Ceasefire: Linas-Marcoussis Agreement
Implementations
Ceasefire – 2003
The Linas-Marcoussis Agreement established a ceasefire between the rebels and the government, facilitated by ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and French peacekeepers.
Rebel and government troops clashed throughout the spring of 2003, conducted military offensives, and accused the other side of violating the ceasefire.[1] Government forces continued to use airstrikes on rebel-held positions.[2] The government and the Forces nouvelles signed a second ceasefire in Abidjan on May 3. Rebels accused the government of undertaking an offensive to retake Danane hours before the ceasefire was signed,[3] and claimed the government launched additional offensives the day after the ceasefire.[4] However, the ceasefire appeared to stabilize after the second agreement. The government and Forces nouvelles signed a follow-up agreement in Abidjan on July 4, declaring the war to be over.
[1] “Cote d’Ivoire; Ivory Coast govt troops attacked by rebels in west,” Africa News, April 22, 2003.
[2] “France condemns violation of cease-fire by government in Ivory Coast,” The Associated Press, April 17, 2003.
[3] “Ivory Coast government, rebels sign countrywide cease-fire; fighting reported,” The Associated Press, May 3, 2003.
[4] “Ivory Coast rebels claim attack by government troops, despite recent cease-fire,” The Associated Press, May 5, 2003.
Ceasefire – 2004
On October 11, the Government and Forces nouvelles signed the Yamoussoukro Joint Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to the ceasefire and the DDR process.[1] On November 4-6, the National Armed Forces launched an air bombardment of rebel territory near Bouaké,[2] resulting in over 25 fatalities.[3] According to President Gbagbo, the strikes were a deliberate attempt to retake rebel-held towns. The French military base in Bouaké was also bombed on November 6, allegedly by accident. In response, the French forces destroyed the Ivorian air force.[4]
[1] “Third progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations operation in Cote d’Ivoire,” United Nations (S/2004/962), December 9, 2004.
[2] “Third progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations operation in Cote d’Ivoire,” United Nations (S/2004/962), December 9, 2004.
[3] “Ivory Coast:Government,” UCDP Conflict Encyclopedia, http://ucdp.uu.se/additionalinfo?id=419&entityType=1, Accessed October 22, 2018.
[4] “Third progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations operation in Cote d’Ivoire,” United Nations (S/2004/962), December 9, 2004.
Ceasefire – 2005
The United Nations Mission in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) observed clashes in February between the Forces nouvelles and a pro-government militia, as well as violations of the “zone of confidence” between the government controlled north and rebel south throughout the spring.[1] In April, the parties signed the Pretoria Agreement, declaring the final cessation of all hostility. The status of the ceasefire improved following the Pretoria Agreement. UNOCI reported no violations of the ceasefire or major violations of the zone of confidence between March and June.[2]
[1] “Fourth progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire,” United Nations (S/2005/186), March 18, 2005.
[2] “Fifth progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire,” United Nations (S/2005/398), June 17, 2005.