DJCI
President Modeste Seri planning return to the Ivory Coast
Modeste
Seri, President of D.J.CI has announced plans to return to the
Ivory Coast in the next few weeks, to contribute to the peace
and reconciliation phase expected to follow the appointment last
week of transitional Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny under UN
SC Resolution 1633.
Speaking
in New York, where he has been exiled for several years, Mr.
Seri said “D.J.CI expresses its gratitude to the UN and the AU
for their key role in appointing Mr. Konan Banny. We hope this
represents another step in the search for a solution to the
impasse that has blocked the political life of our country for
so many months. The costs to our people have been extremely
high. All Ivorians must now reconcile and work with seriousness
and dedication to restore peace and progress to our country
until elections can be held. In order to show my commitment and
support for this process, I am now planning to return to the
Ivory Coast.”
Modeste
Seri said that like everyone in D.J.CI, he is hopeful about the
new developments, which are in line with the Peace
Plan D.J.CI has been promoting for the last year (see www.cwps.org
). “We like to think that our consistent international
information and advocacy work with the UN community in New York
and in key capitals in the world over the last year has brought
its fruits. Now a new phase in our struggle for peace and
prosperity for the Ivorian people begins. I would like to
support it by returning to Abidjan. For the success of this new
phase and to consolidate peace in the Ivory Coast, it is crucial
that we show a true spirit of inclusion and reconciliation among
all citizens and long-term residents of our country. The past politics of ethnic division and exclusion that have
been so ruinous for us have to end. As stated in our Peace Plan, the new government must be truly technocratic and
non-partisan. I hope that this will now be possible. This is no
time to continue pursuing selfish interests”, he added.
Expressing
his hope that members of the current political class will show
the necessary responsibility and maturity to enable Mr. Konan
Banny to fulfill his mandate, the D.J.CI President reminded the
international community that ongoing strong support for the
government of the new Prime Minister will be crucial for its
success. For elections to be a meaningful democratic event and
more than a mere ritual, an intensive campaign of reconciliation
and civic education is needed. Otherwise the divisive effects of
the last few years cannot be overcome. The people must be
educated about their rights and duties as citizens of a
democratic society. Adequate investment in these activities will
be crucial to the building of a sustainable peace and prosperity
for this potentially wealthy country and for its neighboring
West African region.
For comment: Modeste Seri T +1
646 320 8779
|
