United States Embassy (Abidjan)
23 June 2009
This daily press review is compiled by the Information Section of the Public Affairs Office of the American Embassy in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
Reports in Ivoirian dailies today mostly focused on President Gbagbo's plans to restore war-torn regions; the implementation of the Government-led policy to address the devastation of heavy rains; and the voter registration process. The confirmed case of H1N1 in Cote d'Ivoire and the launching of the HIV/AIDS Testing and Counseling Day, where U.S. Ambassador Wanda Nesbitt was tested, also made the news.
1.Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported on President Gbagbo's final upcountry visit. Addressing a rally last week-end in the north western city of Odienne, President Gbagbo reportedly called on the local people to work devotedly; he also announced a series of development and rehabilitation projects for the area. According to the report, President Gbagbo said that three development "Authorities" will be created soon to address urgent development issues and restore the economy in the war-torn regions of the country.
2.In another development, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) informed readers about President Gbagbo's official trip to Abuja to attend the Economic Community of West African States(ECOWAS) Heads of States conference. According to the paper, the discussions of the conference will focus on issues related to regional peace, integration and development.
3.According to Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily), Ivorian authorities have set up the ORSEC Plan (Rescue and Assistance Plan) to address the issue of heavy rains and the resulting mud slide damages. According to the report, some 20,000 people living in precarious neighborhoods will be resettled at a temporary site as part of the plan. Mr. Sam Etiasse, the manager of the ORSEC Plan said that "these measures are taken to prevent the loss of more lives resulting from heavy rains."
On the same issue, L'inter (an independently daily) reported on donations by the Muslim association, Al-Ghadir, to assist victims of the mud slides. According to the report, Imam Abdoul Menhem recommitted the Lebanese Muslim community's support to the people of Cote d'Ivoire.
Finally, on the same issue, a report in Le Quotidient (a daily close to the ruling FPI Party) said that the Ivorian Human Rights Association, in a press statement, has called on the Ivorian government to find sustainable solutions to this crucial issue.
4.On the voter registration process, Nord-Sud Quotidien (a daily close to the opposition) indicated that a final phase will be carried out in Abidjan and its surrounding suburbs from Wednesday, June 24 to Tuesday, June 30, 2009. So far, over six million people have been enrolled, the paper added.
5.On health issues, Soir Info(a privately owned daily) informed readers that one case of H1N1 has been confirmed in Abidjan. According to the report, the patient has been quarantined at the Teaching Hospital of Treichville for appropriate treatment. The paper also said that in accordance with World Health Organization recommendations, Ivorian Health authorities have called on the population to observe basic hygiene precautions.
6.On another health issue, L'intelligent d'Abidjan (an independent daily) reported on the HIV/AIDS Testing and Counseling Day that was launched on June 20, 2009 at Attecoube. According to the paper, the campaign was co-organized by PEPFAR and the National Ministry in Charge of HIV/AIDS. The aim of the campaign, the paper added, is to encourage voluntary testing. In her address, US Ambassador Wanda Nesbitt paid tribute to the Ivorian authorities for their efforts in fighting the disease, the paper further added. The Ambassador and many others were tested at this campaign.
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