Features
Cote d’Ivoire: Beyond Gbagbo’s Capture
War is organised insanity; it is humanity’s sickness unto death”, declares John Stoessinger, an American professor of Global Diplomacy, in his classic: “Why Nations Go to War”.
He further says that the outbreak of war and the coming of peace are separated by a road that leads from misconception to reality; implying by conjecture, that war remains the best teacher of reality, as it is also the most effective cure for war itself.
In the history of mankind, it has become a truism that war mongers will not stop until they are stopped by initiatives that attempt to save civilisation.
The crisis in the West African country of Cote d’Ivoire, which has occasioned a humanitarian catastrophe of enormous proportions, situates itself within this context.
International affairs experts say that Cote d’Ivoire, since the days of Felix Houphouet Boigny, its founding leader, had enjoyed relative political stability, while its economy prospered as world’s largest cocoa exporter.
However, since when Laurent Gbagbo came into power, things have never been the same again. The crisis bedeviling Cote d’Ivoire peaked to a crescendo last November, when Gbagbo lost the presidential election and refused to hand over to his arch political rival, Allasane Ouattara.
Gbagbo, a professor of history, had himself been a most virulent critic of Boigny, while the latter was in office. Boigny, it was said, predicted in private quarters that his country stood doomed the day people like Gbagbo became its leader. Little wonder then that some observers are now calling Boigny a “prophet”!
The failure of Gbagbo to cede power, in spite of repeated appeals by the UN, AU, ECOWAS and other members of the international community, plunged the nation into military hostilities between forces of the rival leaders. This led to loss of lives and property, as well as a complete dislocation of the nation’s economy.
On April 11, however, ground forces loyal to Ouattara, supported from the air by UN peace keepers and elite French troops, captured Gbagbo in a bunker underneath the Presidential Villa, where he was holed up.
Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, acting Director-General of the Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA), described Gbagbo’s capture as “a victory for democracy”, which should serve as a lesson to other “sit-tight leaders” in Africa.
“It is a victory for democracy, Nigeria and ECOWAS. This development will further boost Nigeria’s foreign policy, which propagates respect for the people’s will.
“As the Chair of ECOW AS, Nigeria channelled the cause for peace and stability in Cote d’ I voire; not only at the regional level but also at the AU and UN,” he stated.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, while conveying the position of the U.S. government on the development, said that Gbagbo’s arrest “has sent a strong signal to dictators and tyrants”.
“They may disregard the voices of their own people but there will be consequences for those who cling to power,” Clinton said.
Observers recall that while the protracted political struggle between Gbagbo and Ouattara lasted, lots of lives had been lost, many in circumstances that hinged on criminality. The UN has said that it would investigate all the war crimes committed, with a view to bringing all the culprits to book, regardless of their factional leanings.
The UN High Commission for Human Rights. (UNHCR) said that at least 530 people had been killed in western towns of Duekoue, Guiglo, Blolequin and Bangolo in Cote d’Ivoire since the end of March.
The UN agency called on all parties to the crisis in Cote d’Ivoire to avoid reprisal attacks and work toward national reconciliation, warning that any treatment meted out to Gbagbo while in custody would send strong signals on the direction the country would go.
In the meantime, the President of the UN Human Rights Council has already named three legal experts to investigate allegations of human rights abuses in the country.
Prof. Vitit Muntabhom, a Thai, who previously served as the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in North Korea is leading the commission, while other members include Suliman Baldo, a conflict resolution expert from Sudan, and Ms Reine Alapini Gansou, a lawyer from Benin Republic.
The commission is expected to present its findings to the council at its next session in June 2011.
International affairs experts have expressed fears about Cote d’Ivoire’s future, given the acrimony that bedeviled the citizenry as a result of the civil war. They, therefore, called on all stakeholders to facilitate reconciliation in the country.
Sharing similar sentiments, several African statesmen have been calling for efforts to promote a lasting peace in the country.
For instance, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Odein Ajumogobia said, shortly after Gbagbo’s capture, that’ ‘the immediate challenge is to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the war.
