ASSESSMENTS

The Risks of Violence in Cote d'Ivoire

Jan 26, 2011 | 20:07 GMT

ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/Getty Images

Summary

French Cooperation Minister Henri de Raincourt on Jan. 26 called for patience in efforts to resolve the political crisis in Cote d'Ivoire. A standoff continues between incumbent Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and opposition leader Alassane Ouattara. Though Ouattara has asked for outside military intervention, such an escalation is not likely at this point. The only way Ouattara can win without essentially sparking a civil war would be to gain cooperation from the international community in cutting off the Gbagbo government's main funding sources — a move not without risks and not certain to work.

Though a standoff between Cote d'Ivoire's presidential rivals continues, the crisis has not reached the point at which widespread bloodshed will be provoked....

Keep Reading

Register to read three free articles

Proceed to sign up

Register Now

Already have an account?

Sign In