By MARCO CHOWN OVED and EDITH M. LEDERER, Associated Press
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – The U.N. Security Council extended its peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast on Monday, hours after the United Nations' top envoy in the West African country said armed men had been threatening staff in their homes.
Monday, December 20, 2010
President Sirleaf, Outtarra Camp Confirm Liberians Fighting Along Side Gbagbo in I.Coast
- Nat Bayjay
Source: Frontpage Africa
Source: Frontpage Africa
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| Outtarra - La Cote d’Ivoire |
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| President Sirleaf - Liberia |
Monrovia - Addressing her final news conference of 2010, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf told reporters a short while ago that her administration has received intelligence report that Liberians are involved in the ongoing post-election crisis in La Cote d’Ivoire. The President also told reporters that the U.S. Ambassador accredited to Monrovia, Linda Thomas-Greenfield apologized to her over the recently-released WikiLeaks on Liberia.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
WHY TAYLOR COULD WALK: Wikileak Cables Reveal America’s Fears For Liberia
- Rodney D. Sieh
Source: FrontPage Africa
Monrovia - When the United States of America announced in November that it had released US$ 4.5 million to the UN-backed Special Court of Sierra Leone, trying former Liberian head of state, Charles Taylor, the backdrop to the revelation was that the grant demonstrated the US commitment to ensuring that those most responsible for the atrocities committed during the war in Sierra Leone are brought to justice.'
Source: FrontPage Africa
Monrovia - When the United States of America announced in November that it had released US$ 4.5 million to the UN-backed Special Court of Sierra Leone, trying former Liberian head of state, Charles Taylor, the backdrop to the revelation was that the grant demonstrated the US commitment to ensuring that those most responsible for the atrocities committed during the war in Sierra Leone are brought to justice.'
US EMBASSY CABLES: Taylor War Crimes Trial “Judges Slowing Things Down?”
Source: FrontPage Africa
12/20/2010 - WIKILEAKS CABLE DOCUMENT
Tuesday, 10 March 2009, 12:51
CONFIDENTIAL SECTION 01 OF 02 MONROVIA 000188
SIPDIS
EO 12958 DECL: 03/10/2019
TAGS PREL, PGOV, UNSC, PHUM, KCRM, LI
SUBJECT: PRO-TAYLOR ELEMENTS STILL A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
Classified By: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)
12/20/2010 - WIKILEAKS CABLE DOCUMENT
Tuesday, 10 March 2009, 12:51
CONFIDENTIAL SECTION 01 OF 02 MONROVIA 000188
SIPDIS
EO 12958 DECL: 03/10/2019
TAGS PREL, PGOV, UNSC, PHUM, KCRM, LI
SUBJECT: PRO-TAYLOR ELEMENTS STILL A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
Classified By: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)
US Embassy Cables: ‘Best We Can do’ for Liberia - Try Taylor in America
Source: FrontPage Africa
12/20/2010 - WIKILEAKS CABLE DOCUMENT
Tuesday, 10 March 2009, 12:51
CONFIDENTIAL SECTION 01 OF 02 MONROVIA 000188
SIPDIS
EO 12958 DECL: 03/10/2019
TAGS PREL, PGOV, UNSC, PHUM, KCRM, LI
SUBJECT: PRO-TAYLOR ELEMENTS STILL A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
Classified By: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)
Summary
A US Ambassador warns that a cash shortfall could jeopardize the case against the former Sierra Leonean President, stirring up old resentments in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
12/20/2010 - WIKILEAKS CABLE DOCUMENT
Tuesday, 10 March 2009, 12:51
CONFIDENTIAL SECTION 01 OF 02 MONROVIA 000188
SIPDIS
EO 12958 DECL: 03/10/2019
TAGS PREL, PGOV, UNSC, PHUM, KCRM, LI
SUBJECT: PRO-TAYLOR ELEMENTS STILL A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH
Classified By: Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)
Summary
A US Ambassador warns that a cash shortfall could jeopardize the case against the former Sierra Leonean President, stirring up old resentments in Sierra Leone and Liberia.
