Highlights

- SRSG to participate in official launch of identification operation
- Striking civil servants in Man agree to maintain minimum service
- UNOCI inaugurates two QIPs in Issia

Electoral process

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y.J. Choi, will participate in the launch of the identification operation, which is scheduled to be presided over by Ivorian President Laurent Gbabgo in Yamoussoukro on Monday, 15 September 2008. The operation will be launched simultaneously in Grand Bassam, Dabou, Ferkéssédougou, Yamoussoukro, Man, Gagnoa and Bouna

Redeployment of administration

Civil servants in Man (west), who have been on strike since last week, yesterday agreed to maintain a minimum service in some public institutions from Monday, 15 September 2008, after meeting with the local authorities yesterday. They, however, categorically refused a request by the local authorities to call off the strike. The civil servants, who were recently redeployed in areas under Forces Nouvelles control, have been on strike since last week over unpaid allowances and "unacceptable" working conditions.

Quick impact projects

Two Quick impact projects (QIPs) were inaugurated in Issia (centre-west) yesterday by UNOCI officials and local authorities. A 35 km road frequently used by coffee and cocoa producers between two villages Dobia and Edmond Carrefour, was repaired by the Mission's military engineers, who also executed the second project, the rehabilitation of a primary school in Korédidia, 6 km from Issia. It should be recalled that Issia was previously hostile towards the Mission, but since February 2007, when a civil society forum was organized in the town with the support of the local authorities, people's attitude has generally changed. Peacekeepers from the Moroccan battalion are due to be redeployed in Issia soon.

Security

UNOCI has received reports that 11 Armed Forces of the Forces Nouvelles (FAFN) demobilized soldiers and Volunteers for the New Army (VAN) were arrested in Vavoua (centre west) on 9 September 2008. The arrests were carried out by 200 FAFN soldiers from the Anaconda Brigade normally stationed in Bouaké, but who have been on special mission in the Vavoua area since the violent protests in June 2008 by FAFN soldiers in Seguéla and Vavoua. The operation was reportedly led by the Director of the Forces Nouvelles' Investigation Unit, Captain "Delta", and the Zone 5 Commander, Issiaka Ouattara alias Wattao. Captain "Delta" told UNOCI that the operation was aimed at disarming disloyal elements in the FAFN and preventing crime that could endanger the Ouagadougou peace process. All the ex-combatants who were arrested are supporters of the former Zone Commander, Zacharia Koné and were involved in the demonstrations by FAFN demobilized soldiers on 28 June 2008 in Vavoua. In addition, UNPOL has reported an increased presence of FAFN soldiers and military vehicles in Séguéla (centre-west).

Following last week's attack in Marahui village, 75 km from Bondoukou, the situation was reported to be calm and peaceful this week and UNOCI's GHANBATT, UNPOL and Military Observers, and Force Licorne continue to carry out frequent patrols in the area. It was reported that as result of this, most of the displaced who were taking refuge in a school in Bondoukou have returned to their homes in Marahui. GHANBATT donated assorted food items and bottled water to the victims through the village chief. Meanwhile, OCHA Bouake is planning an assessment mission comprising UNICEF, WFP, OCHA and UNOCI from 16 – 19 September 2008, for humanitarian assistance to the victims.

Arms embargo

UNOCI peacekeepers conducted arms embargo inspections at the FAFN's 71st Battalion in Touba (north-west) and at its Unit in Gbeunta (west) and as well as at the Defence and Security Forces of Côte d'Ivoire's (FDSCI) Gendarmerie Brigades at the port in San Pedro (south-west), in Agnibilekrou (east) as well as the Sous Groupement 5 in Yamoussoukro (centre).

Human Rights

Tension and insecurity prevail in Odienné after the FAFN's former deputy chief of security sought UNOCI's protection on 11 September 2008, claiming he feared for his life. He said that an FAFN soldier in the Forces HQ in Odienné had threatened to kill him.

On 8 September, in Police Kro, a village located near Zorofla in the Bediala sous-préfecture, near Daloa (centre west) two FAFN soldiers arrested and physically assaulted the father of an alleged rapist. He was released on 9 September after handing over his son to them. The son was then arrested and beaten up by the soldiers, who then tied him to the back of a motorcycle and dragged him through the village of Police Kro. The victim was released upon the intervention of the Regional Human Rights Office in Daloa.