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Cote d’Ivoire: Why Nigeria Supported UN Action
- By Williams Ekanem
- Published April 4th, 2011
- Washington File
- Unrated
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Joy Ogwu has explained why Nigeria voted for the United Nation’s resolution on Cote’ d Ivoire last week.
The UN Security Council last week Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution demanding an end to violence against civilians and imposing sanctions on former President Laurent Gbagbo, his wife and three associates. According to Ogwu, “this resolution provides an opportunity to stem the rising tide of conflict in Cote d’Ivoire. In this defining moment for Cote d’Ivoire, it is imperative that we all ensure that the aspirations of the Ivoirian people are ultimately fulfilled.”
“The collective action we are taking today by adopting this Resolution is a significant step to protect the defenseless civilians, including women and children in Cote d’Ivoire who bear the brunt of the brutal attacks,” she said
The late afternoon vote came amid increasing violence and as supporters of President Alassane Ouattara claimed control of the administrative capital of Yamassoukro, vowing to move on the commercial capital of Abidjan 230 kilometers to the south.
The measure, called on Gbagbo to step down and condemned the recent escalation of violence throughout the country and said it could amount to crimes against humanity. However, it did not refer the case to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Gbagbo was defeated five months ago by Ouattara in a UN-certified election. Since then, up to 1 million people have either been displaced within the West Africa nation or fled to neighboring countries. Nearly 500 people have been reported killed.
The UN Security Council last week Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution demanding an end to violence against civilians and imposing sanctions on former President Laurent Gbagbo, his wife and three associates. According to Ogwu, “this resolution provides an opportunity to stem the rising tide of conflict in Cote d’Ivoire. In this defining moment for Cote d’Ivoire, it is imperative that we all ensure that the aspirations of the Ivoirian people are ultimately fulfilled.”
“The collective action we are taking today by adopting this Resolution is a significant step to protect the defenseless civilians, including women and children in Cote d’Ivoire who bear the brunt of the brutal attacks,” she said
The late afternoon vote came amid increasing violence and as supporters of President Alassane Ouattara claimed control of the administrative capital of Yamassoukro, vowing to move on the commercial capital of Abidjan 230 kilometers to the south.
The measure, called on Gbagbo to step down and condemned the recent escalation of violence throughout the country and said it could amount to crimes against humanity. However, it did not refer the case to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Gbagbo was defeated five months ago by Ouattara in a UN-certified election. Since then, up to 1 million people have either been displaced within the West Africa nation or fled to neighboring countries. Nearly 500 people have been reported killed.
