During six field missions between January and July 2011, Human Rights Watch documented details of war crimes and likely crimes against humanity committed by forces under both former President Laurent Gbagbo and President Alassane Ouattara. At least 3,000 people were killed and 150 women raped during the conflict period, which took place from November 2010, when Gbagbo lost an election and refused to yield power, through June 2011, after Ouattara took power in April 2011. Based on research and interviews with independent sources, including over 500 victims, witnesses, government officials and medical professionals, Human Rights Watch documented violence and targeted acts perpetrated along political, ethnic, and religious lines.

In late August, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International investigated the indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas in the Nuba Mountains region of Southern Kordofan. The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) conducted 13 air strikes, killing at least 26 civilians and injuring more than 45 others since mid-June. The researchers also witnessed government planes circling over civilian areas and dropping bombs, forcing civilians to seek shelter in mountains and caves. Additionally, the government has prevented aid groups from delivering food and other assistance to more than 150,000 displaced people in areas under control of opposition forces.