This is a second page of your comments on the crisis in Ivory Coast.
Your comments:
I had the privilege of visiting Cote d'Ivoire in the spring of 2001. While I was there I fell in love with this beautiful country and the people there. I spent the majority of my time in Bouake and it now breaks my heart to see what is happening. I don't know what the right solution is but my prayers are for peace and justice to be restored in Ivory Coast. I fear for the lives of those I met and for the beautiful places I saw. I long to return to Ivory Coast one day, but now I don't know that there will be an Ivory Coast for me to return to.
People asked us if we were afraid to come to Ivory Coast in 2001 because of the coup d'etat. We knew nothing about it so we weren't. But we saw traces of the destruction that occurred, especially at Universite de Bouake. I can only imagine the destruction we would find now. I implore both sides to work only for peace and for the people of Ivory Coast, not there own interests. My heart is crying for the people and the land.
Amanda Mustard, Kitchener, Canada
Gbagbo is the problem. He does not want any peace in Ivory Coast. It is shameless. Peace will never return to Ivory Coast unless Mr Gbagbo gives up the power to the rightful person. Since he has been in power a lot of blood and death has been flowing along the streets in Ivory Coast. I thank the French solders for their effort so far. It is only that the Ivory Coast president is an ungrateful man.
Tikenja Kona, Ivory Coast, Abidjan
Taking sides at this crucial moment is to me not the best. Ivory Coast belongs to all Ivorians, they must settle their differences and move on as a nation.
King Patata, Ghana/Sweden
 |  I do not know if it is the best way but at least he tried something |
I think that the France reaction is out of proportion compared to the accident which occurred. Remember that rebels killed two French soldiers a few months ago. Does France destroy their armament? No! France armed the rebels to drive out a democratic government because this government threatens its interest. France thinks about its own interest, the opinion of Ivorians is not its problem. Ivorians have expressed their anger through protest against the French aggression.
I am not a nationalist, nor a violence partisan, but what I have seen these last few days has revolted me. I was a volunteer for two days in a hospital and I saw what the French soldiers did. Please we want to leave this nightmare. Gbagbo tried to liberate us by striking the rebel's position, I do not know if it is the best way but at least he tried something.
Rom�o, Abidjan, C�te d'Ivoire
I left Abidjan in July of 2001 when it became apparent that the nation's inexorable slide to civil war had begun. Perhaps we can look back at the seriously flawed election that brought Mr Gbagbo to power as the first step off the precipice. To preserve any sense of democracy in Cote d'Ivoire, a new and fairly contested election should have been held. Such an election would have given voice to the political, economic, and social concerns of those who now fill rebel ranks.
Michael Sweeney, Michigan, USA
The French destruction the aircraft responsible for the death of nine peace-keepers was entirely appropriate. Aircraft do not drop bombs by accident. Such swift and limited action on the part of peacekeepers sends a clear "behave yourselves" message to all belligerents. If other peacekeeping operations around the world were act in this way perhaps they would have more success in completing their missions.
Andrew Gray, Delft, Netherlands
Gbagbo is the problem. He does not want any peace in Ivory Coast. It is shameless. Peace will never return to Ivory Coast unless Mr Gbagbo gives up power.
Sidiki Michael Diarra, London
I am from Ivory Coast and very proud of it. Let's be honest. The Ivorian pilots did not kill the French soldiers on purpose. It was a mistake. Let me remind you of something. During the war in Afghanistan, even the experienced American pilots made mistakes by targeting and killing civilians. Do you think that France could have reacted the same way if the US Air Force killed their soldiers during an air raid? I do not think so. Licorne is in Ivory Coast, not for peace but for the sake of France's interests and many people and leaders around the world are aware of that. As long as the UN system remains the same, as long as only five countries have the power to veto UN decisions, as long as African Union leaders' decisions are influenced by Western countries, as long as leaders remain dishonest and enemies of truth, crisis will carry on in Arab and African countries etc...
Noby Djama Julien, Cote d 'Ivoire
Let's be honest, France is in the Ivory Coast for its own interests and hopes to maintain its sphere of influence in Africa. Much of Africa is still part of the French empire but the French public refuses to admit it. Why are French troops in a country that was liberated in 1960? The French are interested in the Ivory Coast because it produces 42% of the world cocoa and because of its offshore-oil - not to keep the peace. It is sheer hypocrisy that in today's world only US aggression is protested against.
