Ivory Coast: UN peacekeepers leave country June 30

Event

The United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast (UNOCI) ended on June 30, as the last peacekeepers left the country after a 13-year mission. Peacekeepers were tasked with implementing a ceasefire between warring factions who were engaged in two civil wars (2002-2007) and (2010-2011). Approximately 6900 UN peacekeepers were deployed in 2007, however the number was reduced to just 2600 at the end of 2016.

While the situation in the Ivory Coast is generally considered stable, a series of mutinies over the past year have raised concerns over lasting peace.

Context

Ivory Coast experienced a drawn-out political crisis from 2002 to 2011 but is now considered one of Africa's most promising economies, the largest in francophone West Africa. However, the country's military continues to suffer from large internal divisions stemming from long-standing animosities among current soldiers (opponents in previous conflicts) and a lack of reform.

Advice

Individuals present in the country are advised to keep abreast of the situation, to remain vigilant, and to follow any instructions issued by local authorities or their home governments.

On a separate note, due to tensions between ethnic groups and occasional outbreaks of deadly violence, some Western governments advise against nonessential travel to the southwestern border areas with Liberia (Bas-Sassandra, Haut-Sassandra, Dix-Huit Montagnes regions).