Ouattara's Address to the Nation (Abidjan, CDI)

President Ouattara with Ambassador Carter

Emily almost cried when she read this... Hooray for responsible leadership! We can only pray that President Ouattara and his regime will follow through on these promises...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Below are a few notes from President Ouattara's address. He spoke for about 15 mins on 7 April, starting from 2020 GMT.

-Ouattara commends the republican forces of Cote d'Iivoire for pacifying the interior of the country and warns them against abuses. He thanks the international community for their assistance.

-In order to put an end to the "serious security and humanitarian crisis" caused by "the stubbornness of the outgoing president," Ouattara announces a number of measures:

*He has met with the national directors of the gendarmerie and the police service and asked them to make every arrangement to guarantee law and order and protect persons and property. He asked them to facilitate the provision of supplies to super markets and pharmacies.
*He also met with the directors of the electricity and water supply companies, asking them to repair all damage to the systems.
*He has asked the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) to open the BCEAO branches in Cote d’Ivoire to allow banking.
*He has asked for the lifting of the EU ban on exports to Cote d’Ivoire.
*He has asked minister of energy to ensure regular supply of gasoline and cooking gas.

-The curfew will be relaxed effective tomorrow.

-Regarding Gbagbo, Ouattara says a blockade has been established around Gbagbo’s residence.

-Ouattara says "light will be shed on all the massacres and crimes." He says a national investigation commission will take care of this, and the government will cooperate with international courts and human rights organizations.

-Urges citizens to demonstrate a sense of responsibility and dignity and avoid retaliation and reprisals.

-Renews pledge to be at the service of all Ivoirians, regardless of their parties, ethnic groups, or religions.