Current Events
Annan appeals for maximum restraint in Côte d'Ivoire as political tensions increase
With progress in the Côte d'Ivoire peace process being limited and deadlines for the implementation of provisions falling behind schedule, the security situation is precarious and mobilization of militia-type groups is increasing across the West African country, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a new report to the Security Council.
Empowering Ivorian refugees for eventual return
Every night, a group of children gathers outside the UN refugee agency's office in Harper, south-eastern Liberia. They are not taking night classes or planning any mischief, but are simply there to study and do their homework by the light illuminating the compound.
Côte d'Ivoire: UN warns of spiral back to war, elections in jeopardy
DAKAR, 24 March (IRIN) - The United Nations has warned that Cote d'Ivoire risks sliding back into full-scale conflict as militia groups ramp up their activity across the country and the political peace negotiations remained mired in deadlock.
Cote d'Ivoire: Northern university set to reopen in April
BOUAKE, 23 March (IRIN) - The University of Bouake in the rebel-held north of Cote d'Ivoire is set to reopen next month almost three years after the outbreak of war forced it to close it doors and deprived thousands of youngsters of a chance of higher education, government and rebel officials said.
Côte d'Ivoire: 40 dead in meningitis epidemic in northeast Bouna region
ABIDJAN, 22 March (IRIN) - The World Health Organisation (WHO) in Cote d'Ivoire said Tuesday that 40 people have died in a meningitis epidemic that has swept the rebel-held northeastern Bouna region.
Cote d' Ivoire: Mbeki tries new tack to break deadlock as tension mounts on ground
ABIDJAN, 18 March (IRIN) - After four months of failed attempts to break the deadlocked peace process in Cote d'Ivoire, South African President Thabo Mbeki is hoping to host the key players in the conflict at face-to-face talks in the next few days, one of his aides said on Friday.
Cote d'Ivoire: Fear grips Ivorians ahead of anti-French demonstrations
Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (PANA) - With two days to demonstrations planned by the pro-government 'Young Patriots' to demand the withdrawal of French troops by 4 April, Ivorians of all shades have expressed fear the protests could prompt unprecedented violence in the West African state.
Cote d'Ivoire: Community leaders call for humanitarian help in isolated rebel-held northeast
BOUNA, 17 March (IRIN) - Community leaders rebel-held Bouna in Cote d'Ivoire's remote north east say the international humanitarian community must urgently station itself in town to stop what few handouts the population gets being siphoned off by rebel fighters
Mounting Ivory Coast tensions to bring mediator Mbeki back "soon"
ABIDJAN, March 16 (AFP) - Ivory Coast's northern rebels said Wednesday they expect a visit "soon" from South African President Thabo Mbeki, the key mediator in the simmering crisis in the former west African powerhouse.
Cote d'Ivoire: Doctor concerned by high HIV prevalence rate in forgotten northeast
BONDOUKOU, 15 March (IRIN) - Olivier Oura is the only trained doctor available for Ivorians living with HIV/AIDS around Bondoukou, and he's worried that poor security and communication in this northeastern corner of Cote d'Ivoire may have landed it with the country's highest HIV prevalence rate.
International Women's Day: 'Sweeping' changes in Côte d'Ivoire
GUIGLO, Côte d'Ivoire, March 8 (UNHCR) . When passers-by saw their mayor with a broomstick and a white mask protecting his nose and mouth from the dust as he swept the littered market ground bordering the main road, they almost failed to recognise him.
Côte d'Ivoire: Militia fighters from Logouale attack handed over to Ivorian police
ABIDJAN, 4 March (IRIN) - UN peacekeepers in Cote d'Ivoire have handed over to the government 85 fighters of a hard-line militia group that supports President Laurent Gbagbo after capturing them when they attacked the rebel-held town of Logouale earlier this week.
Mbeki confident in Ivorian peace process despite new fighting
CAPE TOWN, March 3 (AFP) - South African President Thabo Mbeki, chief mediator in the Ivory Coast civil conflict, on Thursday expressed confidence in the peace process despite the latest wave of violence in the troubled west African state.
Côte d'Ivoire: Civil unrest has been an ally in the rise of polio
NEW YORK, 1 March 2005 - UNICEF and its partners have completed the first round of a campaign to eradicate polio in Côte d.Ivoire.