Why do people protest only against US aggression? Where are the European pacifists now? Americans are open to criticism but we want to see the critics and protesters criticizing and protesting against all immoral developments - not just ones carried out by the US. And no, I didn't vote for Bush.
Robert Zinna, New York, USA
| Gbagbo should think more, look far and see where he is leading his country |
It is a shame for Africans who are killing each other and blame others. Gbagbo should think more, look far and see where he is leading his country. I think this man didn't learn from Rwanda or what is going on in Darfur. Ivorians should find a solution for their problems not always calling external forces to come to help. Gbagbo, you are killing your own people, please think twice.
Vlad, Ottawa, Canada
I lived in Ivory Coast for over seven years. I'm very sad seeing what is going on in one of the most beautiful countries in Africa. I think the Gods of the land are upset and the spirit of late President Felix Houphuet Boigney is mad on the present government and ruthless rebels. It is a big problem with a simple solution, if only President Gbagbo and the rebels will have the interests of the Ivorians in mind. France should help to enforce peace and not to support the rebels.
They should stop fighting the government; they should also remember that it is a democratic elected government. Please I urge all Ivorians to work together to bring peace back in the pays de la pay.
Raymond Nwankwo, Toronto, Canada
The Ivorians should come together and settle their differences internally, so as to avoid any external force from interfering in their own internal affairs. The only solution to the problem is peace. Peace brings unity and strength.
Hany Zakhary, Cairo, Egypt
My wife is Ivorian and is presently in Abidjan with our daughter. The Ivorian crisis is not about ethnic or religious tensions - these are just pretexts for personal ambition. No-one has ever been able to come up with concrete examples of systematic discrimination, but this is the impression you get when you read reportages from the media. The crisis is about a coup d'etat which failed two years ago and led to the occupation of the north. Despite a bilateral agreement with France, to defend the country (Ivory Coast has never had any significant army), France said they would not intervene to oust the rebels, as it was an internal crisis. Subsequently they used their diplomatic muscle to try to impose that the rebels should have the posts as ministers of defence and interior.
Why is France trying to impose such unfair and unrealistic terms for a peace agreement? Furthermore the rebels have refused to disarm, despite several promises to do so. Then after two years of tolerance and seeing the country escalate into deeper and deeper poverty, the president tries to reunite the country by quelling the rebellion by force - and seems to succeed, the French go in to defend the rebel positions. Why? My opinion is that France is upset that their former colony is trying to forge economic and political links with other countries, and that they are simply and cynically defending their own economic interests. I can't help feeling disgusted.
Henrik, Copenhagen, Denmark
Having a brother living in Abidjan who keeps me informed of the situation, I totally agree with Henrik of Copenhagen. France is acting disgracefully and only has its own interests at heart. Gbagbo is one of the few democratically elected and incorrupt leaders Africa has ever known, putting his country's interests before the French. This is why this conflict has arisen.
Marie-Helene, Cambridge, UK
| Gbagbo should always remember that war planes are not solutions to problems |
I totally disagree with those who say that Gbagbo was right to send its weak air force to strike on the French peacekeeping forces. This was a grave and unthinkable mistake and it is going to haunt him to the end. Gbagbo should always remember that war planes are not solutions to problems; they just create more problems as they certainly did in the circumstances. He should learn to respect all the agreements which he signed aimed at returning peace to such a beautiful country, and all in all I should expressly say that he has made grave mistakes and he should resign. African Union peer review - please do your job.
Gaspar Nyika, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
The xenophobic policies pursued by president Gbagbo have destroyed this country which was once the beauty of West Africa. Imagine, a country where someone whose ancestors moved from one village to another at the time the current European created borders did not exist is considered as a foreigner in the country he and his parents were born and raised. If Gbagbo was a European, he could well have founded a xenophobic party. This man is a power maniac. Il est fou totalement.
Ahmed Mohamed, Belet Wein, Somalia
The French response was totally out of proportion. It was the kind of big bully action we work day and night to prevent in other parts of the African continent. It brings back memories of cutting limbs and ears of rubber thieves or anyone threatening the colonialist's strategic or economic interest.