“In the post-conflict Cote d’Ivoire, the coming weeks and months will no doubt pose enormous and complex challenges, especially in the area of reconciliation of the people, the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the country’s economy.
‘An essential element here would be for the new leadership to exercise utmost restraint and magnanimity; and to build bridges across all divides to forge a peaceful and united Ivorian nation.
“We will work with President Alassane Ouattara to bring relief to Cote d’Iviore and with our other neighbours in the sub-region; Liberia, Burkina Faso, Ghana and those who have had a direct impact from refugees crossing the border,” Ajumogobia said.
According to the minister, the Ivorian experience is a lesson for leaders to be responsive to the wishes of the electorate.
He urged Ouattara to now act as a statesman and refrain from anything that could hinder efforts to bring lasting peace and stability to his country.
Ajumogobia pledged Nigeria’s support to the Ouattara-led government through fruitful partnership.
On his part, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Ouattara to form a government of national unity, so as to foster the reconciliation of the country’s divisions.
The UN scribe welcomed Ouattara’s call for the immediate establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, while urging all parties to the Ivorian crises to take advantage of the historic opportunity to work for national reconciliation.
Besides, Ban urged Cote d’lvoire to ensure accountability for serious human rights violations committed during the post-election conflict.
Ouattara, no doubt, seems to be aware of the huge task of re-uniting a country shattered by civil war, by reason of his various pronouncements during the crisis, particularly after Gbagbo’ s capture.
“I call on my fellow countrymen to abstain from all forms of reprisal and violence,” Ouattara said in a speech on his TCI television, soon after Gbagbo’ s capture.
“Our country has turned a painful page in its history,” he said, urging irate youth militias to lay down their weapons, while pledging to restore security to the battered nation,” he said.
Ouattara described the times as “a new era of hope”, while pledging the fair treatment of Gbagbo, his captured arch political rival, “according to law”.
Gbagbo, on his part, looked submissive and startled after his capture, as he spoke briefly on Ouattara’s Tel television, calling on his loyalists to lay down their arms.
In what looked like a big boost to his legitimacy, Ouattara has already received the backing of Gbagbo’s former military top brass, including Gen. Philippe Mangou, Gbagbo’s former army chief of staff, and” all the generals of the ground, air and navy forces”, who all swore allegiance to Ouattara.
Analysts say that it is not clear whether pro-Gbagbo militias, who had said they would fight to the bitter end, would heed calls to lay down their arms, nor is it clear if the 46 per cent of the citizens, who voted for Gbagbo in the election, would accept his defeat in good faith.
This is because pockets of resistance still abound in parts of Abidjan up till last weekend.
Notwithstanding these little problems, however, observers express high expectations that in the course of time, peace will return to the beleaguered country.
In the meantime, support has been coming in for the Ouattara government, as several governments across the world have pledged various forms of assistance to the regime.
u.s. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice said that the Obama administration would support and assist the Ouattara in efforts to “recover and rebuild” Cote d’Ivoire.
“We are ready to help Cote d’Ivoire recover and rebuild, and we will support UN efforts to carryon its important peacekeeping and humanitarian work,” she said.
Rice, nonetheless, reiterated her government’s desire for a quick return to peace in Cote d’Ivoire, stressing that the international community also shared the same expectation.
“The Ivorians deserve a government that recognises their fundamental human rights, while respecting their will. And that opportunity begins today,” she said, shortly after Gbagbo’s capture.
Rice commended the UN Operation in Cote d ‘Ivoire (UNOC!) as well as the French forces for the robust implementation of their mandate to protect civilians, in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 1975.
As part of measures to offer relief to Cote d’Ivoire, the World Food Programme has launched a life-saving operation, which involves the airlift of foods, medicines and other supplies to the displaced citizens and refugees in neigbouring countries.
“We need to open up a humanitarian lifeline to many Ivorians, who are now victims of alarming shortages of food, water and other basic needs,” WFP’s Executive Director, Josette Sheeran, said.
She added that the WFP operation was part of plans to offer 15,000 tonnes of cereals, vegetable oil and other food assistance to the needy in the areas.
