Demobilization: Linas-Marcoussis Agreement
Implementations
Demobilization – 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 demobilization had not begun, citing both delays in 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 demobilization was to be completed by the end of 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 demobilization.[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.
Demobilization – 2004
The National Armed Forces and Forces nouvelles met in January and February to discuss the implementation of the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration program required under the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement. The parties agreed to initiate the DDR program on March 8. However, a coalition of opposition parties withdrew from the transitional powersharing government in March, causing further delay in the DDR process.[1] On July 30, the parties signed the Accra III Agreement, committing to begin the DDR process by October 15. However, demobilization did not begin in 2004.[2]
[1] “First report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire,” United Nations (S/2004/443), June 2, 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.
Demobilization – 2005
In April, the parties signed the Pretoria Agreement, agreeing to immediately begin the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration program. However, in May the Fources nouvelles made their participation in the DDR program contingent on additional political reforms and further security guarantees.[1] Demobilization did not begin in 2005.
[1] “Fifth progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire,” United Nations (S/2005/398), June 17, 2005.