Bent Ronsen, Oslo, Norway
It is true that, for every action there is equal and opposite reaction that is the situation we are seeing right now in Ivory Coast. You guys supported the rebellion in Liberia, you thought everything was going to be fine� the time has come for you to experience the pains we have been going through for the past fourteen years.
Musa I, Minnesota, USA
For me Thabo can do nothing in my country because the biggest real problem in this country is the relation between the North and the South. Article 35 of our constitution will not be amended to permit the real reconciliation between the Ivorians we are in the state where the partisan of the president doesn't want to smell the member of any other political organisation. This country will only have peace when all the Ivorians accept each other and all the parts of this country.
Fabrice, Abidjan
| It they fail to do this then the only option credible for them is to disband |
I have lived in Abidjan for six years now. I am affected in the sense that I do my business here in Abidjan. If the French are neutral as they claim to be they should insist that the rebels should disarm. And if they are democratic as they also claim to be they should insist that the constitution is respected totally. The French committed unpardonable abomination not only to the Ivorian people but against the dignity of the whole black race. Mbeki's visit will be fruitful if the African Union which he is representing do the following:
1. Insist that the rebels be disarm immediately,
2. Condemn barbaric act of France.
It they fail to do this then the only option credible for them is to disband the Union. Simple.
Igbokwe GCN, Nigerian in Abdijan
There is the need for peace to prevail in Ivory Coast. All the agreements reached should be implemented, but Gbagbo should be held responsible for the recent violence. And hostilities meted towards non Ivorians. It is not accepted for the sake of African Unity.
Ibrahim Tia, Accra, Ghana
The French have every right to defend themselves, especially when their troops on peace keeping duty were attacked. Mr Gbagbo needs to realise that the world is watching and the Northerners are Ivorians and they are not going anywhere. They need to coexist like they did before.
Farouk Salim, St Louis, MO, USA
As a citizen of France and Ivory Coast, I strongly support the French troops in Abidjan and thank them for protecting my family. Gbabgo is totally irresponsible and should leave.
Isabelle, Paris/Abidjan
Gbagbo made a mistake ordering his weak-willed air force to go dropping bombs. The inexperienced pilots made the mistake of mistaking the French peacekeepers for rebels. I don't know if the French did right or wrong neutralizing the Ivorian air force. One thing is certain, with the toys gone, Gbagbo will be more sober and level-headed in addressing the agreements he signed.
Charles, Accra, Ghana
I'm Ivorian. I was born in Abidjan. When I got the news that there was a war back home, I felt bad. Today I called all my friends for a meeting. We are seniors in our school and are from all over Africa and parts of the world. I think that the UN isn't doing that much to help the world in her needs. Neither is the AU.
Jeremiah Toh Shar, Brooklyn Park, USA
There is something wrong with us Africans! We never stop killing our own people and blaming it on the tribal differences. And then we look for scapegoats, the French, Americans, Belgians - Ivorians have been murdering their kindred. And I think President Gbagbo is just the wrong character to lead his country, if he cannot stop the killings, and instead incite his supporters to do more violence. As for the French, I don't know when they will ever learn a lesson that, their foreign policy is just outdated! But now, since they have started losing their service men, maybe they will think twice and leave Ivorians to sort out their own created senseless mess. But the International Community should be ready to protect innocent lives, and soon. Rwanda and Darfur are enough horror for us.
Florence, Kigali
Ivorians, haven't you learned from Liberians? Why destroy your beautiful country? You are so selfish and mean to foreigners. You killed the Ghanaians because of a football match. You killed and ill treated the Burkinabes and Nigerians even though they were contributing to the economy of your country. You killed Liberians because you said Taylor was supporting the rebels in the North. Now you are killing the peacekeepers and aid workers who have come to help you. Look, please open your eye and see that Laurent Gbagbo is leading you to your early grave like what Taylor did to my brothers and sisters in Liberia.
Eileen Samuels-Lablah, Monrovia, Liberia
| Gbagbo must resign if he cannot be the president of all Ivorians |
The president is misguided! Why did he violate the UN ceasefire, launching air strikes on rebel zones killing French soldiers, one US civilian, and many Ivorian civilians? Gbagbo must resign if he cannot be the president of all Ivorians.
Sahou Mathieu, Abidjan So what are the French doing in Ivory Coast? I thought they were the ever-peaceful, don't-invade-Iraq-or-any-other-country peaceniks - what are they doing killing civilians in the Ivory Coast? Such pompousness, such pretence, such pique - let them get out of the country at once!
