Once considered a model of stability, the Ivory Coast has joined many of its West African neighbours to be plagued by internal discord. The armed conflict in 2002 split the nation in two, highlighting deep ethnic divides.
Once considered a model of stability, the Ivory Coast has joined many of its West African neighbours to be plagued by internal discord. The armed conflict in 2002 split the nation in two, highlighting deep ethnic divides. Despite numerous attempts to broker peace deals sustainable peace remains elusive.
With this backdrop the Gorée Institute convened two Ndaje dialogue workshops in April and May 2009, both on Gorée Island and in Abidjan. The aim of these forums was to foster dialogue and make strategic contributions towards a more successful electoral process, considered a key step to achieving sustained peace.
The meetings theme was on the role of media and civil society, considered critical actors in the consolidation and promotion of peace in the country. This is particular pertinent with the media as they have often played a key role in escalation of violence. Radio is Ivory Coast's most-popular medium and been used in such a manner by both rebels and the government. The print media has also been known to publish inflammatory articles. The theme was identified collaboratively and based on in depth on the ground research.
The Ndaje’s enhanced the collaboration between civil society organizations, the press associations, the major trade unions, the electoral commission and the four main political parties, allowing them to share analyses and perspectives, and draft a consensual plan of action towards the coming presidential election.
The first Ndaje was also an opportunity for the involved actors to enhance trust and diffuse tension, and to realize that collaboration amongst them was the only way to contribute positively to the electoral process. The second Ndaje, conceived as a follow-up to the first one was devoted to the harmonization of civil society intervention strategies towards the election. The final declaration issued, as well as the implementation plan drafted, serves as evidence of the success of the Ndaje.
