Transitional Powersharing Government: Linas-Marcoussis Agreement
Implementations
Transitional Powersharing Government – 2003
The Linas-Marcoussis Agreement required the establishment of a Government of National Reconciliation to implement the peace process.
The installation of the full transitional powersharing government was delayed through March as rebel-appointed ministers boycotted government meetings due to concerns over their security.[1] The signatories met in Accra on March 7th and signed a follow-up agreement addressing issues with the implementation of the powersharing government. Rebel ministers joined the government in mid-April.[2] However, rebel ministers again boycotted the Government of National Reconciliation in September due to heightened tensions between the two sides.[3] They rejoined the government in late December.[4]
[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.
[4] “Ivory Coast’s former rebels return to government, but concerns linger,” Agence France Presse, December 23, 2003.
Transitional Powersharing Government – 2004
In March, opposition leaders began a boycott of the Government of National Reconciliation to protest the government’s response to demonstrations in Abidjan. In May, President Gbagbo dismissed three opposition ministers from the government and replaced them with loyalists. This led to the withdrawal of the remaining Forces nouvelles ministers.[1] On July 30, Gbagbo and the opposition parties signed the Accra III Agreement, committing to restart the Government of National Reconciliation. On August 9, Gbagbo restored the three dismissed opposition ministers, and the remaining opposition and Forces nouvelles rejoined the government.[2] However, on October 28, the Forces nouvelles again left the government, alleging that the army was secretly moving weapons into Bouake.[3]
[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] “Second report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire,” United Nations (S/2004/697), August 27, 2004.
[3] “Third progress report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations operation in Cote d’Ivoire,” United Nations (S/2004/962), December 9, 2004.
Transitional Powersharing Government – 2005
In April, the parties signed the Pretoria Agreement. Under the Agreement, the Forces nouvelles agreed to return to the Government of National Reconciliation in return for additional security measures for their representatives. However, tensions arose after President Gbagbo canceled elections scheduled to be held for October 30. The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution supporting postponing the elections and keeping Gbagbo and Prime Minister Diarra in office for an additional year. However, opposition groups declared that they would not recognize Gbagbo’s government.[1]
[1] “Ivory Coast president vows to keep power; Security Forces and opposition clash,” Associated Press, October 30, 2005.