“The deteriorating security situation, difficulties of moving around and the difficulty of food procurement in Cote d’Ivoire have compounded the already arduous logistics conditions which WFP has had to confront.
“Right now, an airlift is the best way forward,” Sheeran said.
While these laudable efforts are underway, observers stress the need to heed the advice of Alain Le Roy, Under-Secretary of UN’s Department of Peacekeeping Operations, who said that the Ivorian crisis was far from over, despite Gbagbo’ s capture.
Speaking after briefing the UN Security Council in New York on Cote d’Ivoire’s situation, Le Roy noted that pockets of resistance by Gbagbo’s loyalists still’ existed in Abidjan, stressing that the major task now was how to restore law and order in the country and kick start a reconciliation process .
International affairs analysts say that the Ivorian crisis and others like it aptly remind Africa that its continental and regional bodies had yet to muster the required clout to promptly and effectively resolve crises on the continent.
The highly discordant tones of the leaders over the required course of action over Cote d’Ivoire, they add, is worrisome since many spoke from both sides of the mouth.
The Libyan debacle is by the comer and is far from abating, even as the AU appears helpless, due largely to what some observers describe as the moral bankruptcy of many African leaders.
They say that many African leaders had overstayed their terms in office, thereby eroded their leverage to exercise any moral authority on their errant counterparts.
Many observers, however, hope that the capture of Gbagbo and events that follow subsequently, will offer auspicious platforms for Cote d’Ivoire to truly rediscover itself and rise up from the ashes of war.
Ohain writes for News Agency of Nigeria
Celsus Ohain
From the fore going, the fight against drug trafficking should be treated as an international challenge with open collaboration, if the world leadership must win the fight!.
The circumstances or should I say the improvement on drug related activities are modifying and updating on daily basis. A close friend of mine in the United States of America who recently visited Jamaica, came with a lot of complicated information about drug trafficking and transaction. Being a qualified Nurse in US and on a visit to the Reggae Country (Jamaica), she said she was put aback when a man approached her and introduced himself as a Pharmacist. According to her, she immediately picked interest due to her professional background. To her, a business partner is birthed. But she was shocked to the narrows on learning that drug dealers or traffickers and subriquited Pharmacist in that Country. From her account, they ( The Jamaican Pharmacists), are the first set to people to meet and greet you at the Airport. No government or authority challenges them in the open due to the sophisticated nature of their transportation
Come to think of it, who would want to attack a Pharmacist on duty? Nigerians are not left out in the improvement on drug deal. A chat with a confident in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) Rivers State Command, so revealed. The Officer draw my attention to the movement of Dispatch Riders. He said part of the reasons they ride with almost speed equivalent of the thunder lightning, is to meet up with the appointment of delivering hard drug consignment to a client of theirs. According to him, those guys popularly referred to as Yahoo Boys are the ones who now payroll dispatch riders so that they can deliver their consignment ( hard drugs) on schedule no matter the sort of traffic or weather condition. The fear of loosing rich clients and that of the unknown treatment that may come of the Boys, as the officer puts it, drives the Riders crazy thus the reason to speed even at the expense of their lives.
The account of a prominent Party Promoter, Wayne Anthony, as obtained online recently, also pointed out that ‘No Legislation Will Stop Clubbers From Doing Drugs’ Party promoter, Wayne Anthony, arrived in Ibiza, a Spanish Island in 1988, at the same time as dance music and the party drug ecstasy. Despite hallucinating badly enough to make him give up the lifestyle forever, he says laws will never stop clubbers taking drugs. “I don’t think you can control these things,” said former party promoter Wayne Anthony. He arrived in Ibiza in 1988 and began setting up club nights and raves in some of the island’s most iconic venues. In the years that followed, the sleepy Spanish island turned into a raver’s haven of clubbing and hedonism, with party drugs like ecstasy commonly found. “What Ibiza represented was this beautiful, hot island which was visually stunning and we knew you could party there quite legally,” said Wayne. “You didn’t have to look over your shoulder. You could just be as free as you possibly could be.”
