Briefing Paper

Promoting Peace and Stability in La Côte d’Ivoire: Negotiating the Cost of International Inaction and the Need for Decisive Action

“In this second policy brief on the situation in La Côte d’Ivoire a calling for enforcement action led by the United Nations Operations in La Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) to stop the fighting, protect civilians and restore stability to the troubled country. It is argued that given the extent to which the situation has degenerated, it is only a UN force with a strong enforcement mandate, action and capability that can save the situation and protect hapless civilians who are at the mercy of the warring factions. It is, however, important to note that our main argument in the paper is without prejudice to diplomatic measures by the international community to resolve the Ivorian crisis. This is because we recognise that, eventually, enforcement action supported by diplomatic efforts will achieve greater results.”