South Africa welcomes and supports the UNSC resolution on Cote d’Ivoire, 31 March 2011

South Africa remains deeply concerned at the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Côte d’Ivoire, this sisterly country which has always been the beacon of stability and prosperity in Africa.

South Africa believes that ECOWAS, the AU and the United Nations should persist in their quest to find a peaceful political solution to the current crises in Côte d’Ivoire, which is now rapidly sliding back into a civil war. A political solution, aimed at restoring national reconciliation and unity, democracy, good governance is the only sustainable approach to ensuring long-term stability in Côte d’Ivoire. 

In this regard, the African Union Peace and Security Council Summit during the recent meeting of 10 March endorsed the recommendations of its High Level Panel on the overall political solution to the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire. The AU reaffirmed its recognition of the election of Mr. Alassane Ouattara as the President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.  South Africa wishes to encourage the Chairperson of the AU Commission to continue in his efforts to appoint a High Representative whose mandate it is to implement an overall political solution and to complete the process for a way out of the crisis. 

The indiscriminate violence throughout the country continues to cause untold human suffering, with serious regional consequences.

The continued senseless killing of civilians, threats and acts of intimidation as well as the rising numbers of refugees is a serious violation of human rights. We call on all parties to put an end to this and avoid further escalation of hostilities.

South Africa voted in favour of Resolution 1975 (2011) as the resolution is fully in line with the roadmap outlined by the African Union, as it calls for an end to hostilities, the protection of civilians and for the parties to implement the political solution endorsed by the African Union. Additionally, the resolution strengthens UNOCI by allowing it, whilst impartially implementing its mandate, to protect civilians under the imminent threat of physical violence, within its capabilities and its area of deployment.

We urge the parties to comply with the terms of the resolution and through their actions work towards a sustainable political solution that takes into account the will of all Ivorians. 

For further information contact the DIRCO Spokesperson, Mr Clayson Monyela, on 082 884 5974.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

31 March 2011