Stand down or face 'legitimate force', ECOWAS tells Gbagbo

AFP - West African nations on Friday threatened force if Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo refuses to quit power and said those responsible for post-election deaths would face international prosecution.
            
Leaders from the 15-member ECOWAS regional bloc also said a high-level delegation would be sent to Ivory Coast as an "ultimate gesture" to Gbagbo in the hope that he could be persuaded to leave peacefully.
            

FRANCE 24's Cyril Vanier reports from Abidjan.

The statement following an emergency summit of the Economic Community of West African States came as Gbagbo's internationally recognised rival, Alassane Ouattara, urged the army to desert the incumbent leader.
            
"In the event that Mr Gbagbo fails to heed the immutable demand of ECOWAS, the community will be left with no alternative but to take other measures, including the use of legitimate force, to achieve the goals of the Ivorian people," a final statement from the summit said.
            

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Leaders also expressed "deep concern over the unacceptably high number of lives lost since 7 December 2010 and warn all those responsible that they will face international trials for human rights violations at the earliest opportunity."
            
The date referred to a previous emergency summit on the Ivory Coast crisis, when ECOWAS suspended the country from the organisation and called on Gbagbo to step down.
            
Pressure on Gbagbo has mounted since last month's presidential vote, with the United States searching for more UN troops and France offering him a final chance to step aside.
            
The summit was held after a UN body demanded a halt to "atrocities" in Ivory Coast and the Central Bank of West African States blocked Gbagbo's access to finances following the World Bank's earlier move to freeze loans.
            
Much of the world, including the United Nations, has recognised Ouattara as the winner of last month's elections, but Gbagbo has refused to budge in the face of escalating calls for him to leave.
            
The financial measures may make it difficult for Gbagbo to pay salaries for soldiers and others, and Ouattara addressed the military in a statement on Friday.
            
Ouattara read the statement in the Golf Hotel, the luxury Abidjan resort where his shadow government is holed up, protected by 800 UN peacekeepers who are in turn blockaded by Gbagbo's security forces.
            
"As commander in chief, I order the Defence and Security Forces to carry out their republican mission of protecting the population against the militias and foreign mercenaries that are spilling Ivorian blood," he said.
            
Both Ouattara's camp and UN human rights monitors accuse Gbagbo's FDS of involvement in large-scale human rights abuses, and there have been reports of them working with masked militia fighters and Liberian mercenaries.
            
"Violence is returning to our towns and our city neighbourhoods. Serious human rights violations are reported from all corners," Ouattara said.
            
"Under cover of the curfew, people have been been kidnapped and executed by elements of the Republican Guard and the Cecos, backed by foreign mercenaries and militiamen," he said, in his first public statement this month.
            
While commanders of the entire 17,000-strong FDS have pledged loyalty to Gbagbo, his most feared support comes from two elite squads, the 1,500-strong Guards and the 2,000 members of the Cecos police special forces unit.
            

UN soldiers from Senegal stand guard in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Ahead of Friday's summit, the United States had said it was talking with regional countries from ECOWAS about boosting the 9,000-strong UN mission in Ivory Coast.
            
French Foreign Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said Friday that Gbagbo could still step down honourably, but warned that time was growing short.
            
"Mr Gbagbo still has the possibility of leaving this situation with dignity by recognising what the results are and by handing over power," she told French radio.
            
"He has the right to a completely honourable exit... but the more time passes and the more things get out of control and there's violence, the more this possibility distances itself."

UN chief condemns Nigeria clashes

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday condemned a series of lethal attacks in Nigeria that have claimed at least 39 lives since Christmas Eve. The violence, which targeted churchgoers and shoppers, has stoked tensions across the country.

A Burning House.

 

AFP - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Sunday that he was "appalled" by an outbreak of violence in Nigeria that claimed at least 39 lives.
             
A spokesman for the UN leader said that Ban "condemns these deplorable acts of violence, especially at a time when millions of Nigerians are celebrating religious holidays, and supports efforts by the Nigerian authorities to bring those responsible to justice."
             
