ECOWAS to remove Gbagbo by force
The West African grouping ECOWAS has asked Laurent Gbagbo to step down or it will use ‘legitimate force’ to remove him from office.
ECOWAS in a statement issued by its President, Victor Gbeho is urging Gbagbo to make a peaceful exit from power “but if he fails to do so, ECOWAS will be left with no option but to use legitimate force to remove him from office.”
The political situation in Ivory Coast, Ghana’s western neighbour has degenerated when both Gbagbo and Allasane Ouattara claimed victory in the November 28, 2010 election run-off and each was installed as president in separate ceremonies.
The UN says over 170 people have been killed since the impasse began and over 400 people have been detained.
Gbagbo however has come under intense pressure to step down and handover power to Ouattara who most of the world believes is the legitimate winner of the election.
As sanctions increase on the country, the UN General Assembly rescinded the credentials of Ivory Coast’s UN Ambassador Ilahiri Djedje, a Gbagbo supporter, and accepted those of Ouattara’s choice, veteran diplomat Youssouf Bamba. The World Bank has cancelled all financial support to Ivory Coast, and the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) has blocked Laurent Gbagbo’s access to Ivory Coast’s funds.
The bank says only appointed members of Ivory Coast’s “legitimate government” will have access to the deposits there.
Restricitng Gbagbo from accessing funds, the BCEAO believes will make it difficult for him to pay the military, and thus increase pressure on him to step down.
By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi
I really like ECOWAS! This stance is great for Africa, an example for all others, that the west African region will be tough on rogues like Gbagbo. No coalitions in this region, no sharing of power – you win or you win. Go ECOWAS!
Its a decision in the right direction.We dont always have to wait for America to come and do the police for us. We must do it ourselves to get rid of leaders with colonial era style of leadership.
Having said that I would like to advise Ghana on what might be the possible consequence of such a decision by ECOWAS with Gbeho in charge.
The local African mentality might get the Ivorians thinking its Ghana who is sinking their ship and therefore a retaliation on an easy target like Ghana should be watched out.
This is a true show of democracy, respect to both the rule of law and wishes of the electorate, ECOWAS you have pushed Africa a notch higher on democracy ladder by making this brave and timely decision. Make sure that Gbabgo relenquishes power to Alassane. This is a warning to those few leader thinking in the mindset of Gbabgo that theythey must respect the wishes of the electorate.
Keep it up ECOWAS, Coalition governments are the worst, Ivory Coast do not accept it, keep up the pressure !
While I am opposed to using military force in all but the most extreme circumstances, I am most grateful that ECOWAS is taking a strong stand for fairness and democracy in Ivory Coast.
Gbagbo has overstayed his welcome and the use mercenaries and death squads has only made it ever more clear that he’s not fit for purpose.