- SRSG discusses security provisions for electoral process with Defence Minister
- FN continues to arrest alleged allies of former Zone Commander of Séguéla

Political

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y.J. Choi, met with the Ivorian Minister of Defence, Michel Amani Nguessan, in Abidjan today to discuss the crisis resolution process. The two men focused on security provisions for the electoral process but also welcomed the start of the identification and voter registration operation which began on 15 September 2008.

Security

UNOCI has received reports that Forces Nouvelles authorities in Seguéla (centre west) continue to arrest soldiers alleged to have been close to former Zone Commander, Zacharia Koné. On 13 September 2008, three ex-combatants and one volunteer for the new army (VAN), were arrested in their homes in Vavoua (centre west) and detained at the Camp Génie in Séguéla. This brings the number of former members of the Arned Forces of the Forces Nouvelles (FAFN) who have been apprehended since 28 August 2008 to 15. A high ranking FN official at the camp declined to give the reasons for the arrests. Seven other former soldiers who were previously detained at this camp were transferred to the FN Headquarters in Bouaké on 16 September 2008.

Redeployment of the administration

A meeting between the Prefet of Man, representatives of the National Committee for the Redeployment of the Administration (CNPRA) and striking civil servants in Man on 15 September 2008 failed to reach an agreement after several hours of discussion. As a result the civil servants have vowed to continue with their strike until 20 September 2008, when another meeting to try to resolve the problem is due to be held. The civil servants, who were recently redeployed in areas under Forces Nouvelles control, are striking over unpaid allowances, insecurity and what they described as unacceptable working conditions.

Arms embargo

UNOCI peacekeepers yesterday carried out arms embargo inspections at the National Armed Forces of Cote d'Ivoire's (FANCI) first battalion infantry in Akouédo, Abidjan,
at its gendarmerie brigades in Gohitafla (centre west), Meagui (south west) and Tanda, near Bondoukou (east) as well as at the FAFN's Unit in Kouto, near Korhogo (north east), and at its 66th battalion in Danané (west).

Human Rights

The Human Rights Office in Daloa, in collaboration with the Centre Feminin pour la Démocratie et Droits Humains en Cote d'Ivoire and the Fondation Nationale pour la Démocratie, on 16 September 2008, organized a joint sensitization session on human rights and elections for 30 members of women's associations in Odienné (north) and 29 people from Tomba village, situated 50 km south of Odienné. The session also covered the issues of discrimination and violence against women and the rights of children, with particular emphasis on the right to education and birth registration.