Clashes left at least one person dead and a number of houses burned in the Nigerian city of Jos on Sunday amid tensions following a series of Christmas Eve bomb attacks that killed dozens.
             
Many of the victims were doing their Christmas shopping at the time and a church was also targeted.
             
On the same night, suspected members of an Islamist sect that launched an uprising last year attacked three churches in northern Nigeria, leaving six people dead and one of the churches burnt.

Aftermath of the clash.

             
Soldiers patrolled the streets of the central Nigerian city while authorities sought to keep the violence from further spreading after Friday's bombings.

Côte d'Ivoire Crisis Latest: UN Chief Underlines Warning Against Attacking Peacekeepers

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized his warning against attacks on the United Nations peacekeeping force in Côte d'Ivoire or attempts to obstruct their work, saying there will consequences for those responsible, as the UN human rights arm reported "massive violations."

Ivory Coast on the map.

"Any attack on UN forces will be an attack on the international community and those responsible for these actions will be held accountable," said a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Secretary-General, which added that Mr. Ban was aware of statements by the Laurent Gbagbo's spokesperson calling for the withdrawal of the UN force.

Embattled President Gbagbo

"Any continued actions obstructing and constricting UN operations are similarly unacceptable," the statement released late on Saturday added.
The UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) will continue to fulfil its mandate and to monitor and document any human rights violations, incitement to hatred and violence, or attacks on UN peacekeepers, Mr. Ban said.

Protesters doing their business.

In Geneva, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, expressed deep concern over the growing evidence of massive violations of human rights taking place in Côte d'Ivoire since 16 December, and reiterated her determination to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
"When people are victims of extrajudicial killings there must be an investigation, and there must be accountability," Ms. Pillay said, noting that in the past three days there has been more than 50 people killed, and over 200 injured.

Ivory Coast gendarme tying to control protesters. 

Mr. Ban said those attacks were perpetrated by elements of the Ivorian security forces apparently loyal to Mr. Gbagbo, adding that a separate attack on UN military observers by Young Patriots, a group linked with the outgoing president, on Saturday left two military observers wounded.
"There will be consequences for those who have perpetrated or orchestrated any such actions or do so in the future," the statement said.
The Secretary-General said the Security Council will meet once again on Monday to discuss the situation in Côte d'Ivoire and the renewal of UNOCI''s mandate, which is due to expire on 31 December 2010.

"The international community has spoken with one voice regarding Mr. Gbagbo's attempt to hold onto power. The statements issued by the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union in this regard have shown that the African Continent is united in its commitment to respect the democratically expressed will of the Ivorian people and have recognized Mr. Ouattara as the President-elect," the statement added.

Ms. Pillay said UNOCI has received reports from hundreds of victims and members of their families about the abduction of individuals from their homes, especially at night, by unidentified armed individuals in military uniform accompanied by elements of the defence and security forces or militia groups.
Abducted people are reportedly taken by force to illegal places of detention where they are held incommunicado and without charge. Some have been found dead in questionable circumstances.
"I call upon all parties concerned to respect the human rights of all Ivorians, without discrimination," Ms. Pillay said. "UN human rights officers in Cote d'Ivoire are on the alert and will continue to closely monitor the situation across the country."

Laurent Gbagbo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [source:UNnewservice]

2011 Elections: PDP delegates endorse Jonathan

Democratic Party national delegates in the North-West endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for the party’s presidential ticket, their counterparts from the South-West have also declared their unalloyed support for the President.

The 580 delegates drawn from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states took the decision at a meeting with the President at the Mapo Hall in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Sunday.

President Goodluck Jonathan Waving at supporters.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the South-West Coordinator of the Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Committee, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, said, “All the delegates of the party at the meeting unanimously, willingly and unequivocally resolved to support and vote en-bloc for President Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo at the primaries of the party slated for January 13, 2011.”

President Goodluck Jonathan.

Earlier, Jonathan had described the South-West as a ‘very crucial’ zone in the realisation of his quest for the party’s presidential ticket. He also urged leaders of the party in the zone to work hard to ensure victory for the party in the governorship election in Lagos State. He admitted that winning Lagos would be a difficult task and advised the leaders of the party in the zone to take the assignment seriously.

