What's In Blue

Posted Tue 15 Feb 2011

Insights on Côte d’Ivoire

The Council appears ready to adopt a resolution extending the temporary deployment of some UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) troops to Abidjan to support the UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI). On 19 January the Council adopted resolution 1967 which extended the temporary deployment of three infantry companies and one aviation unit from UNMIL to UNOCI by four weeks. It also authorised the transfer of three armed helicopters with crews from UNMIL for four weeks.

Among the areas of concern were whether or not to extend the troops and how long an extension would be appropriate. It now appears that Council members are willing to extend the deployment of a reduced number of UNMIL troops and the helicopters for a slightly longer period of time. Although agreement is expected on extending the deployment of some of the UNMIL troops, some members are concerned about UNMIL troops becoming a permanent presence in Côte d’Ivoire.

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