Peaceful elections, stability demonstrate progress made in Côte d’Ivoire

Recent peaceful elections in Côte d’Ivoire and increasing economic stability demonstrate the progress made in the West African country, the Security Council has been told.

On Wednesday, the Council was updated on the presidential elections that took place in Côte d’Ivoire late last year, as well as other security and reconciliation matters.

The country fell into political crisis when the former President refused to concede defeat in the 2010 presidential election.

Daniel Dickinson has the story.

Although last October’s elections had put Côte d’Ivoire «to the test», the head of UNOCI, the UN mission in the country said that the peaceful electoral process had allowed Côte d’Ivoire to «turn the page».

Here’s Aïchatou Mindaoudou, speaking through an interpreter.

«This has opened, began a new chapter in their country’s history and consolidated its achievements towards long-term stability.»

Nevertheless, Ms Mindaoudou said that several key areas would require sustained attention moving forward.

«Pursuing the national reconciliation process, the strengthening of the security sector, in particular the reform of the army, sustainable reinsertion and reintegration of former combatants, and further improvements in the human rights situation and in transitional justice are all key challenges facing Côte d’Ivoire.»

Ms Mindaoudou noted that Côte d’Ivoire was now the second largest economy in West Africa.

She said the country had staged a «remarkable recovery» following the post-election crisis of 2010.

Daniel Dickinson, United Nations.