UN humanitarian envoy notes improvements in post-conflict Côte d’Ivoire

A United Nations humanitarian envoy said today she saw progress in providing basic and humanitarian services during her fourth evaluation mission to Côte d’Ivoire, a country trying to return to normal life after intense conflict.

Humanitarian agencies enjoy full access to all areas of the country, which has ensured that those in need get aid in a timely fashion and government employees have been redeployed in government-controlled areas in the west, said the Humanitarian Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, Carolyn McAskie.

Economic Community of West African States and French peacekeepers are stationed between the government-ruled southern area of the country and the rebel-held north.

During her field trips, she saw that in Boake, electricity was still being provided from the south. Armed roadblocks were decreasing and should be removed entirely by 15 December, Ms. McAskie said.

Important humanitarian issues remained, however, she said, adding, “It is important that the parties to the conflict in Côte d’Ivoire now move forward and work together in order for the whole country to return to normality.”