Côte d’Ivoire political, rebel and opposition leaders on Wednesday formally declared an end to the war in that country.
”The parties … hereby solemnly declare the immediate and final cessation of all hostilities and the end of the war through the national territory,” stated an agreement signed in Pretoria, South Africa, after four days of peace talks.
”In this regard, they unequivocally repudiate the use of force as a means to resolve differences amongst themselves.”
The document was signed by Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, Prime Minister Seydou Diarra, Henri Bedie on behalf of the Parti Democratique de Côte D’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara on behalf of the Rassemblement de Republicains, and Rebel New Forces leader Guillaume Soro.
President Thabo Mbeki, the African Union’s mediator, also signed the document.
Mbeki said he was inspired by the interaction between the Ivorian leaders over the past four days.
”We have all of us agreed to this text,” he announced.
The agreement addresses details on the disarmament and dismantling of pro-government militia, disarmament and demobilisation, rebels’ security concerns and election procedures.
The issue of the eligibility of presidential candidates was not finalised, but should be concluded within a week, Mbeki said.
Gbagbo welcomed the agreement, saying: ”I think the objective is near.”
Speaking on behalf of all political parties and the New Forces, he recommitted the country to holding elections in October.
”Only elections can establish the authority of the state,” Gbagbo said. — Sapa