Highlights

- Logistical challenges in electoral process must be tackled, says SRSG Choi
- Danané residents stage violent protests against FAFN

Political

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y.J. Choi, today called for the logistical challenges confronting the electoral process to be addressed without delay. Speaking after a meeting with the Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, Mr. Choi said that it was imperative to do so in order to capitalize on the important advances made so far in the electoral process and to ensure that the date of 30 November 2008 for the holding of elections is respected.

Yesterday, after meeting Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, the Special Representative also called for the identification operation to be launched quickly, within the framework of the electoral process.

Security

People in Danané (west) yesterday staged violent demonstrations and erected barricades in the town's main streets following the death of a young boy in the custody of Armed Forces of Forces Nouvelles (FAFN). According to reports reaching BANBATT, the boy was arrested after being suspected of stealing a mobile phone. To curb the unrest, the local FAFN authorities reacted quickly by deploying armed soldiers who cleared the road blocks and arrested almost all the people involved with the demonstration. BANBATT sent two special patrols instantly to prevent further deterioration of the situation. The contingent is also maintaining close liaison with the local FAFN Sector Commander and local leaders and has been informed that the FAFN authorities are trying to negotiate with the parents of the deceased.

Tension remained high in Daloa (centre west) today following the call by the Union générale des travailleurs ivoiriens, the largest trade union, for a 48-hour-strike against rising fuel prices. The road between Daloa and Duékoué (west) was blocked by the demonstrators and heavily armed security forces are patrolling the streets.

DDR

A special regrouping process will be organized in Ferkéssedougou tomorrow for 72 FAFN ex-combatants from Bouna. They will thereafter join the reintegration programme that has been organized by German Development Cooperation (GTZ) in Boundiali. NIGERBATT and the DDR officer in Korhogo will assist and monitor the operation.

Arms embargo inspection

UNOCI peacekeepers successfully carried out arms embargo inspections at the National Armed Forces of Côte d'Ivoire (FANCI) gendarmerie brigades in Saouia (centre-west) and Bondoukou (east) and at the FAFN units in Sangouiné (west), Logoualé (west), and Korhogo. On the same day, a similar inspection was carried in Abidjan at the first battalion parachute company in Akouédo.

Humanitarian

BANBATT peacekeepers based in Yamoussoukro today organised a medical camp in Logokro village, situated 30 km from Yamoussoukro, during which they treated more than 200 patients for various diseases.

Human Rights

The Regional Human Rights Office in Daloa is investigating the arbitrary arrest and detention of a Burkinabe planter by the gendarmerie in Vavoua (centre west). According to reports received by the Office, the man who was detained because he was living with a local woman, was released after the Gendaremerie brigade commander was paid 40,000 FCFA.