"An inclusive reconciliation process could transform the climate in Côte d’Ivoire, for the best and forever – I cannot stress this enough." Desmond Tutu

A year on from their visit, the Elders remark on the progress made in Côte d'Ivoire by President Ouattara since he was sworn in office and urge further steps towards reconciliation.

Reconciliation should be pursued in an open and inclusive manner

"The task of reconciliation and healing must remain a priority" for Côte d'Ivoire, Kofi Annan says after a two-day visit to Abidjan.

Following months of post-election violence earlier this year, Côte d'Ivoire is preparing to inaugurate a formal process of national reconciliation. The Elders have written to President Ouattara, urging him to ensure that the process is inclusive and independent.

Après plusieurs mois de violences post-électorales, la Côte d'Ivoire engage un processus de réconciliation avec l'installation officielle d'une Commission Dialogue, Vérité et Réconciliation. A cette occasion, les Elders ont écrit au président Ouattara pour l'inviter à garantir l'indépendance de la Commission et à veiller à ce qu'elle n'exclue personne.

Following months of post-election violence in Côte d'Ivoire, Kofi Annan, Mary Robinson and Desmond Tutu meet President Alassane Ouattara and former president Laurent Gbagbo, as well as civil society organisations and internally displaced persons in the country. The Elders urge the new government to ensure that the national reconciliation process is independent, inclusive and not rushed.

Kofi Annan, Mary Robinson et Desmond Tutu rencontrent le Président Alassane Ouattara et l'ancien président Laurent Gbagbo, et appellent toutes les parties à travailler ensemble pour l'apaisement et le dialogue national.

Kofi Annan, Desmond Tutu and Mary Robinson to visit Abidjan 1-2 May

Next week three Elders will travel to Côte d'Ivoire, where many civilians are still afraid to return to their homes following months of widespread civil conflict. The Elders hope to encourage a process of national reconciliation in the country.

Kofi Annan, Desmond Tutu et Mary Robinson se rendront à Abidjan les 1 et 2 mai

Trois membres de The Elders se rendront à Abidjan ce week-end pour prôner l'apaisement et le dialogue sur la réconciliation nationale. La délégation des Elders sera menée par l'ancien Secrétaire général des Nations Unies Kofi Annan. Il sera accompagné du Président des Elders, l'Archevêque sud-africain Desmond Tutu, et de l'ancienne Présidente d'Irlande Mary Robinson.

The Elders are deeply saddened by the violence taking place in Côte d'Ivoire. While former president Laurent Gbagbo must bear primary responsibility for the conflict after he refused to step down following the latest presidential elections, The Elders emphasise that both sides must be held accountable for their actions during the fighting.