Jonathan also expressed regrets on the loss of Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states to opposition parties at the Court of Appeal but stated that efforts were being made to reverse the situation.

President Goodluck Jonathan At a UN summit.

He said, “We appreciate the challenges the court judgments imposed on the people of the region and we have held several meetings to address the issue. We are touched by the loss of these states and we are committed. We will work harder to ensure that the states are recovered from the rival parties at the next election.”

Daniel, in his opening remarks, assured the President that the zone would not compromise in delivering the votes of its delegates at the party’s presidential primaries. According to Daniel, Oyo State has 153 delegates, while Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos have 108, 123, 80, 60 and 37 respectively.

Earlier, the host governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, asked the party’s chieftains not to be weighed down by the political developments in the three South-West states. At the meeting, the motion for the South-West delegates to endorse the President was moved by the senator representing Ife/Ijesa District, Iyiola Omisore, and seconded by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Moroof Atilola.

All chieftains of the party who have been engaged in a running battle with Alao-Akala did not attend the parley. They include the Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; Senator Lekan Balogun, Elder Wole Oyelese, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Ayo Adeseun.

The President had before the meeting paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, Odugade I, where he sought royal blessings for his ambition.
[source:punchnews]

France To Investigate African Leaders Assets

French appeals court reopens African assets case

France's highest appeals court has authorised judges to proceed with an investigation into assets held in the country by three African leaders. The anti-corruption group Transparency International has accused the three of using African public funds to buy luxury homes and cars in France.
A Paris court halted the lawsuit last year, saying Transparency could not act against foreign heads of state.
The three leaders, one of whom is now dead, had denied wrongdoing.
They are Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, as well as the late Gabonese leader, Omar Bongo.
Transparency estimates the total value of the three leaders' estates in France at 160m euros (£140m, $223m).
'Legal breakthrough' Quoting French police investigations dating back to 2007, it said President Obiang owned vehicles worth more than 4m euros, the late Bongo and his relations had 39 homes, and Mr Sassou Nguesso and his relations held 112 bank accounts.

The leaders of the three countries had all denied the charges

“Start Quote

For the first time in France, a lawsuit by an anti-corruption association acting for the interests it aims to defend has been judged admissible”

End Quote Transparency International

Investigations found that Bongo's wife Edith had bought a Daimler Chrysler car with a cheque drawn on a Gabonese government account in France, Transparency added.

"For the first time in France, a lawsuit by an anti-corruption association acting for the interests it aims to defend has been judged admissible," the anti-corruption group said in a statement welcoming the ruling.
It hoped the funds allegedly stolen would eventually be recovered.
The case followed a 2007 French police investigation which had found the leaders and their relatives owned homes in upmarket areas of Paris and on the Riviera, along with luxury cars including Bugattis, Ferraris and Maseratis.
Transparency, along with rights group Sherpa, had argued that it was not possible that the men and their entourages had bought the assets through their legitimate salaries.
When a French magistrate ruled in May 2008 that the "ill-gotten gains" case was admissible in a French court, representatives of the leaders contested the ruling.
They argued that, as civil society activists, Transparency had no right to act as plaintiffs against heads of state.
Transparency appealed in turn and its action was upheld on Tuesday.
Gabon and Republic of Congo are former French colonies.
Omar Bongo - who was Africa's longest-serving leader - died in June 2009 but members of his family were also named in Transparency International's case.

Nigeria Goes On Strike.

Nigeria strike goes ahead despite presidential talks

The president

 

Nigeria - Troubled Giant

• 'Sham' democracy
• Emirs: Power behind the throne
• 'I burnt my friend's house down'
• Armed robber?

Nigerian unions are going ahead with a threatened nationwide strike for a rise in the minimum wage.

