Highlights

- Mixed Brigade in N'Gattadolikro unhappy over working conditions
- DDR process continues in Bouaké after some 1000 ex-combatants are demobilized.

Security

UNPOL reported that Forces Nouvelles gendarmes who make up half of the Mixed Brigade at N'Gattadolikro (east), yesterday attempted to strike over their working conditions and the non-payment of their allowances. However, a representative from the Integrated Commanding Centre (ICC) in Yamoussoukro was quickly sent to meet with them and the Deputy Commander of the ICC is also expected to meet them in the next few days.

A special UNOCI patrol sent to Danané (west) yesterday following violent demonstrations against the Forces Nouvelles authorities after a boy died while in their custody, was assured by the local commander and Mayor that the situation was now calm. According to reports, the boy had been arrested by Armed Forces of Forces Nouvelles (FAFN) soldiers on suspicion of stealing a mobile phone.

A group of truck drivers in Abengourou (east), yesterday demonstrated in front of UNOCI offices in protest against a report on ONUCI FM, which they claimed portrayed them as lazy and not wanting to work. They also claimed that as a result of the report people were now against them.

DDR

A total of 1000 FAFN ex-combatants, including 21 women, went through the sixth phase of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process, which ended in Bouaké yesterday. Some 916 ex-combatants will join the new reunified army, while 84 will join the civic service or the national reintegration programme. The seventh phase of the DDR process starts today. However, a special regrouping operation scheduled to be held in Ferkéssedougou (north) today for 72 ex-combatants from Bouna, was postponed. Meanwhile, the FAFN acting Zone Commander of Séguéla and Vavoua (centre west), Major Issiaka Ouattara, yesterday asked UNOCI to provide 600 beds for ex-combatants going through the DDR process in Kani, near Séguéla.

Arms embargo

UNOCI peacekeepers yesterday successfully carried out arms embargo inspections at the National Armed Forces of Cote d'Ivoire's (FANCI) Gendarmerie Brigades in Tiebissou (centre) and Agnibilekro (east)
Human Rights

The Regional Human Rights Office in Daloa (centre west) has asked prison authorities in the town to post a public health notice in the institution following the deaths of eight detainees within a period of two months (13 May to 17 July 2008). Three prisoners died while awaiting judgment, one died in the hospital, while the remaining four died in the prison. Illnesses such as bronchial pneumonia, tuberculosis, malaria, skin rash, scabies and rheumatism are prevalent in the prison. In June 2008, the prison, which was built for 300, held 1,000 inmates.