Peter Wanyonyi, Nairobi, Kenya
Yes! French are right! Gbagbo has never understood reason. Nothing but violence. Force and violence are his only language. So, say it with weapons, then he will understand the peace word.
John Mailling, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Sure a non-French peacekeeping force would be better. Unfortunately few countries that have highly trained troops are willing to intervene and amongst those who have few have sufficient experience of African conflicts and politics. France will be blamed - by the rebels for stopping their march to the capital, by Gbagbo for trying to stem his aggressive attitude and calls for ethnic violence. It is unfortunate that a once thriving African country has descended into chaos because of corrupt leaders.
Juan, Nice, France
Gbagbo is doing what is good for his people and for the economy. I think if you really go into details - France is a cheat, especially Chirac. They are doing everything for their own interest and not to restore peace.
Stan, Nigeria
The problems in Ivory Coast can be best solved by the Ivorians themselves. Whatever the intentions of the French soldiers, they have no mandate to be in this country. The result is total chaos. It is like an ex-husband returning to his now married ex-wife.
Geza Mhanya, Lilongwe, Malawi
Geza Mhanya from Lilongwe, Malawi, claims, that French forces "have no mandate to be in this country". This is obviously wrong. The mandate is resolution 1528 of the security council.
Becker, G�ttingen, Germany
In many ways this is France's fault. Gbagbo was not democratically elected - the elections staged by General Guei were fundamentally flawed and several legitimate candidates were disqualified. General Guei allowed Professor Gbagbo to run because he thought he could beat this imbecile. Then when Guei fell out of power following the elections, the US and other countries called for real elections. But the French were quick to congratulate Laurent Gbagbo on his "victory" over the dictator through their policy of expediency.
The result is that Cote d'Ivoire's equivalent of Jean-Marie Le Pen took power and started a process of marginalisation, divisiveness and exclusion. It is a tragedy that has been playing out in slow motion ever since the death of Houphouet Boigny. So long as the French are involved with their short-term perspective, the fires will keep flaring up again.
Joe Sage, Brussels, Belgium
Unfortunately, Gbagbo walked right into this trap and has shown how small he is as a leader. When will he learn? He's made the same mistake over and over again. He missed his biggest opportunity to bring the country together at the beginning of this crisis when he failed to call all the opposition leaders together to condemn the actions of the rebels.
Instead he chose the false security of ethnicity and xenophobia thereby refusing to address the real problems of the country. Time for Gbagbo to go. He can't be trusted to do the right thing for his people. We can be sure there will be no solution to this crisis as long as he's sitting on the throne of power in the Ivory Coast.
Kwame Nyamekye, Accra, Ghana
I was evacuated from Ivory Coast, along with thousands of other Westerners, after the outbreak of violence in 2002. I do not like the French, especially Chirac, but they prevented a bloodbath in 2002 when they stopped the rebel advance on Abidjan, only to be accused later by the Ivorian government of aiding the rebels. Maybe they should have let the rebels take over the country at that time. Over the past couple of years Mr Gbagbo has clearly shown, with frequent mob violence and assassination of political opponents and there will be no progress in Ivory Coast until he is removed from power. Maybe his time is up.
Paul, UK
A typical English comment: Paul, UK. I think that when French troops place themselves in harm's way to save people (as opposed to invading countries) they may want to better pick the ones they save. Paul does "not like the French". Do you think that if instead of saving his life they had left him to have his throat slit by the Ivorian mob� he would have liked the French more?
Alexander, Athens, Greece
France and Cote d'Ivoire need each other. France owns so much of the infrastructure. CI Telecom is owned by France Telecom; Air Ivoire is part of Air France; the Abidjan power station was French-financed; Abidjan Airport is owned by Aeria, a French company. France has helped with recent construction of roads. French professors taught at the university. So it is viable for both the French and the Ivorians to bond. It is in the best interest of Ivorians to keep the system in place until Cote d'Ivoire has the resources to break free, not to rebel and be in destitution.
Joshua Freeman, Los Angeles, USA I am from the Ivory Coast and live in London. I am surprised to find so many here who don't see the truth behind the situation. Did you know that 17 of the French soldiers are currently charged with robbery of a West African bank in Northern Ivory Coast held by rebels? The French simply fear the neo-socialist project of Government by Gbagbo. He has recently established free education to the whole country. His programme is based on the reduction of French dependency and colonial drafted contracts.
