Country on a Precipice
The Precarious State of Human Rights and Civilian Protection in Côte d’Ivoire

I. Summary

II. Recommendations

To the United Nations Security Council

To the United Nations Mission in Cote d’Ivoire

To the African Union

To the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court

To the Government of Côte d’Ivoire

To the New Forces

To France

To the United States, the European Union and other international donors

III. Background

Rebellion

Ceasefire Broken

The Pretoria Agreement

Economic Decline

IV. The Proliferation of Pro-Government Militias

The Militia Groups

Parallel Forces: The Militia’s Relationship with the Ivorian Military

Militia Groups and Arms

Intimidation, Violence and Extortion of Civilians by the Militias

Militias’ Role in November 2004 Violence

V. Inadequate Civilian Protection

The November 2004 Government Offensive

The February 2005 Government Attack on Logouale

Need for Reinforced UN Presence

Arms Embargo

VI. Hate Media

VII. Justice for Crimes by Pro-Government and Rebel Forces

Commission of Inquiry Report

Travel and Economic Sanctions allowed under U.N. Security Council 1572

The International Criminal Court

VIII. Acknowledgements

May 2005   Vol. 17, No. 6(A)