That freedom came with a price. Along with the lavish clubs, all-day-benders and hot Spanish sun came drug cartels and crime. The city transformed into one the world’s most vibrant party capitals, “fuelled by a dangerous and lucrative drugs trade which drew as many criminals to its shores as it did party animals”. Wayne, one of the contributors to the documentary, spoke to Sky News ahead of its release.”I’m not going to sit here and say the cartels aren’t there. They are all there and they’ve been there from the ’90s,” said Wayne. But he said most people tried to ignore the organised crime going on around them. According to Wayne, clubbers usually took the approach of: “‘Give me 10 E’s . Behind the scenes of the filming of Ibiza Narcos with Wayne Anthony. Behind the scenes of the filming of Ibiza Narcos with Wayne Anthony. Hallucinating giant spiders Although he described the Balearic island as the “motherland”, it was eventually a bad experience with drugs that convinced Wayne it was time to leave Ibiza.
He’d been partying for days when he realised he’d taken too many drugs. A friend told him to drink cough medicine, dangerous advice that he now says could have killed him. “I saw the worst hallucination I’ve ever seen in all of my life. I ended up locking myself in the villa with all the shutters down. When he sobered up, he realised he had “come to the end” of his party life on the island. “I never looked back. I never took another drug. I got away from the club world.” ‘I don’t think you’re going to be able to stop it’ Despite his life-changing experience, he doesn’t think criminalising drugs is a good idea – or particularly effective. “If you’re old enough to vote for who’s going to be a world leader, if you’re old enough to put your name down on debt for 25 years, I feel like you should be old enough to govern what you put inside your own body, you know?” said Wayne.
Back to Nigeria, some illicit drugs worth over N30billion seized at Onne Port in Rivers State.
This blood chilling development forced the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency at the Onne Port, following what authorities described as repeated incidents of importation of dangerous cargo, including arms and ammunition through the said port. To this effect, the government said it was immediately implementing emergency protocols at Onne Port for the next three months by conducting thorough examinations of all suspected containers in the premises.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, in charge of the port via a press conference, said it henceforth, unveiled the seizures of illicit goods by the Nigeria Customs Service, Area 2 Command, Onne in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State. In defence for his action, Adeniyi said the recurring incidents posed a threat to national security, adding that the health of citizens at the Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo, describing it as a disturbing trend.
The customs boss stated, “Earlier today, I joined numerous stakeholders to take a significant step towards the cause of trade facilitation through the inauguration of upgraded facilities provided by the West Africa Container Terminal, Onne. “As I express delight that trade facilitation is getting traction in Onne Port, I cannot help but call your attention to a grave concern. This has to do with the repeated incidents of national security breaches unfolding in Onne Port. I appreciate your presence, as we all have a shared responsibility in safeguarding our national security. As we are all aware, the policy thrust of Mr President supports the re-energising of our business environment to drive faster import clearance and grow our capacity for exports, Our emphasis has been to promote initiatives that speak to Trade facilitation and economic development. “It is a matter of regret that criminal elements in the international supply chain are exploiting our pro-trade stance to commit atrocities bordering on national security breaches”.
“The attempts to test our will through the importation of dangerous cargo through this port has necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in Onne Port, coming on the heels of a seizure of a huge cache of arms a couple of months ago. It is disheartening that perpetrators have not backed down on their illegal acts. Recent intelligence and seizures have revealed a disturbing trend; Onne Port is increasingly being used as a destination for dangerous and illicit cargo. The scale and nature of these illegal importations pose a significant threat to our national security and the health of our citizens. Today, we are here to showcase yet another series of significant seizures made by the diligent officers of the Area 2 Command. On display are twelve containers of illicit goods intercepted through a combination of intelligence gathering, inter-agency collaboration, and meticulous physical examination. Seizures on Display include: Three (3) x 40-feet containers: Containing 562,600 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine and 3,150 pieces of chilly cutters, with a Paid Duty Value (DPV) of N4,716,573,846.
