ECOWAS fashions out road map for Ivory Coast recovery after political standoff

The Economic Commission of West African States (ECOWAS) has proposed a two-phased road map approach to address the post-conflict challenges faced by Ivory Coast after the country held its presidential elections in 2010.

The road map includes the restoration of peace and security, repatriation of refugees and settlement of displaced persons.

The regional body made this known when its President Mr Victor Gbeho met with Ivorian government officials in Abidjan.

“…the first phase focusing on the restoration of peace and security, particularly along the country’s borders with neighbouring Ghana, Guinea and Liberia, as well as the issue of arms proliferation,” said ECOWAS in a statement August 26, 2011.

The other two elements of this phase include addressing the humanitarian consequences of the country’s post-electoral crisis such as the repatriation of refugees and the settlement of internally displaced persons (idps) as well as the promotion of national reconciliation, it adds.

“We are here to place at your disposal our experience and capacity and not to teach you how to run your country nor foist pre-conceived ideas on you,” Mr Gbeho was quoted in the statement as telling Ivorian officials.

By Ekow Quandzie