Côte d'Ivoire: UN Ready for More Attacks
Source: allAfrica
The UN force in Côte d'Ivoire (Unoci) are "prepared for anything" after Laurent Gbagbo's order that they should leave by Monday, its spokesperson said Sunday.
The UN force in Côte d'Ivoire (Unoci) are "prepared for anything" after Laurent Gbagbo's order that they should leave by Monday, its spokesperson said Sunday.
Liberia: UN Demands Government Take Action to Freeze Former Warlord's Assets
Source: UN News Center
For the fourth consecutive year, the Security Council today demanded that the Liberian Government "make all necessary efforts to fulfil its obligations" to freeze the assets of former president Charles Taylor, currently facing trial for war crimes before an international court.
At the same time, it welcomed the Government's leadership at regional and international levels in the Kimberley Process that seeks to ban so-called "blood diamonds" - gems illegally mined or traded to finance conflicts, a major factor in unrest in Africa and a tool that Mr. Taylor is alleged to have used in the decade and a half when civil wars ravaged Liberia and neighbouring Sierra Leone.
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| Former Liberian president Charles Taylor (right) on trial for war crimes |
At the same time, it welcomed the Government's leadership at regional and international levels in the Kimberley Process that seeks to ban so-called "blood diamonds" - gems illegally mined or traded to finance conflicts, a major factor in unrest in Africa and a tool that Mr. Taylor is alleged to have used in the decade and a half when civil wars ravaged Liberia and neighbouring Sierra Leone.
UN chief underlines warning against attacking peacekeepers in Côte d'Ivoire
Source: UN News Center
19 December 2010 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized his warning against attacks on the United Nations peacekeeping force in Côte d'Ivoire or attempts to obstruct their work, saying there will consequences for those responsible, as the UN human rights arm reported “massive violations.”
“Any attack on UN forces will be an attack on the international community and those responsible for these actions will be held accountable,” said a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Secretary-General, which added that Mr. Ban was aware of statements by the Laurent Gbagbo's spokesperson calling for the withdrawal of the UN force.
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| UNOCI peacekeepers on patrol |
“Any attack on UN forces will be an attack on the international community and those responsible for these actions will be held accountable,” said a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Secretary-General, which added that Mr. Ban was aware of statements by the Laurent Gbagbo's spokesperson calling for the withdrawal of the UN force.
UN chief Ban rejects call for Ivory Coast troop pullout
Source: BBC News
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has rejected a call for UN troops to leave Ivory Coast as tensions rise after last month's disputed presidential election.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Gbagbo orders peacekeepers to leave Ivory Coast
Source: BBC News Incumbent Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo has demanded that all foreign peacekeepers leave the country immediately, escalating a dispute over last month's presidential election.
His spokesperson accused UN and French troops of colluding with former rebels.
The UN and major powers have recognised Mr Gbagbo's rival, Alassane Ouattara, as the winner of the 28 November poll. Mr Gbagbo insists he has won.
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| The UN has 10,000 peacekeepers in Ivory Coast |
His spokesperson accused UN and French troops of colluding with former rebels.
The UN and major powers have recognised Mr Gbagbo's rival, Alassane Ouattara, as the winner of the 28 November poll. Mr Gbagbo insists he has won.
Gbagbo orders UN peacekeepers to leave Ivory Coast
By MARCO CHOWN OVED Associated Press
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – The man who refuses to step down from the presidency ordered thousands of U.N. peacekeepers to leave Ivory Coast immediately on Saturday, calling the global body that has endorsed his political rival an "agent of destabilization."
The move was the latest act of political defiance by Laurent Gbagbo, who has been in power since 2000 and maintains he is the rightful winner of last month's runoff vote in the West African nation despite growing international pressure on him to concede defeat.
The statement read on state television came just two days after as many as 30 people were killed in street violence in Ivory Coast. Earlier Saturday, masked gunmen opened fire on the U.N. base; no one from the U.N. was harmed in the attack.