Stephane Niango, London
Sanctions should be imposed now and the foreign assets of government and rebel leaders should be frozen. There should also be an arms embargo. This is the best time for the French to ensure long-term peace!
Dennis Keya, New York, USA Peacekeeping forces must have a mandate broad enough to allow them to protect themselves. Asking French troops to serve in Cote d'Ivoire under any other mandate would be suicide. The violent response on the streets shows how Gbagbo's government has thrived on the politics of divisiveness, jingoism, and disinformation. Once the violence is over, I suspect Ivorians will see the truth about their government, and will be grateful for the courage and resolve the French troops have shown.
Will Gardella, Pittsburgh, USA
It's hard to see how Mbeki will be able to bring much pressure to bear on Gbagbo. South Africa has been extraordinarily reluctant to assume the role of power broker in Africa - as witnessed by the remarkable tolerance of Mugabe's regime - probably because if they did they would soon be picking up the tab for putting out every little political brush fire in Africa. Africa's problems are too large for any single African state to handle, and the African Union is too imperfect a body to resolve anything.
Eric Jacobs, London, UK
| The country is independent and France must not continue to act as a colonial ruler |
My wife is working in the Ivory Coast and it's extremely worrying to see the recent developments there. Having worked in the country myself, it's a great shame to see what is happening to this rich and fertile country. I don't think the French had any choice but to intervene in order to prevent further bloodshed.
Those loyal to President Gbagbo are unfortunately the poorest and least well educated people in Ivorian society and the president and his ministers have shown themselves to be more than willing to use these young men and women to do their dirty work. The government seems to have little regard for the lives of its citizens. That said, the French government need to clarify their intentions towards the Ivory Coast. The country is independent and France must not continue to act as a colonial ruler.
Chris, London, UK
Ivorians were very peaceful and allowed anyone in their country to do anything they wished to. No more thanks to Chirac who knows nothing about the new African minds. France again has shown its weakness by destroying planes on the ground. This is like killing a POW. Don't shoot someone in their back. If France was that good and strong, why not shoot these planes in flight? Well, France has not won a war in modern time; that explains it. Real men are in Iraq. Girly men are fighting a country which has only five aircrafts. I am not even sure if they can win there.
Pedro John, Bouake
All the people with no jobs and no income come out in support of the government that is stealing from them. They take the chance to benefit from the situation and go stealing and looting. I'm happy that I left Abidjan on 29th October and I'm pretty sure that all my things there will be looted by now. It is clear to me that there are too many people in Abidjan that never get a chance from anyone. The government keeps them on a minimum education to get maximum control of there people. This way it is easy for the government there to fill their pockets. It is a shame that French troops get killed in the cross fire of greed. They are there with the best intentions.
Norbert Neseker, Abidjan
I have to commend the French for the action they took to save lives of Africans in the Ivory Coast.[President Laurent] Gbagbo is one of the worst dictators that the world should get rid of .I would also like to see more action in Darfur, Sudan and not just empty talks while innocent people continue to die. This action should serve as a message to the African dictator that the world is changing and we are not ready to accept killings of people simply because they are from other tribes.
Ronald Ngala Yongo, Nairobi
I have a friend in the Ivory Coast and I fear for her safety. I think that the superpowers in this world need to let the smaller countries take care of themselves. France is doing injustice to the unarmed civilians of that country and they need to leave. Colonisation of another country is wrong. Throughout recorded time most of the European countries have tried to rule everyone else in the world, it is time that they start looking at themselves for what they are, greedy invaders. It is time to let every country have its own independence, just because we are white doesn't make us right.
Vincent, USA
France is the architect of all the trouble in Cote d'Ivoire.
Joe, Abidjan
It is high time for Africans to separate between one country's policies and regular citizens. Targeting French citizens and their properties because their country did what they did doesn't make sense to me. People should come to their senses and realize the difference between regular citizens and politicians.
Ruta, Bujumbura, Burundi
Gbagbo is wrong, and as long as he stays in power, there is no chance to find peace or civilian concord.
