Kofi Annan travels to Côte d’Ivoire to support ongoing reconciliation process

Kofi Annan travelled to Côte d’Ivoire on 17-18 January 2012 to support the country’s ongoing reconciliation process. Mr Annan met with President Alassane Ouattara, Prime Minister Guillaume Soro and Charles Konan Banny, Chairman of the National Commission for Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation. He also met with Bert Koenders, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of ONUCI, the UN peacekeeping operation in Côte d’Ivoire. During his visit, he noted the progress that had been made and encouraged all Ivorians to play their part in restoring peace to Côte d’Ivoire.

Mr Annan’s most recent visit to Côte d’Ivoire took place on 1-2 May 2011. Mr Annan was part of a delegation of the Elders which also included Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson. The Elders met with a wide range of stakeholders including President Alassane Ouattara, representatives of the new government, leaders of political parties, and members of civil society organisations and the diplomatic community.