I Coast disarmament on track
2005-06-17 16:21
Abidjan - The disarmament and demobilisation program intended to mark the end of the Ivory Coast's civil war is set to start on schedule June 27, a spokesperson for the programme said on Thursday.
The government and rebel forces in the north signed an agreement May 14 to start the process in an attempt to reunite the country following the failed 2002 coup against President Laurent Gbagbo.
The spokesperson, Josephine Agnimel, said the former combatants had pulled back from front lines and had begun grouping in their assigned areas.
"The process is off to a good start," she said. "I think it is going to be okay."
The programme calls for the demobilisation and reinsertion into civilian life of 42 500 former combatants on the rebel side and 5 500 government troops by August 10.
- AFP