Border raids raise concern

2012-12-07 16:31

(Shutterstock)

Abidjan - A United Nations expert panel has warned that cross-border raids into western Ivory Coast have become more violent and better organised and "could have profound effects" on security in the border region near Liberia if they continue.

The attacks are believed to have been orchestrated by supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo, who refused to step down after losing the November 2010 election to now-President Alassane Ouattara, sparking post-election violence that claimed at least 3 000 lives.

The report published on Thursday notes that while Liberia launched a military operation in mid-June 2012 targeting individuals suspected of involvement in the attacks, this has not resulted in successful prosecutions.

The experts said they had received information as recently as early October about preparations for fresh attacks.

- AP