A prominent headline in Notre Voie (p. 1) says that prices of food commodities have gone up in Cote d'Ivoire. The paper (pp. 6&7) publishes a contribution from an independent writer who blames the skyrocketing food prices on "insecurity" and "racketeering of traders by elements of the FRCI." "Hike of food prices: growing anger in the markets," says a front-page headline in Nord-Sud Quotidien (p. 7) which blames the situation on the "bad faith" of traders. According to the paper, the government has taken measures including the dismantling of illegal check-points, rehabilitation of roads and fighting against roadblocks in an attempt to reduce the prices of food commodities.

FEBRUARY 24, 2012

• This daily press review is compiled by the Information Section of the Public Affairs Office of the American Embassy in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The opinions expressed in these reviews in no way reflect the views of the United States Government and are presented for informational purposes only. The accuracy of reports contained in this summary has not been confirmed by the Embassy.