Powersharing Transitional Government – 2007

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Powersharing Transitional Government – 2007

2007

Intermediate Implementation Intermediate implementation

The Ouagadougou Political Agreement provided that a transition government be established and the political forces in Ivory Coast exercise political power in a spirit of permanent consultation to bring about national unification, disarmament, and reconciliation. The transitional government, as per the spirit of the agreement, would cease to exist once post-conflict elections were held. The new transitional government was to be formed within five weeks of signing the accord (by 8 April 2007).

A transitional power-sharing government was formed in a timely manner. On 26 March 2007, rebel leader Guillaume Soro and President Laurent Gbagbo reached a supplemental agreement for the formation of a transitional government. As per the accord, Mr. Soro, who was Secretary General of Forces Nouvelles, would be Prime Minister. The transitional government would have 33 cabinet ministers.1

By signing a decree, President Laurent Gbagbo appointed Guillaume Soro as Prime Minister on 29 March.2 Soro assumed his responsibility on 4 April 2007.3 On 7 April 2007, Gbabgo signed another decree establishing a transitional government comprised of 33 cabinet ministers. In the transitional government, Forces Nouvelles had seven ministers, whereas Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), the party of the president, had nine ministers; Rally of Republicans (RDR) had 5 ministers; Democratic Party of C™te dÕIvoire-African Democratic Rally (PDCI-RDA) had 5 ministers; Union for Democracy and Peace in C™te dÕIvoire (UDPCI) had 2 ministers; the Democratic and Citizens Union (UDCY), the Ivorian Labour Party (PIT), and the Movement of the Forces of the Future (MFA) each had 1 minister; and there were 2 ministers that represented civil society.4 The transitional government, however, was dominated by the president’s party, which held the interior and defense ministry. Forces Nouvelles had the justice, tourism, and communication portfolios.5 The main responsibility of the transitional government was to hold post-conflict presidential elections within 10 months. As per the supplemental agreement, Mr. Soro was prohibited from running in the elections.6

On 27 November, Prime Minister Guillaume Soro and President Laurent Gbagbo signed a deal to hold presidential elections in late June 2008.7 It was also agreed that a census should be completed prior to elections.

  1. “Rebel leader to become Ivory Coast Prime Minister,” Agency France Presse, March 27, 2007; “Thirteenth progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Operation in C™te dÕIvoire,” United Nations Security Council (S/2007/ 275), May 14, 2007; “Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the Situation in C™te DÕivoire,” African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC/PR/2(CIV)), December 19, 2007.
  2. “Ivory Coast rebel leader becomes prime minister under peace deal prime minister,” Associated Press, March 29, 2007; “Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the Situation in C™te DÕivoire,” African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC/PR/2(CIV)), December 19, 2007.
  3. “Former rebel leader takes over as Ivory Coast’s prime minister,” Associated Press, April 4, 2007.
  4. “Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the Situation in C™te DÕivoire,” African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC/PR/2(CIV)), December 19, 2007.
  5. “New Ivory Coast peace government a boost for Gbagbo,” Agence France Presse, April 12, 2007.
  6. “Thirteenth progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Operation in C™te dÕIvoire,” United Nations Security Council (S/2007/ 275), May 14, 2007
  7. “Ivory Coast Leaders Agree Elections by June 2008: Minister,” Agence France Presse, November 27, 2007.