Liberia’s approach to resolving the Ivorian Crisis.

A democratic election was held in Ivory Coast followed by a run-off election quite recently. This election was witnessed by the International community, independent observers and the results weren’t delivered to the public within the constitutional time frame of three days maximum given. It was announced that Alassane Ouattara  was elected through that democratic election that that Mr. Ouattara won by 54.1% of the vote and Mr. Gbagbo 25.9% . 

This result was announced by the Independent Electoral Commission and is considered credible by the United Kingdom, United Nations, White house and the African Union.

Liberia as chair of the Mano River Union (MRU), member of Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), African Union (AU) and United Nations must take a diplomatic approach in addressing this crisis. Liberia should not single out herself as a nation and take a position or side with a specific party in the crisis, but our decision must be in conformity and expressed through the official statements of the above organizations that we are a part of. Our approach must in no way jeopardize our position or role in the MRU but strengthen us further.

As a neighboring country and Chair of the MRU, we must play the role of a mediator considering the geographical closeness of both countries, how it is going to affect our economy, stability and our citizens residing in that  country.

In a broader light, we must be cognizant of the fact that any instability in the Ivory Coast will affect Liberia. A significant aspect of our economy and well being depends on the Ivoirian’s economy. The South Eastern region especially Maryland relies on the Ivory Coast for almost everything as it is preferable to do import and export with them. Most of our plastic utensils or plastic household items are imported from the Ivory Coast.

If a crisis erupts in that country, it is going to be strenuous on our economy due to the influx of refugees to Liberia. We have over 22,000 of our citizens in that country and we must firstly take into consideration their safety and survival.

We all are anticipating that Mr. Gbagbo would step down and allow democracy to prevail as a result of the pressure from the international community. Mr. Gbagbo has ruled Ivory Coast since 2000 without an election and faced a coup attempt in 2002 which started the long-running civil war.

The question is  “what if” he doesn’t step down? Liberia is still recovering from war so she must calculate well her cost and risk and can only do so if she appreciates or understands the problem.

The president has warned ex-Liberian warlords to stay out of the Ivoirian crisis.

It is my opinion that Liberia remains neutral as an individual state in her approach to resolving the crisis between both parties. We must consider using strategies such as background channeling and holding caucus meetings with the parties involved while trying to promote and allow democracy to prevail.