Highlights

- 14th meeting of heads of peacekeeping missions welcomes progress in Ivorian peace process
- Forces Nouvelles ban public demonstration after ex-combatants protests

Political

The 14th meeting of the chiefs of peacekeeping missions in West Africa today welcomed the significant progress made in the implementation of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement (OPA). During their two-day meeting in Bissau, the heads of mission also noted the determination of Ivorian political leaders to hold elections as scheduled, but expressed concern over the delays in the electoral process, due essentially to logistical challenges. In this regard, the heads of mission encouraged all the parties concerned to take the necessary measures to ensure that the identification process and registration start as soon as possible. At a press conference held at the end of the meeting, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y.J. Choi said that there was a light at the end of the tunnel with regard to the Ivorian electoral process, before adding that the Ivorian military forces and the Impartial Forces had taken the necessary measures to ensure that the elections are held under the best possible conditions.

Security

Following the week-long demonstrations by their ex-combatants in Bouaké, the Forces Nouvelles (FN) has published a statement condemning the violence during the protests and categorically stating that their claim that they should each be paid 5 million FCFA is unacceptable. The FN also stated that all demonstrations are banned until further notice.

Human Rights

The Prefect of Divo has announced that he intends to ban the traditional practice of accusing people of witchcraft at funeral services in his area. This widespread practice has led to innocent individuals attending funerals being accused of being responsible for the death of the deceased. Over 60 cases including arbitrary arrests, detention and summary executions have been recorded in the Divo area due to this practice. During the past two years the Human Rights Division in collaboration with the human rights NGO, Action pour la protection des Droits de l'Homme (APDH) in Divo, has carried out human rights campaigns to raise awareness against the practice. In August this year, APDH Divo, presented a file on complaints received by the organization as well as data on the practice and its impact on the right to life and right to freedom, to the Prefect of Divo. Currently 20 individuals are still detained in Divo prison accused of murder by witchcraft.

The Human Rights Office in Duekoué is following up on a case of a 16 year old girl who was arbitrarily arrested and detained at the Gendarmerie in Sipilou, approx 100 km west of Biankouma (west), on 21 August 2008 for allegedly helping a friend to escape a forced marriage. She was allegedly beaten during her detention and was released only after the payment of 25,000 FCFA ($58) and the intervention of the village chief. She is currently undergoing treatment for severe injuries at Biankouma Hospital.

On 23 August 2008, the Human Rights Office in Odienné organized a human rights training session for ten soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Forces Nouvelles (FAFN) from Mazéla and Sananférédougou, situated respectively 84 and 67 km north of Odienné (north). The training session covered human rights in general and human rights principles for law enforcement officers. The Office also used the occasion to inform the participants about the "1000 microprojects" initiative for demobilized ex-combatants, militias and young people at risk.