“Others are, three x 40-feet containers containing 380,000 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 24,480,000 tablets of Royal Tramadol Hydrochloride, 5,350,000 tablets of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol, and other items, with a DPV of N17,432,506,000 were seized”.
According to the report, more seized items were, “Five (5) x 40-feet containers; Containing 892,400 bottles of 100ml cough syrup with codeine, 1,300,000 tablets of 50mg Really Extra Diclofenac, 7,250,000 tablets of 5mg Trodol Benzhexol, and other items, with a DPV of N8, 128,568,295,90. This very action of the Nigeria Customs Service, further complicated the hope of how soon the fight against drug trafficking could be brought to a halt owing to its high profile nature.
Another hair-raising report of the illicit drug deal has it that when NDLEA bursted a Snake-Guarded Shrine Used For Storing Illicit Drugs sometime ago in Edo State. This very news report was published in The Tide Newspaper on June 24, 2024. According to the report, NDLEA said its operatives uncovered a shrine, guarded by a snake, being used for storing illicit drugs, during an operation in Edo State. The Agency in a statement by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, added that its operatives discovered a specially constructed large hole in a wall, hidden behind wallpapers and fetish objects used for drug storage. It further noted that methamphetamine, Loud, Colorado and Arizona, all strong strains of cannabis with a total weight of 8.743kg among others, were recovered from the shrine.
To be cont’d
King Onunwor
The persistent clash between farmers and herders in Nigeria has been a longstanding issue. These conflicts, often, over resources like land and water, have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of large numbers of people, deep-seated mistrust between communities and insecurity. Herders, traditionally nomadic, move their livestock in search of grazing land and water. Farmers, on the other hand, require the same resources for their crops. This competition often leads to clashes, especially in areas where land is becoming increasingly scarce due to population growth, climate change, and environmental degradation. As these clashes intensify, there has been a growing call for sustainable solutions. Two weeks ago, President Bola Tinubu took a bold step towards tackling the issue by inaugurating the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms and creating the Ministry of Livestock Development.
The committee which has the president as the chairman and the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega as the deputy chairman has the mandate to address obstacles to agricultural productivity and open up new opportunities which benefit farmers, herders, processors, and distributors in the livestock-farming value chain as well as propose recommendations aimed at fostering a peaceful co-existence between herders and farmers, ensuring the security and economic well-being of Nigerians.The establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development was part of the recommendations of the National Livestock Reforms Committee. Part of the 21 recommendations submitted to the president include: “This agenda should include the establishment and resuscitation of grazing reserves as suggested by many experts and well-meaning Nigerians and other methods of land utilisation.
“Create the Ministry of Livestock Resources in line with practice in many other West African countries. In the alternative, Federal and State Governments should expand the scope of existing Departments of Livestock Production to address the broader needs of the industry,” among others. Experts in the agricultural sector have posited that the livestock industry can create millions of jobs directly in farming, processing, and distribution, and indirectly in related sectors like feed production, veterinary services, and marketing. It provides livelihoods for rural populations, helping to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life in rural areas. It also increases the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings through the exports of livestock and livestock products such as meat, dairy, wool and leather.
According to them, a well-funded livestock industry supports the growth of agro-processing sectors, such as meat packing, dairy processing, and leather manufacturing, adds value to raw products and creates additional economic activity as well as stimulates the development of supply chains, including logistics, packaging, and retail, contributing to broader economic growth. It enhances economic resilience by diversifying the agricultural sector and providing a buffer against crop failures or other agricultural shocks and many more. Some other agriculturists have also opined that the livestock industry in Nigeria is currently underdeveloped and that by the creation of the ministry of livestock development will open up the industry which will be a huge money spinner for Nigeria.
Reports have shown that a Livestock Ministry can play a pivotal role in mitigating conflicts between farmers and herders by implementing policies and programmes aimed at fostering coexistence and sustainable resource management. The Ministry can work towards clearly demarcating grazing routes and farming areas. This would reduce instances of trespassing and accidental crop destruction, a common flashpoint for conflict. While introducing rotational grazing systems can ensure that land is used sustainably, preventing overgrazing and land degradation, establishing water points and boreholes specifically for livestock can reduce competition for water resources. Similarly, promoting the development of pasturelands through reseeding and controlled burns can improve grazing conditions.