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| AP – Rebel soldiers loyal to Ivory Coast opposition leader Alassane Ouattara, the widely recognized winner … |
The move was the latest act of political defiance by Laurent Gbagbo, who has been in power since 2000 and maintains he is the rightful winner of last month's runoff vote in the West African nation despite growing international pressure on him to concede defeat.
The statement read on state television came just two days after as many as 30 people were killed in street violence in Ivory Coast. Earlier Saturday, masked gunmen opened fire on the U.N. base; no one from the U.N. was harmed in the attack.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Analysis: Ivory Coast hangs between war and peace
Source: Yahoo News
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – After a day of clashes, some of the bloodiest to hit Ivory Coast in years, this divided corner of Africa where two rivals claim to be president stands at a precarious crossroads between war and peace.
On Friday, it seemed the nation of 21 million could slide either way. There were reports of rebels attacking several towns but retreating.
A day earlier, Alassane Ouattara, whose election victory last month over incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo has international recognition, called on his supporters to seize the state TV headquarters in Abidjan, the capital.
Their advance got nowhere near the station, but a firefight broke out between rebels and security forces loyal to Gbagbo, the first significant clash between the two sides in six years. Rebels also briefly attacked government positions in the central town of Tiebissou on Thursday, marking a serious escalation in the conflict. The day's casualty toll given by various groups ranged from 9 to 30 shot and killed.
The former French colony is the world's leading cocoa producer, and skyscraper-lined Abidjan was once known as the Paris of West Africa. Then came a 2002-2003 civil war that divided it in two. The election was supposed to open a new chapter, except that the loser has defied international pressure to step down.
 |
| AP – Rebel soldiers loyal to Ivory Coast opposition leader Alassane Ouattara, the widely recognized winner … |
On Friday, it seemed the nation of 21 million could slide either way. There were reports of rebels attacking several towns but retreating.
A day earlier, Alassane Ouattara, whose election victory last month over incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo has international recognition, called on his supporters to seize the state TV headquarters in Abidjan, the capital.
Their advance got nowhere near the station, but a firefight broke out between rebels and security forces loyal to Gbagbo, the first significant clash between the two sides in six years. Rebels also briefly attacked government positions in the central town of Tiebissou on Thursday, marking a serious escalation in the conflict. The day's casualty toll given by various groups ranged from 9 to 30 shot and killed.
The former French colony is the world's leading cocoa producer, and skyscraper-lined Abidjan was once known as the Paris of West Africa. Then came a 2002-2003 civil war that divided it in two. The election was supposed to open a new chapter, except that the loser has defied international pressure to step down.
Ivory Coast: Gbagbo under pressure to stand down by end of week
Source: BBC News
Mr Gbagbo has refused to admit defeat since last month's election Continue reading the main story
International pressure is growing on Ivory Coast incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo to cede power to opposition leader Alassane Ouattara after last month's disputed presidential election.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy says Mr Gbagbo must stand down by "the end of the week" or face EU sanctions.Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called for African nations to remove Mr Gbagbo by force if necessary.
Mr Gbagbo has refused to admit defeat since last month's election Continue reading the main story
International pressure is growing on Ivory Coast incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo to cede power to opposition leader Alassane Ouattara after last month's disputed presidential election.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy says Mr Gbagbo must stand down by "the end of the week" or face EU sanctions.Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has called for African nations to remove Mr Gbagbo by force if necessary.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Ivory Coast: Ouattara supporters in deadly clashes.. 20 dead
Source: BBC
Supporters of Alassane Ouattara had planned to march on the offices of state TV, which has praised Laurent Gbagbo
At least 20 people have died in Ivory Coast in clashes between troops and demonstrators, says a spokeswoman for incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo.
Supporters of Alassane Ouattara had planned to march on the offices of state TV, which has praised Laurent Gbagbo
At least 20 people have died in Ivory Coast in clashes between troops and demonstrators, says a spokeswoman for incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo.
At least 15 dead in Ivory Coast after clashes
Source: Associated Press
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – Gunfire and explosions shook Ivory Coast's main city Thursday as supporters and security forces loyal to the two men claiming to be president clashed, killing at least 15 people amid fears the violence could push the country toward another civil war.
