Rebels holding the northern half of Côte d’Ivoire said on Tuesday they would do their best to restart the moribund peace process with the government in talks in South Africa on Sunday.
”The New Forces are taking all steps possible with a view to relaunching the peace process in a dynamic and lasting fashion,” a statement from the rebel leadership said.
The statement confirmed that New Forces secretary general Guillaume Soro would be going to Pretoria for the talks hosted by South African President Thabo Mbeki, which will also be attended by Côte d’Ivoire President Laurent Gbagbo.
Gbagbo’s two main political opponents, Alassane Ouattara and ex-president Henri Konan Bedie, will also be there.
The rebel delegation will also include New Forces military chief Colonel Soumaila Bakayoko, Soro’s deputy Louis Dakoury Tabley, ”territorial administration minister” Colonel Issa Diakite and the movement’s spokesperson, Sidiki Konate.
The rebels have held half of the west African country since an unsuccessful coup against Gbagbo by disaffected army officers in September 2002. The two sides have been kept apart by French and United Nations forces, while a French-brokered peace accord has failed to make progress.
The key factors in resolving the crisis are disarmament and a presidential election, which is supposed to take place in October.
Mbeki was appointed as mediator in the crisis by the African Union.
The Pretoria talks are to take place the day before the mandate of the peacekeeping forces expires, though it is expected to be renewed at least for a month. — Sapa-AFP