UN Envoy Warns: Ivorian Politicians Threatening Reconciliation

The United Nations Special Representative in Ivory Coast and head of the UN peacekeeping mission (UNUCI) Bert Koenders has criticized Ivorian political actors for engaging in a war of words through the media, which is undermining national reconciliation.

In a statement released in Abidjan, Koenders, who is also head of the UN peacekeeping mission (UNUCI) urged Ivorian political actors to end a new wave of abusive language used by some of them in the media.

The ONUCI chief expressed concern about the resurgence of verbal violence and 'urged both the political class and representatives of the media to avoid abusive language that could call into question democratic gains and national reconciliation.’

Ivorian regulatory agencies have also been strongly urged to maintain their vigilance and prevent any violation of their decisions in that area.

The statement by the UNOCI boss comes as tensions mount between President Alassane Ouattara’s government and supporters of former President Laurent Gbagbo.

The UN Humanitarian Relief Coordinator, Ndolamb Ngokwey has also said "A climate of fear has taken hold and is causing many villagers to prolong their displacement or even flee to other regions."

Some 13,00 had fled their homes due to cross-border attacks in the Western town of Tai on the Liberian border, which was blamed on pro- Gbagbo militants. The Ivorians—most of them women and children—fled after some 22 people were killed (7UN peacekeeping soldiers and civilians).