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| AP – Security forces face off against supporters of longtime opposition leader Alassane Ouattara whose election … |
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wikileaks: Ghana President Atta Mills fears drugs money
Ghana's leader has said he is concerned that elements of his government are compromised by drugs traffickers, a US cable released by WikiLeaks says. Source: BBC
Another cable says President John Atta Mills requested airport drug-screening equipment for his personal entourage.
West Africa has become a major transit hub for smuggling cocaine from Latin America to Europe.
The latest diplomatic disclosures also reveal US fears about the failure of West African leaders to tackle it.
The correspondence released by the whistle-blowing Wikileaks and published in the UK's Guardian newspaper also show the frustration of British anti-drug smuggling officials with Ghanaian efforts.
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| Mills wants these officials to be checked in the privacy of his suite” |
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| UK customs officials are reportedly frustrated Ghana's efforts to fight trafficking at Accra airport |
West Africa has become a major transit hub for smuggling cocaine from Latin America to Europe.
The latest diplomatic disclosures also reveal US fears about the failure of West African leaders to tackle it.
The correspondence released by the whistle-blowing Wikileaks and published in the UK's Guardian newspaper also show the frustration of British anti-drug smuggling officials with Ghanaian efforts.
Ghana oil begins pumping for first time
Source: BBC
The West African nation of Ghana has begun to pump its first commercial oil after the discovery of the offshore Jubilee Field three years ago.
President John Atta Mills turned on the valve at an offshore platform.
A consortium led by UK-based Tullow Oil hopes to produce 55,000 barrels per day, increasing to 120,000 barrels in six months.
Ghana, one of Africa's most stable countries, is expected to earn $400m (£254m) in the first year.
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| Ghana's offshore oil fields are estimated to contain about 3bn barrels |
President John Atta Mills turned on the valve at an offshore platform.
A consortium led by UK-based Tullow Oil hopes to produce 55,000 barrels per day, increasing to 120,000 barrels in six months.
Ghana, one of Africa's most stable countries, is expected to earn $400m (£254m) in the first year.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Libya's Gaddafi proposes 1 million-strong African army
Source: DAKAR (Reuters)
African nations should join forces to create a one-million-strong army to protect the continent and confront outsiders like NATO and China, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi said on Tuesday.
Gaddafi, well known for his forthright rhetoric, has acquired growing influence in Africa but his ambition to build a united states of Africa is not shared by the continent's biggest powers.
"National militaries alone cannot save countries. Africa should have one army with one million soldiers," Gaddafi said in a speech in the Senegalese capital.
Gaddafi, well known for his forthright rhetoric, has acquired growing influence in Africa but his ambition to build a united states of Africa is not shared by the continent's biggest powers.
"National militaries alone cannot save countries. Africa should have one army with one million soldiers," Gaddafi said in a speech in the Senegalese capital.
Ivory Coast's Ouattara steps up pressure on rival
By MARCO CHOWN OVED, Associated Press Marco Chown Oved,
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – The man whom most of the world recognizes as Ivory Coast's president pressed ahead Tuesday with plans to force his opponent to relinquish power, including seizing the state treasury and taking control of government buildings.
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| AP – Opposition leader Alassane Ouattara, right, with United Nations's envoy to Ivory Coast, Choi Young-jin, … |
Côte d'Ivoire: What Way Out of the Post-Election Imbroglio
Analysis
David Zounmenou and Issaka K. Souaré
Source: All Africa
On 2 December 2010, the head of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Côte d’Ivoire announced provisional results of the 28 November run-off presidential election. He declared the former Prime Minister, Alassane Dramane Ouattara as the winner with 54.10 per cent of the votes, against 45.90 per cent for the incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo.
David Zounmenou and Issaka K. Souaré
Source: All Africa
On 2 December 2010, the head of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Côte d’Ivoire announced provisional results of the 28 November run-off presidential election. He declared the former Prime Minister, Alassane Dramane Ouattara as the winner with 54.10 per cent of the votes, against 45.90 per cent for the incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo.
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