According to a veterinary doctor, Dr Andrew Obadiah, by providing training for herders on sustainable livestock practices and for farmers on conflict resolution, both parties can understand the importance of coexistence. He said that extension services of the ministry can offer advice on improving livestock health and productivity, reducing the need for large herds and extensive grazing. “Setting up local committees involving both farmers and herders to mediate disputes can provide a platform for dialogue and peaceful resolution. Encouraging community-based conflict early warning systems can help prevent clashes before they escalate”, he emphasised.For Mrs. Stella Ugwu, a farmer, having a ministry dedicated to the development of the livestock industry can help in diversifying income sources for both farmers and herders and in turn reduce dependence on land.
”For instance, promoting agro-pastoralism can provide farmers with livestock and herders with agricultural produce”, she explained, adding that providing incentives for adopting sustainable practices, such as subsidies for fodder production or crop insurance, can ease economic pressures. Ugwu was however of the opinion that the creation of a new ministry to handle livestock affairs was uncalled for, since the job can effectively be done by the Technical and Service Department of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and food security and its equivalent on the states level.In some countries, the establishment of a Livestock Ministry or similar bodies has shown promising results. For example, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture includes a dedicated department for livestock which has successfully implemented programmes to improve pastoral livelihoods and reduce conflicts.
In Kenya, the establishment of the National Drought Management Authority has helped manage resources better, thus reducing clashes between herders and farmers during dry seasons.The president of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Othman Ngelzarma, sees the Ministry of Livestock Development achieving the same feat for Nigeria in the near future. He told newsmen that, “MACBAN expresses its deepest appreciation to the Federal Government for creating a ministry of livestock to unlock the trillion-naira livestock economy and create qualitative and productive jobs across the value chain to improve the Nigerian economy. With this development, MACBAN believes the hope of the Nigerian pastoralists is now achieved under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
However, the Middle Belt Forum took a different view of the proposed Ministry of Livestock Development, saying it was not enough to sustainably resolve the decades-long farmers-herders crisis in the country. According to the National President of the association, Mr. Bitrus Pogu, what is needed to end the perennial farmers/herders clashes is a deliberate action by regulatory bodies and the government to stop criminal elements from carrying out deadly attacks on innocent Nigerians, mainly farmers. Hear him: “If the reason for creating the Ministry is to stop clashes, I think it is wrong because all of these attacks and killings that are happening have nothing to do with conflicts between farmers and herders. “Farmers have never connived at any given time to go and attack herders, but rather, criminals who happen to be Fulani gang up and attack farmers, kill, maim and chase them out of their ancestral homes.
“Then, the Fulani will come and occupy them. So, it is more about invasion, criminality, and terrorism. And the majority of those they hire to do these evils are not even those who have cattle. So, a deliberate action has to be taken by the government against the perpetrators, which will address the criminality.” Mr. Pogu suggested that the government should adopt ranching for productivity and enduring peace between the pastoralists and farmers in particular and the entire country in general.While the establishment of a Livestock Ministry presents a viable solution, it is not without challenges. Funding constraints, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and corruption can hamper its effectiveness. Additionally, deeply ingrained cultural practices and mistrust between farmers and herders can be difficult to overcome.
Critics argue that without a holistic approach that includes land reform, climate change adaptation, and broader economic development, a Livestock Ministry alone may not be sufficient. Therefore, it must work in tandem with other governmental and non-governmental bodies to ensure comprehensive solutions. “A dedicated Livestock Ministry, with its focus on sustainable resource management, conflict resolution, and economic incentives, offers a promising avenue to address the root causes of these clashes. However, its success depends on effective implementation, adequate funding, and the cooperation of all stakeholders involved. With the right strategies and commitment, devoid of any political or selfish interest, it can play a crucial role in fostering peace and prosperity in affected regions”, they advised.
Calista Ezeaku
