil society groups. It was initiated by the Ivorian diáspora together with democraticaly minded local Ivorian youth. It supports CUP-CI, a fast-growing citizen movement in the Ivory Coast. Both are committed to total ethnic and religious inclusiveness. They aim to: (1) end the current artificially generated political violence, and (2) educate the population about the changes needed to develop a genuine democracy based on national unity.