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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | France's conflict resolution strategy in Côte d'Ivoire and its ethical implications |
Author: | Bovcon, Maja |
Year: | 2009 |
Periodical: | African Studies Quarterly (ISSN 1093-2658) |
Volume: | 11 |
Issue: | 1 |
Pages: | 1-24 |
Language: | English |
Geographic terms: | Ivory Coast - Côte d'Ivoire France |
Subjects: | conflict resolution military intervention ECOWAS |
External link: | https://asq.africa.ufl.edu/bovcon_fall09/ |
Abstract: | This paper evaluates France's conflict resolution strategy by taking into account Côte d'Ivoire's internal dynamics and the wider international context over the last two decades. Contrary to the prevailing opinion, it is argued that France, given the circumstances, has undertaken a successful conflict resolution strategy. The controversial implication of France in the 1994 Rwandan genocide made any further French military intervention on the African continent extremely problematic. In the case of the intervention in Côte d'Ivoire, however, France has succeeded in pursuing its interests with full national and international support. Much of the legitimacy of its conflict resolution strategy derives from both the lack of motivation of other international players to act and the inability of African multilateral organizations, such as ECOWAS, to cope with security issues. Since international organizations have been unable to act appropriately, accusations of French neocolonialism made by the Gbagbo regime and the 'young patriots' have never been fully addressed, and the true reconciliation and unification of Ivorian society has been hindered. In the final part of the article, some of the ethical issues associated with the military implications of a former colonial power's involvement in its African colony are addressed. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract] |