W. African Leaders Report Progress in Ivory Coast Peace Process Sarah Simpson Abidjan 31 Oct 2003, 14:07 UTC

W. African Leaders Report Progress in Ivory Coast Peace Process
Sarah Simpson
Abidjan
31 Oct 2003, 14:07 UTC

West African leaders visiting Ivory Coast say progress has been made in salvaging the faltering
peace process. The government and rebels have released statements raising hope a January peace
accord could yet be saved.
Presidents John Kufuor of Ghana and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria said
progress had been made, following a brief meeting with Ivorian President
Laurent Gbagbo late Thursday in Abidjan.
President Kufuor said he and Mr. Obasanjo had made suggestions to President Gbagbo about how
the coalition government could move the peace process forward ahead of elections in 2005.
Government spokeswoman Victoria Wodie appeared on national television Thursday with an
announcement that cheered rebel leaders. Wodie said President Laurent Gbagbo had issued
instructions that the text of the January peace accord, known as Marcoussis, be swiftly put into
effect by the council of ministers.
This opens up an opportunity for the implementation of the French-brokered peace deal, especially
its provisions on changes in the nationality and land ownership laws aimed at broadening rights of
many northern Ivorians.
However, the rebels, now known as the New Forces, must first resume their seats in the council.
The New Forces leadership withdrew from the council of ministers in September, saying President
Gbagbo was not adhering to the principles of the January peace deal and was making crucial cabinet
appointments without consulting them.
Rebel spokesman, Sidiki Konate, was optimistic that these latest developments offer a new
opportunity for peace in Ivory Coast. "I think that [President Gbagbo's] announcement is an
effective invitation for the resumption of the peace process in Ivory Coast," he said.
Ivory Coast was split in two after a rebel uprising in September, 2002. Armed rebel forces continue
to hold the north of the country and few of the principles of the accord have been implemented.
AP
Laurent Gbagbo, left,

and John Kufuor