Ivory Coast’s ex-rebels reflect on their future focus 06/19/2010

Ivory Coast’s ex-rebels reflect on their future

focus 06/19/2010 KORHOGO — Ivory Coast’s New Forces (FN) rebels, destined for demobilization, are uncertain of their future but many are happy to know they will become part of a new national army. The FN has ruled the north of Ivory Coast since a foiled coup against President Laurent Gbagbo in 2002, but is now demobilizing its troops under a 2008 peace pact which also provides for elections. In a ceremony this week at Korhogo, a large town 600 kilometers (370 miles) north of the economic capital Abidjan, the FN officially began gathering its rank and file into barracks. About 500 men came to the military camps at Korhogo, with a long-term objective of grouping 1,200 out of a total 5,000 scheduled to be barracked in the northern zone. In the Fansara 110 Camp, the walls have been repainted orange, white and green in the national colors, and the “volunteers for the new army” (VAN) are beginning new lives. “The rebellion is finished. From today, you’re part of the Ivorian army,” barked an instructor, handing out kit to recruits on their way to their dormitories. Ivorian leaders and peace mediators intend the new army to merge the loyalist pro-Gbagbo troops in the south with the FN fighters before a presidential election due this year but constantly postponed since 2005. On a parade ground where the Ivorian flag flies high on a mast, more volunteers waited their turn to discover their new quarters.... MORE Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100619com3.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL The old giveth way to the new FRONTLINE No numbers as yet focus Ivory Coast’s ex-rebels reflect on their future