Ivory Coast reconciliation commission to be sworn in

Ivory Coast is about to swear in its Truth, Reconciliation and Dialogue Commission, meant to forge unity in the country after deadly violence that followed last year's disputed elections.

The violence led to the dead of about 3,000 people and displacement of about 500,000

11-member commission

Report says the commission is headed by former Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny.

The 11-member commission includes religious leaders, regional representatives and Chelsea footballer Didier Drogba to speak for Ivorians living abroad.

The commission is modeled on South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission but it is not clear if it will be issuing amnesties and pardons.

Amnesties and pardons

Its functions are not clear yet.

Report says security has improved in most of the country and the economy has picked up and the International Monetary Fund is forecasting economic growth of 8-9% for next year.

BBC/ Adekusibe/Iheanacho