Cote d'Ivoire's collapse dangerous for entire region: NGO

A Dakar-based NGO, the African Rally for Defense of Human Rights (RADDHO), is urging the international community to quickly find ways of stopping Cote d'Ivoire's political crisis, warning the entire region could be affected if otherwise.

RADDHO President Alioune Tine told Xinhua in a recent interview that it was important to find a way out to avert the collapse of Cote d'Ivoire, and its fallout in the entire region. He said the first thing to do to resolve Cote d'Ivoire's crisis is to accept the democratic choice of the people.

"Democracy requires that people are given a chance to choose whoever they want to lead them," Tine noted. He condemned the ongoing extra-judicial killings, saying these were not only a security threat to Cote d'Ivoire, but to the entire sub-region.

Tine disputed the post-election toll of 248 as reported by the United Nations. There are more than 300 people who have disappeared, he said.

"There are economic and financial stakes here. The planning minister sent by Alassane Ouattara informed us that 73 billion FCFA (146 million U.S. dollars) had disappeared from the West African Central Bank (BCEAO) and this is a real threat to the economy of the sub-region. If this continues, and we still do not know where the money from Cote d'Ivoire's cocoa, petroleum and coffee sectors is going to, then there's a great risk of an FCFA inflation in the sub-region. This is something that no responsible person can remain indifferent to," he insisted.

"It will be irresponsible for ECOWAS authorities not to act because what is happening in Cote d'Ivoire constitutes crimes against humanity and genocide. It's the northern populations who are being targeted for their beliefs and political affiliation. They are the main targets for arrests and executions," Tine added. He called on the international community to come up with a strategy that will end Cote d'Ivoire's political crisis.

"If we shall stand and watch as Cote d'Ivoire collapses, then it shall surely become another Somalia and this is dangerous for the entire region," RADDHO president warned.

He said everything should be done to avoid a military intervention since this might have more severe consequences for the population.

"We however insist that all pressure should be applied on Gbagbo so that he can leave power," he said. Cote d'Ivoire held the presidential run-off on Nov. 28. But contrary to the worldwide expectations, the election failed to end the division since the 2002-2003 civil war, but resulted in two presidents, two prime ministers and two governments.

The international community recognizes Ouattara as the president-elect, pressurizing incumbent Laurent Gbagbo to surrender power. The latter has been resisting against the international sanctions ranging from assents freeze to travel ban.

The West African bloc has threatened military intervention if Gbagbo holds on to power in rejection of international call for his peaceful departure.


(2011-1-18/globaltimes)