Disarmament – 2003
2003
The Linas-Marcoussis Agreement outlined a two-step disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) program to be undertaken by the transitional powersharing government. First, the new government would canton all ground forces in conjunction with ECOWAS and French forces. Second, these forces would be disarmed under the supervision of France and ECOWAS. The first phase was to begin immediately after the conclusion of the conference in Linas-Marcoussis.
A March UN Security Council report on the status of the implementation of the agreement noted that disarmament had not begun, citing delays in both the formation of the transitional powersharing government as well as logistical issues affecting the deployment of ECOWAS forces that were to oversee cantonment.[1] The first report of the UN Mission in Cote d’Ivoire (MINUCI) in August noted that the transitional government had formed and begun drafting a DDR program. Cantonment was to begin on July 31, and disarmament was to be completed by early September. The Forces nouvelles delayed joining the DDR process until the amnesty law was passed in August.[2] The Forces nouvelles withdrew from the DDR process and the transitional government in September, which stalled disarmament.[3]
[1] “Report of the Secretary-General on Cote d’Ivoire.” United Nations (S/2003/374), March 26, 2003.
[2] “First report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Cote d’Ivoire,” United Nations (S/2003/801), August 8, 2003.
[3] “Second report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Cote d’Ivoire,” United Nations (S/2003/1069), November 4, 2003.