Declaration on Côte d'Ivoire

The Socialist International has followed with great concern the continuing post-electoral crisis in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, a crisis which, as the days go by, acquires new and more dramatic dimensions, among them the unacceptable loss of life, the deterioration of the integrity of the State and its political institutions, and the serious threats to stability and peace in that nation and in that region of Africa. This crisis has also revealed that the deep divisions and differences within Ivorian society that emerged during the conflict of 2002-2003 persist today, and can be found at the root of the current grave situation.

The United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and member parties of the Socialist International, among others from the international community and from countries of the region and sub-region, have in the meantime expressed their views on the outcome of the ballot in the second round of the presidential elections that took place on 28 November 2010.

Considering the leading role of socialist, social democratic and progressive African parties in the advancement and consolidation of democracy and conflict-resolution in that continent, the Socialist International, which has always been at the forefront in promoting the universal values of democracy and peace, calls on the outgoing President Laurent Gbagbo to take the decision that the international community as a whole requests of him today.

Recognising Laurent Gbagbo’s contribution to the establishment of multi-party democracy in Côte d’Ivoire and to the advancement of peace and reconciliation in his country after the 2002-2003 crisis, we are confident that the outgoing President will have in mind in this, one of his most important decisions, the highest interests of Côte d’Ivoire and its people, many of whom share the values of the Ivorian Popular Front, FPI, in their efforts for democracy, opportunity and peace.

We also call on all international actors to immediately make all the efforts that are now required to contribute to the urgent advancement of a process of national reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire and to policies of inclusion and confidence-building between the different national political actors to secure a future of peace and genuine national unity.

22 December 2010