AU Envoys Leave Abidjan, Sue For Peace

AU Envoys Leave Abidjan, Sue For Peace

African Union envoys have left Abidjan after delivering an invitation to key actors in the Ivorian political crisis to attend the next meeting of the AU Council for Peace and Security.

 The AU Commission's Chairman, Jean Ping and the Chairman of the Council for Peace and Security, Ramtane Lamamra, were on the continental visit to Abidjan.

The envoys met with President, Laurent Gbagbo in the presidential villa and Alassane Ouattara, in the Golf hotel, where he stays.

The envoys also invited the president of the highest legal body in Cote d'Ivoire, Paul N'dre. 

Attendance assurances

Ouattara told newsmen that he would attend the next meeting of the AU's Council for Peace and Security, after the invitation was handed down.

Gbagbo said that he received an invitation to attend a meeting with the AU Peace and Security Commission.

Gbagbo and N'dre were yet to confirm if they would attend the meeting.

The envoys were sent in by the AU High Level Panel on the Ivorian crisis made up of five African presidents from Mauritania, South Africa, Chad, Burkina Faso and Tanzania.  

US Request

Meanwhile, the United States in Abidjan has urged President Laurent Gbagbo to relinquish power immediately as the Ivorian crises deepen.

  “He must relinquish power immediately on behalf of peace,” a statement signed by the Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, said.  

  According to her , “the U.S. strongly condemns acts of violence against the people by Gbagbo of Cote d'Ivoire, particularly the attack on Thursday, March 3, by his security forces against a women's unarmed demonstration, resulting to the death of seven people.

Gbagbo and his forces have demonstrated their violent disregard for human life and the rule of law drawing on innocent and unarmed people. Gbagbo's selfish maneuvering to cling to power despite his defeat in the election increased tension and endangered the basic rights of the Ivorian civilian population” .

Violence against civilians

 Gbagbo's government has prevented the supply of water and electricity to some parts of the country regarded as his opponent's stronghold.

The statement also said that since December, Gbagbo had used security forces to attack the very people he purports to represent and he prevents some Ivorians from having access to water and electricity. Thus, the most vulnerable populations in Côte d'Ivoire, including women and children, are those who suffer the most.

The reports say military leaders, officials of the regime and others found guilty of giving orders or acts of violence against civilians should be held responsible for their actions.

NAN/Margaret/ Qasim