The two largest unions rejected a last-minute appeal from President Goodluck Jonathan to call off the action.
The unions want the monthly minimum wage more than doubled to $120 (£75) because prices have risen steeply.
But union leaders said they would meet later on Wednesday to decide whether to strike for three days as initially planned or call off the action early.
'Eerily quiet' The protest is expected to affect a wide range of services across Africa's most populous nation.
The BBC's Caroline Duffield in the main commercial city, Lagos, says streets, shops and offices are eerily quiet.
A rally organised by the unions is under way in the city although many workers have simply decided to stay at home.

Continue reading the main story

Wage Worries

• Unions demanding increase to 18,000 naira ($120, £75) from 7,500 naira
• Minimum wage has not risen for a decade
• Inflation running at about 11%

• Key facts, figures and dates

"It's very difficult, there is no vehicle on the road," security guard Okpara Adonis told Reuters agency.

He said private minibus drivers were exploiting the fact that state-owned buses were not working.
"In place of 50 naira ($0.33, £0.20) they are charging 100 naira for the bus, and there is no place to get fuel."
In the capital, Abuja, ministries and government offices, banks and public schools are closed.
Holiday concerns Inflation has been running at double-digit rates in recent years, driven by increases in food and transportation costs.
The minimum wage has not risen for a decade.
Mr Jonathan cut short a visit to Lagos to meet representatives from the country's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The leader of the NLC at the talks said the two unions' national executives would meet on Wednesday afternoon to decide whether or not to continue with the strike.
"We have heard the message of Mr President," NLC acting president Promise Adewusi told reporters after the talks with Mr Jonathan.

The president cut short a trip to Nigeria's business hub Lagos to meet union leaders

"We are going to go back to our organ [executive council]. The only thing we can say to you is that the strike is on until it is called off by the organ," he said.
Ahead of the talks, Mr Jonathan's office issued a statement saying it was committed to "realistic wages" for all workers.
Correspondents say there are fears that if the strike continues it will affect people's plans for next week's Eid al-Kabir nationwide public holidays on Tuesday and Wednesday as banks may not be open again until Monday.

French appeals court reopens African assets case

The leaders of the three countries had all denied the charges

France's highest appeals court has authorised judges to proceed with an investigation into assets held in the country by three African leaders.

The anti-corruption group Transparency International has accused the three of using African public funds to buy luxury homes and cars in France.
A Paris court halted the lawsuit last year, saying Transparency could not act against foreign heads of state.
The three leaders, one of whom is now dead, had denied wrongdoing.
They are Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, as well as the late Gabonese leader, Omar Bongo.
Transparency estimates the total value of the three leaders' estates in France at 160m euros (£140m, $223m).
'Legal breakthrough' Quoting French police investigations dating back to 2007, it said President Obiang owned vehicles worth more than 4m euros, the late Bongo and his relations had 39 homes, and Mr Sassou Nguesso and his relations held 112 bank accounts.

“Start Quote

For the first time in France, a lawsuit by an anti-corruption association acting for the interests it aims to defend has been judged admissible”

End Quote Transparency International

Investigations found that Bongo's wife Edith had bought a Daimler Chrysler car with a cheque drawn on a Gabonese government account in France, Transparency added.

"For the first time in France, a lawsuit by an anti-corruption association acting for the interests it aims to defend has been judged admissible," the anti-corruption group said in a statement welcoming the ruling.
It hoped the funds allegedly stolen would eventually be recovered.
The case followed a 2007 French police investigation which had found the leaders and their relatives owned homes in upmarket areas of Paris and on the Riviera, along with luxury cars including Bugattis, Ferraris and Maseratis.
Transparency, along with rights group Sherpa, had argued that it was not possible that the men and their entourages had bought the assets through their legitimate salaries.
When a French magistrate ruled in May 2008 that the "ill-gotten gains" case was admissible in a French court, representatives of the leaders contested the ruling.
They argued that, as civil society activists, Transparency had no right to act as plaintiffs against heads of state.
Transparency appealed in turn and its action was upheld on Tuesday.
Gabon and Republic of Congo are former French colonies.
Omar Bongo - who was Africa's longest-serving leader - died in June 2009 but members of his family were also named in Transparency International's case.