Highlights

- UNOCI and others set up integrated approach to implementation of micro-projects
- Mission staff told to be vigilant as tension rises between FAFN and villagers in Semien
- UNPOL says 67 rape cases reported in Bangolo area since 2005

DDR

An adequate mechanism for project implementation by groups of demobilized Armed Forces of the Forces Nouvelles (FAFN) soldiers is being prepared to help facilitate the processing of the projects that are due for approval. A committee composed of UNOCI, UNDP, OCHA, PNRRC, Force Licorne and the FAFN met yesterday in Bouaké to discuss the final format of the mechanism, which would be based on an integrated approach. The above-mentioned projects fall within the framework of the of the "1000 projects for peace" initiative launched by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mr. Y.J. Choi, to assist the reintegration of ex-combatants.

Security

UNOCI civilian and military staff travelling to Semien, have been advised to be vigilant and keep a low profile as tension is mounting between the local population and soldiers from the FAFN in the area. Local people claim that the soldiers have been demanding payment for crossing their checkpoints and arresting anyone who refuses to pay. According to the village chief, the FAFN soldiers specially target women returning from their farms and young men. The chief himself was arrested at a checkpoint on 25 June 2008 and detained for two hours.

UNPOL yesterday told a visiting UNOCI team from Daloa that up to 67 cases of rape have been recorded in the Bangolo area in western Côte d'Ivoire since June 2005. Most cases happened on the region's main roads, especially along the former zone of confidence. The last incident occurred on 6 July 2008, when six women traveling in a vehicle between Bangolo and Man were sexually abused by armed bandits. According to UNPOL, very few suspects have been arrested and no charges have been brought against anyone.

Unidentified armed criminals on 22 July 2008 shot and killed a man on the Tioronlaradougou - Korhogo road, about 20 km south of Korhogo (north). UNPOL is helping the local police with their investigations.

Residents in Darafana, north-west of Séguéla, yesterday told a UNOCI patrol that Armed Forces of the Forces Nouvelles (FAFN) soldiers still take an 8% transaction fee for any diamonds sold in the area.

Arms embargo

UNOCI peacekeepers yesterday successfully carried out arms embargo inspections at the National Armed Forces of Côte d'Ivoire (FANCI) Gendarmerie Brigades in Issia (centre-west), Nassian (east) and the Abidjan district of Abobo (south), as well as at FAFN units in Man, Goualeu and Guizreu (west), and Kouto (north).

Human Rights

The Regional Human Rights Office in Duékoué and the local administrative and military authorities reviewed the prevailing human rights situation in the region on 23 July 2008, at a meeting held in the Sous-prefecture of Gbapleu, 45 km from Duékoué (west). The main human rights concern remains the continuing intercommunity clashes over land issues between members of the Yacouba community and the Burkinabé, Malian, Guinean, Senoufou, Baoulé and Guéré communities. In an effort to defuse tension, Gbapleu Sous-prefecture has asked the Office to urgently organize a sensitization campaign on human rights, peace and social cohesion for the leaders of the concerned communities.

In Korhogo, on 23 July 2008, it was reported that the Police Commissioner of Ferkéssedougou arbitrarily arrested and detained the younger brother of an individual allegedly involved in a private dispute with him. The police commissioner demanded an estimated amount of $345 before he would release the man. The Regional Human Rights Office in Korhogo is closely following the case with the local police authorities. [Comments: Forces Nouvelles elements have frequently used detention of relatives to force alleged suspects to give themselves up]