‘Real progress’ made in Ivorian election process – UN peacekeeping official

Genuine progress has been made in identifying the population and registering voters for the long-delayed elections in Cote d’Ivoire, a key element in resolving a political crisis that in 2002 divided the West African country into a rebel-held north and Government-controlled south, a top United Nations official said today.

Wrapping up a visit to the country, Edmund Mulet, the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, also listed among the signs of tangible progress the disappearance of the so-called zone of confidence separating north and south.

He noted in addition that the two former warring forces are now working together on security issues along with the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (UNOCI) and French Licorne forces, according to a UN spokesperson.

“Even so, much remains to be done,” the spokesperson added, saying that Mr. Mulet requested donors to continue to provide support to the peace process and to streamline their efforts in the maintenance of peace in Cote d’Ivoire.

UNOCI is helping to pave the way for the polls, which were scheduled for 30 November but have been delayed for the third time.

Elections are one of the key benchmarks of last year’s Ouagadougou Agreement, the political accord reached in neighbouring Burkina Faso that aims to reconcile Côte d’Ivoire’s Government and the rebel Forces Nouvelles.