United States Embassy (Abidjan)
24 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.
Ivorian dailies continue to report on the recently-concluded ECOWAS conference; the ORSEC plan to prevent and support victims of heavy rains; voter registration in Abidjan; as well as the World Health Organization's actions in support of Ivorian authorities' efforts on the H1N1 flu issue. Other reports were on the cantonment sites for former soldiers; the meeting between French Defense Attaché and the Ivorian Army Chief of Staff; and the UN-led capacity building workshop for government-appointed administrators (Prefects) in North Eastern Cote d'Ivoire.
1. Reporting on President Gbagbo's comments following the recently held ECOWAS Heads of States meeting, Le Temps (a daily close to the ruling FPI party) quoted the Ivorian leader as saying: "This summit actually addressed factual issues of the region with regard to economic infrastructures and development". According to the paper, this means the decisions taken will be implemented to boost the economy of the region and induce stability. Reporting on the same topic, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that President Gbagbo expressed satisfaction on the "positive discussions" he had during the visit.
2. On the government's plan to mitigate the impacts of heavy rains, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) reported that the Banco River, which is located in the northern part of Abidjan, was cleared of debris yesterday. According to the paper, this site was the workplace for some 700 to 1000 craftsmen. Talking to the press after the area was cleared the Minister of Interior said "Now that this site is free from debris, which prevents rainfall drainage, we will no longer experience mud slides resulting from waterways obstruction." The paper called on authorities to find solutions for the workers of this area, who the paper called "touristic resources."
3. Notre Heure (a daily close to the opposition) reported on the final voter registration phase that began in the district of Abidjan today. According to the paper, people are being urged to go to the identified 40 sites to register as this final phase will end on June 30, 2009.
4. On the Ivorian Government's efforts to monitor the H1N1 flu, Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) reported that the World Health Organization (WHO) has offered some 70 medical kits to the National Ministry of Public Health. The kits include Tamiflu capsules (an anti-H1N1 flu preventive medicine) and protection masks. According to the paper, Dr. Komla Siamevi, the Resident WHO Representative commended the efforts of Ivorian health authorities for their actions to control the epidemic.
5. Fraternite Matin (a state-owned daily) also reported on recent activities of the Integrated Command Center (ICC.) The paper said that Mr. Amani Michel, the Defense Minister recently paid a visit to cantonment sites that will be accommodating voluntary New Forces former combatants. Together with the Ivorian crisis facilitator, Mr. Badini and representatives from the impartial forces, Mr. Amani inspected a total of four sites in Bouake to ensure that they are operational. According to the paper, some two billion CFA Francs (approximately, $4.2 million) will be needed to rehabilitate the proposed locations.
6. Still on the activities of the Integrated Command Center, a report in Soir Info (a privately-owned daily) said that an operation to register its permanent staff was initiated with the support of the United Nations Development Program. The paper reminded readers that the ICC is made up of 600 soldiers from the National Defense Forces and the New Forces. According to the paper, Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Attoumgre said "It is important to identify each of our staff." The paper also said that the operation, which started in Yamoussoukro, will be extended nationwide.
7. L'inter (an independent daily) informed readers about a meeting today between UN French Defense Attaché and Chief of Staff General Philippe Mangou. According to the paper, discussions between the two will focus on the Ivorian crisis and security issues, especially disarmament and the support of impartial forces in the ongoing peace process.
8. Finally, reporting on a UN-led capacity building program, Le Nouveau Reveil (a daily close to the former ruling PDCI-RDA party) said that some 50 prefects (government-appointed administrators) as well as civic associations from the Zanzan region (North Eastern part of the country) attended a workshop on conflict prevention and management. The training session, the paper added, was organized by the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (ONUCI). Mr. Bara Dieng from the Civil Affairs Section announced UNOCI's continued support of the peace process in Cote d'Ivoire.
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