7681st Security Council Meeting: Situation in Côte d’Ivoire

Security Council authorizes final extension for United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire, welcoming country’s ‘remarkable’ progress, at 7681st meeting.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Security Council
• Video Length: 00:24:21
• Production Date: 28 April 2016
• Asset Language: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish
• Subject Topical: PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
• Geographic Subject: COTE D'IVOIRE
• MAMS Id: 1612890
• Parent Id: 1612482

Description

Second Text Lifts Sanctions, Ends Mandates of Associated Committee, Experts.

Welcoming Côte d’Ivoire’s remarkable progress towards lasting peace, stability and economic prosperity, the Security Council renewed the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in that country for a final period, extending it until 30 June 2017.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2284 (2016) under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council decided that, until 30 April 2017, the mission would be mandated to support efforts by the Ivorian security forces to protect civilians, and by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire to consolidate peace and stability in the country while addressing border security challenges. It also endorsed the Secretary-General’s withdrawal plan for the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI), taking into account the security conditions on the ground following the successful conclusion of the presidential election held on 25 October 2015.

In a separate Chapter VII action, the 15-member Council unanimously adopted resolution 2283 (2016), deciding to terminate all arms, travel and financial sanctions against Côte d’Ivoire with immediate effect. It also decided to dissolve the Committee established by resolution 1572 (2004) to oversee those measures, and the Group of Experts established pursuant to resolution 1584 (2005) to assist that body.

Concerning UNOCI’s mandate, the Council authorized the mission to use all necessary means in carrying out its mandate, and requested that the Secretary-General complete the withdrawal of all its uniformed and civilian components by 30 April. Regarding force structure, it decided to decrease UNOCI’s military and police units, with a view to completing their withdrawal. It also decided to extend, until 30 June 2017, the authorization of the French forces to support UNOCI within the limits of their deployment and capabilities.

In the area of regional and inter-mission cooperation, the Council welcomed the resumption of regular meetings between the Governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. It authorized the Secretary-General to deploy the quick-reaction force unit to Liberia in case of any deterioration of security on the ground.

Speaking after the two adoptions, Claude Bouah-Kamon (Côte d’Ivoire) said the resolutions were a testament to the Ivorian Government’s myriad efforts since the crisis in 2011 and to the effective and unwavering support provided by the international community. With the lifting of the sanctions, the Government could turn its attention to modernizing national security structure. Côte d’Ivoire was aware of residual challenges, but would shoulder all its responsibilities, he emphasized, adding that the country would continue its exemplary cooperation with UNOCI and ensure that the mission would go down in peacekeeping history as a success story to be replicated elsewhere.

François Delattre (France) said it was rare for the Council to see a return to peace and to feel that its goals had been attained, but that was the case today, with two resolutions reflecting the amazing path taken by Côte d’Ivoire. The country had shown its desire to fully own its future and shore up peace, security and lasting reconciliation. In a world of multiplying crises, Côte d’Ivoire had demonstrated that security endeavours could achieve their ends, he said, paying tribute to troop-contributing countries as well as UNOCI staff for their praiseworthy work.

Echoing that sentiment, Fodé Seck (Senegal) said the peacekeeping operation and the targeted use of sanctions had contributed to the strengthening of peace and security in Côte d’Ivoire. The Government deserved the support of all for its unfailing commitment. Nevertheless, much more remained to be done in order to build on the current momentum, particularly in the area of economic and social development, he stressed.

Also speaking today were representatives of the United States, Japan, Uruguay and China.

The meeting began at 10:08 a.m. and ended at 10:32 a.m.