Highlights

- SRSG discusses identification operation with President of Electoral Commission
- Robbery suspects escape FN custody in Korhogo
- Human Rights investigates extortion allegations in Odienné area

Electoral

Following the delivery of the first batch of electoral equipment by a UN flight on 10 August 2008, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y.J. Choi, today met with the President of the Independent Electoral Commission, Robert Mambé Beugré to discuss the identification operation. Mr. Mambé Beugré briefed the Special Representative on the latest developments in the operation.

Security

A Forces Nouvelles security patrol in Korhogo on 8 August 2008 apprehended four individuals suspected of armed robbery in the commercial centre. The suspects, armed with two pistols, one of them home-made, were identified as being one soldier, two gendarmes and a security agent from Bouaké. However, while detained at the FN regional headquarters in Korhogo, three of the four suspects escaped the same night; the fourth was transferred to the local gendarmerie brigade.

UNPOL Duékoué is investing a robbery, which took place yesterday, and during which the assailants blocked the roads between Duékoué and Blody village. MORBATT was called to the scene in the early hours of the morning, but the robbers had escaped by the time they arrived. Villagers, however, said that a robbery took place in the area at around 7.30 a.m.

Arms embargo

Military Observers from Duékoué yesterday successfully carried out an arms embargo inspection at the Gendarmerie Unit in Bloléquin. BENINBATT provided escort and security.

Human Rights

The Human Rights Office in Odienné held a working session with the Préfet of Police yesterday after receiving reports that police officers at Madinani Préfecture, situated 83 km east of Odienné (north), were extorting money from the population. The Office was informed that the father of a detainee had to pay 1,650000 FCFA to have him released from a one week detention for allegedly stealing cattle in Siansouba village. Another case concerned a villager from Mahandiana, who was compelled to pay 105,000 FCFA to prevent the arrest of his son who had allegedly impregnated a girl in the same village. The reports also said that some cattle breeders had been forced to flee from Madinani to Boundiali to avoid being harassed by soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Forces Nouvelles (FAFN). The Préfet promised to investigate the reports and take appropriate action. He also said that he would ask all his officers to send regular reports to him from now on.

After holding their first meeting yesterday, the Regional Human Rights Office in Daloa and the Club UA Côte d'Ivoire, an NGO created in 1998, that focuses on human rights related to land rights and the promotion of democracy and governance, have agreed to collaborate closely in the future.