UN chief warns of ‘real risk’ of Ivory Coast civil war

Posted on December 22, 2010 | Leave a comment

The UN’s secretary-general has warned there is a “real risk” of a return to civil war in Ivory Coast after the disputed presidential election. Ban Ki-moon said the incumbent, Laurent Gbagbo, was illegally trying to expel the UN’s peacekeeping force after it recognised Alassane Ouattara as victor. Earlier, an ally of Mr Gbagbo warned the peacekeepers that they could be treated as rebels if they did not go. And in his first TV address since the poll Mr Gbagbo stressed his legitimacy. He also offered to let a panel representing international powers examine the results of the election. Mr Gbagbo said Mr Ouattara could leave the Golf Hotel in Abidjan, where he has set up his headquarters, protected by the UN. In a speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Mr Ban said he was worried about the 10,000-strong mission in Ivory Coast (Unoci). Forces loyal to Mr Gbagbo were obstructing Unoci operations, and had blockaded the 800 peacekeepers protecting Mr Ouattara, he warned.

“I am concerned that this disruption of life-support supplies for the mission and the Golf Hotel will put our peacekeepers in a critical situation in the coming days,” he said. “I therefore strongly appeal to member states who are in a position to do so to prepare to support the mission. “Facing this direct and unacceptable challenge to the legitimacy of the United Nations, the world community cannot stand by,” he added. The BBC’s John James in Abidjan says roads leading to the lagoon-side hotel have been blocked and no supplies have been received for days. Mr Ban said that any attempt to “starve the United Nations mission into submission” would not be tolerated, and warned those who perpetrated such acts would be held accountable under international law.

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