Security Overview for Cote d’Ivoire

Security conditions have improved in Cote d'Ivoire since a political and military crisis plunged the country into four months of widespread violence in early 2011. The conflict began when then-President Laurent Gbagbo refused to step down from office after his rival, Alassane Ouattara was declared the winner in a December 2010 run-off election. Gbagbo's intransigence triggered weeks of violence as opposition forces clashed with government troops for control of the country. The political crisis escalated into regular street battles in the economic capital Abidjan between Gbagbo's army loyalists and an armed group supporting Ouattara called "Invisible Comandos." In the north, rebels allied with Ouattara launched a military campaign from their bases, taking several cities before joining forces with Invisible Commandos in Abidjan. After a prolonged standoff, Gbagbo was removed from office on April 11 by Ouattara's troops with the help of French and UN forces. Ouattara ordered the formation of the new country's army, the Republic Forces of Cote d'Ivoire (FRCI). Gbagbo was put under house unrest in the north until he was transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in December 2011 where he will stand trial for crimes against humanity.

The security situation has calmed considerably since the height of the violence in April 2011, but some tensions remain between supporters of Gbagbo and the current government of Ouattara. The party of Gbagbo, the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) has accused the government of Ouattara of arresting its supporters. Tensions remain especially high in the western region, where most of the country's cocoa is produced. The area has also been a hotbed of xenophobia and ethnic strife since the crisis ended. Reforming the security sector still remains a great challenge for the government. Violent incidents and crime involving FRCI have been reported in many parts of the country, including in Abidjan. There are still some rivalries between soldiers who served under Gbagbo and the rebels who helped Ouattara attain power.

Ouattara, who was sworn in as president in May 2011, has pledged to focus on stabilization and development in the wake of the violence. Business has resumed, including in the critical banking and cocoa sectors. Although the country has returned to pre-conflict conditions, crime is still of concern nationwide, including in Abidjan and in other urban areas. Common crimes include pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded areas; theft from hotel rooms, private residences, or vehicles; and armed robberies at residences, restaurants, and stores.

Armed checkpoints run by unauthorized security forces are still be seen in the country although authorities have been battling to get rid of them. Traveling by road can be unsafe. Carjackings, especially of four-wheel-drive vehicles, are common. Victims are frequently kept in the hijacked vehicle and released at a remote location. Public transportation is often overcrowded, providing easy targets for petty thieves. Armed bandits operating along the border areas target passenger buses and other vehicles.

Travel with arranged transport only. Personnel who must travel to rural areas should do so in multi-vehicle convoys, preferably with a trusted local driver. There are no known international terrorism organizations operating in Cote d'Ivoire.

Copyright © 2011 iJET International, Inc. All rights reserved.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.