Ouattara To Be Sworn-In In April --- Council

Ouattara To Be Sworn-In In April --- Council

The African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) has said a High Representative Committee would be set up to implement the decisions of the Council.

The Council received and adopted the report of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHLIP) on the Ivorian crisis that said Mr Alassane Ouattara, was the recognised winner of the election.

This was part of the communiqué read by Mr Rantane Lamamra, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security.

Lamamra said the council met at the Presidential level chaired by Mr Muhammed Abdulaziz, the President of Mauritania.

Sworn-in

He said the panel insisted that Mr Alassane Ouattara was the recognised winner of the election and therefore must be sworn-in by the Constitutional council of Cote d'Ivoire.

``The council has agreed that Mr Laurent Gbagbo, the incumbent President of Cote d'Ivoire will not continue to stay in office. He must leave immediately and pave way for peaceful resolution of the crisis. AU and ECOWAS will ensure that Ouattara is sworn-in as the President of Cote d'Ivoire as soon as possible'' , Lamamra said.

Modalities for swearing-in

He said the committee, to be set up by Dr Jean Ping, the AU Commission Chairperson, would work out modalities for swearing-in Ouattara.

Withdraw and hand power

He said the council had also directed Gbagbo through Mr Affi Nguessan, who represented him during the negotiations, to withdraw and hand power to Ouattara.

Lamamra said although Gbagbo has through Nguessan rejected the council's proposal, the council has directed that all the recommendations must be fully implemented by the AU and its partners.

``The committee, which will have AU and ECOWAS representation has been given two weeks within which to arrange with the Constitutional Council of Cote d'Ivoire and other stakeholders within and outside the country to ensure that Ouattara is sworn-in latest in April' ', Lamamra said.

All inclusive government

He said Ouattara has agreed to form an all inclusive government that would ensure national harmony, and also to reform security, judiciary and political organs.

Conduct legislative election

Lamamra said the council has directed Ouattara to appoint a Prime Minister as soon as possible and conduct legislative election as soon as electoral reforms were concluded.

Remove all sanctions

He said council, which called on international community to remove all sanctions on Cote d'Ivoire and Ivorians, also directed the immediate removal of blockade around Golf Hotel.

Lamamra said the council has mandated the AU to communicate the decision to all AU partners such as the UN Security Council and ECOWAS among others, and ensure the implementation of all the recommendations of the AUHLIP as endorsed by the council.

Nguessan, who is the Chairman of Gbagbo's party, rejected the only option of withdrawal given to Gbagbo by both the Panel and the Council.

In another development, the African Union Peace and Security Council has rejected any form of external military intervention in Libya by any country or group.

Rejection
The rejection was contained in a communiqué issued in Addis Ababa at the end of the Council's meeting to discuss the situation in Libya.

``The Council reaffirms its respect for Libya's territory and therefore rejects any form of foreign military intervention as the situation requires urgent African action'' .

The Council explained that such African action would facilitate an end to the ensuing humanitarian crisis and offer assistance to African migrant workers.

Appointment

It resolved to appoint a high level ad hoc committee comprising five heads of state and Dr Jean Ping, the AU Commission Chairman, to visit Libya and discuss with both parties and assess
the situation on ground, among other things.

The Council directed the committee to conduct an all inclusive dialogue among Libyan parties to ensure appropriate reforms.

Stop any secession move

It further charged the committee to make all possible efforts to stop any secession move and halt further hostilities and the use of force by both the Libyan government and the rebels.

The Council will ensure political reforms, justice, economic and social development in the North African country in a peaceful and democratic manner.

The AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Mr Ramtane Lamamra, who read the communiqué, said the Council had also been mandated to interact with AU partners such as the IOC, the Arab League, the EU and the UN to coordinate efforts in settling the crisis.

“While urging all AU member countries to provide humanitarian aid to African migrant workers wishing to leave the country, the committee would also investigate the alleged use of mercenaries by Libyan government during the crisis,” he said.

Nigeria was represented by Hajiya Salamatu Suleiman, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs .

NAN/Margaret