The Ivoirian Ambassador near Monrovia, Féni KOUAKOU, calls on remaining batch of Ivorian refugees in Liberia to return home to participate in the building of their country, La Cote d’Ivoire.
The Ambassador made the call at program marking the 58th Independence of La Cote d’Ivoire celebrated last Thursday, 23 August at Boulevard Palace Hotel in Monrovia.
He notes the significant progress made by his country since the ascension of current President HEM Allassan Ouatara at the helm of power in 2011 preceded by the bloodiest electoral violence ever in the country’s history.
The Ivoirian envoy names among others, good economic performances by his country, which ranks among the best on the continent and in the world; increase in the income of farmers, civil servants and wages of private sector employees; better access to basic social services such as water, electricity, health and education.
He also points to promotion of women and youth in the administration and private sector and influence of Côte d’Ivoire in the international arena as some of the achievements by President Ouatara government.
The Ivorian Emissary was, however, quick to recognize that, despite his country’s performances, many challenges still remain, including flood, which caused some casualties in the country in June.
“The President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Mister Alassane Ouattara, committed himself to continue to improve the living conditions of our populations, by promoting good governance and intensifying the fight against corruption”, he says.
The Ivorian diplomat also praises President Ouattara for granting amnesty to 800 political prisoners, who were arrested and convicted for offences presumably committed during the 2010 post-electoral crisis that led to the death of over 3000 Ivorian citizens.
Among those who were granted amnesty, include former first lady of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Madam Simone Ehivet Gbagbo, wife of former president Laurent Gbagbo, who is detained in La Haye, and some high profile civilians, including Ivoirians in exile.
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Speaking of bilateral relations between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire he said: “The Relations between Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, remain excellent and we wish it continues, amplifies and diversifies as it was the case with the former government headed by Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson SIRLEAF that I salute and thank for having democratically transferred power.”
The Ivorian Envoy lauds the people and Government of Liberia for the peaceful general elections in October 2017, and wished Liberia full success in its endeavors for the happiness of its citizenry, while expressing gratitude to the government and people of Liberia for the hospitality accorded Ivorian refugees here.
The occasion was graced by several high profile Liberian dignitaries, including former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Madam Dewell GRAY, Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia, Doyen and Members of the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of International Organizations.
By Valery Guhena–Editing by Jonathan Browne
