Annan worried about I Coast
2005-03-24 11:47
United Nations - United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Wednesday said that the situation in Ivory Coast was in danger of spinning "out of control" if militias in the divided African nation are not controlled.
"The mobilisation of militia-type groups is increasing nationwide," Annan said in a report to the UN Security Council. "The armed militias must be reigned in and their leaders, as well as those behind them, must be held accountable."
He warned: "There is a very real danger that events may spin out of control with incalculable consequences for the people ... and the sub-region as a whole."
Ivory Coast, the world's top cocoa producer and formerly a regional powerhouse, has been effectively split in two since a rebel uprising was launched in September 2002 against President Laurent Gbagbo.
Tension rose last November when government planes violated a ceasefire with strikes on rebel-held towns, sparking a wave of violence that culminated in anti-French riots in the main city of Abidjan.
The attack dealt a severe blow to already faltering peace accords signed in January 2003 in France, the country's former colonial power.
Elections are due to be held in October and one of the key sticking points between the two sides is the potential candidacy of former prime minister Alassane Ouattara, a chief Gbagbo rival.
Annan warned that the nation was at a "critical juncture" and urged both the government and rebels to implement steps toward peace.
"Time is rapidly running out for the presidential and legislative elections, scheduled to be held within the next seven months, with protracted delays in their preparation and organisation," the UN chief said.
"The international community cannot replace or substitute the political will of the Ivorian leadership and people to move the peace process forward," Annan said.
The African Union in November appointed South African President Thabo Mbeki, seen as neutral to the conflict, to try and broker a solution for the country. - AFP
- SAPA