Highlights

- SRSG goes to Divo to prepare way for UNOCI deployment
- UNOCI and UNDP meet with electoral commission for wide-ranging discussions
- Six FAFN soldiers arrested for robbery in Sakassou

Political

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y.J Choi today met with the Prefect of Divo to discuss the future presence of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) in the town, which is situated 189 kilometres from Abidjan. Mr. Choi explained the different tasks that would be carried out by the military and civilian personnel of the UN Mission in preparation for the forthcoming elections. The visit was also in relation to preparing the way for a reconciliation between the people of Divo and the United Nations, with regard to the current phase of the peace process which is focused on the electoral and DDR processes. It should be recalled that sections of the population in Divo have in the past been vigorously opposed to the presence of the Mission's peacekeepers in their town.

Electoral

UNOCI and UNDP today held a working session with the President of the Independent Electoral Commission to discuss the evolution of the electoral process, its logistical and financial needs, as well as the Impartial Forces' security plan for the process.

Security

Six soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Forces Nouvelles (FAFN) were yesterday arrested in Sakassou (centre) after being accused of attacking and molesting people in the town. Victims claimed that they had been robbed of personal items such as watches, mobile phone and money. According to reports from UNOCI peacekeepers in the area, the six were being held in custody and an agreement had been reached between the FAFN and the local authorities that all the stolen items would be returned to the rightful owners. Further military action could be taken against the soldiers once the incidents have been fully investigated.

UNPOL in Korhogo (north) reported yesterday that every Monday, which is market day, women walking alone along the Kpélé to Dikodougou road, are often assaulted and raped, but have said that they are too afraid to report the incidents to the relevant law enforcement authorities. The UN police officers also said there were frequent attacks around the Odia area, near the road leading to Boundiali (north).
In an attempt to end an on-going inter-community conflict between pastoralists and farmers in the Béoumi area (centre), which is threatening the security situation, UNOCI's Civil Affairs Office in Bouaké has met with the Prefect of the area to discuss the possibility of setting up a conflict-resolution committee comprising of officials from the local administration, traditional leaders, Forces Nouvelles and civil society organizations.

Arms embargo

UNOCI peacekeepers yesterday successfully carried out arms embargo inspections in the FAFN's Fanfara camp in Korhogo (north), at its 73rd battalion in Koonan near Man (west) as well as at the Defence and Security Forces of Cote d'Ivoire's (FDSCI) Bataillon de Commandement et de Soutien in Abidjan and its Gendarmerie Brigade in Bondoukou.

Human Rights

Two human rights workshops were organized by the Regional Human Rights Office in San Pedro on 2 and 3 June 2008 in Tabou (south) for 34 officials of the town's public administration and 26 community and religious leaders and members of civil society groups. The first workshop focused on basic international human rights principles and standards of the local public administration while the second dealt with the protection of vulnerable groups.

Extortion by members of the FDSCI, ranging from physical assault to racketeering, continues to negatively impact on human rights in the Duékoué region (west). During a monitoring visit to checkpoints in Duékoué and its environs on 4 June, the Regional Human Rights Office based in the tow noted that "crossing fees" were still being imposed on passengers despite the campaign against racketeering which was launched on 2 June 2008, by the FDSCI Chief of staff, General Philippe Mangou. A local trader, told human rights officers that her goods had been confiscated by FDSCI soldiers at the Duékoué checkpoint when she refused to pay a crossing fee of 1000 FCFA ($2.35).