Georges de Rosen, Abidjan, C�te d'Ivoire
| That also means they have an obligation to pave the way towards a legitimate government |
The French arrived at the beginning of the civil war in September 2002, with the intention of protecting expatriates living in Cote d'Ivoire. That intervention helped Gbagbo regroup and retain the south. The French only stayed at his request. More recently, in what was advertised as efforts towards disarmament, demobilization, and reunification (DDR) - was really rearmament, remobilization, and disunification (RRD).
With time to rearm, Gbagbo made his attempt to regain the north. He made a careless mistake and killed French soldiers. Now he is paying the price. The French have every right to retaliate; however that also means they have an obligation to pave the way towards a legitimate government. Unfortunately, that will be almost as difficult to do here as in Iraq.
Anonymous, American evacuated from Man to Licorne military base
The bottom line is that the French went to the UN after retaliation. America and the UK ignored the UN and went it alone. Incidentally, the UN unanimously agreed with the French action.
Jonathan Kingsbury, Salisbury, UK
I grew up in Yamoussoukro and Bouake until I was nine and during those years (1986-1994), hatred and mob mentality like this was unheard of. Cote d'Ivoire, qu'est-ce qui c'est passe? What is happening to you? I knew you as gentle and peace-loving people, very welcoming to foreigners. I remember when I visited your villages, you would give us the best of your food and I was very humbled by this. Westerners, you would do well to respect and love these people. They may teach you something about generosity.
Malcolm Smillie, Wheaton, IL, USA
I lived in Cote d'Ivoire for 14 years - during the peaceful presidency of Houphouet Boigny. His ideology of peace kept the nation stable and united for three decades, making it a beacon of hope for all other African countries. Ever since his death in 1993, the country has been steadily declining due to violent thugs and greedy politicians. Cote d'Ivoire: don't blame the French - your problems started ten years ago because "peace" is now just a word.
David, lived in Bouake
Gbagbo are you crazy? Why did you attack the rebels? Stop the war. War is not the answer, negotiation is the only way out of your madness.
Gus Johnson, Monrovia, Liberia
Ivorians must learn how to obey rules they signed to and this I think will help the nation to gain peace.
Odjo Dweh, Tabou, Ivory Coast
I am Scottish and worked in Abidjan during the first coup attempt. I am married to an Ivorian and now live in Dubai, UAE - a Muslim country where all races and religions live in harmony this is thanks to the late ruler. What Cote d'Ivoire needs is a strong tolerant man at the helm that can get the country back on its feet and become the proud nation it once was. To be free of corruption completely will never happen but it can be curbed. I feel sad and pray that this wonderful country will get through this.
Neill Campbell, Dubai, UAE
I am a Liberian national living in Sweden. I just want to say that Ivory Coast is now reaping the benefits for destroying Liberia by using its territory to support the first rebel group headed by Charles Taylor in West Africa. There is a parable which says: Town trap is not for rat alone. Ivorians will taste and experience more than what Liberians did for over 14 years.
Tamba Fokoe, Eksj�, Sweden
So the UN supports the occupation of the Ivory Coast but deplore the US/UK occupation of Iraq. France destroyed the Ivory Coast's air force, occupy their airport and win UN approval. The US/UK removed a dictator, start rebuilding the country and introduce democracy but get condemned by the UN. Does this appear two faced to anyone else?
Andy, Brighton, UK
I'm confused, why is it okay for the French to lord over the people of the Ivory Coast, where they are not wanted, and not okay for the coalition to rid the Iraqi people, as they wanted, of Saddam Hussein? Will there be some explanation issued by the French government? I would suspect it might have something to do with cocoa and coffee.
PM, NYC, US
France is absolutely right with its swift response. C�te d'Ivoire is Africa's third largest economy, and because of France it was very well managed, up till now. Foreigners (mainly from Liberia) are striving towards destabilizing the country, and France is there to prevent this. If it weren't for France, the entire region would collapse. And instead of bashing France, we'd better bash the UK, whose grave refusal to help Darfur (a British ex-colony) is shameful. Former colonial powers still have a duty towards African countries.
Jacques De La Fontaine, New York, USA
I'm amazed by some of the comments comparing France to the US. France is in Cote d'Ivoire as part of a UN Peacekeeping force. Some people who have posted their views here must be of the opinion that if UN Peacekeepers are attacked and killed then there should be no retaliation. The fact of the matter is French soldiers were killed by Ivory Coast war planes. Of course they have the right to retaliate.
Stephen, Ireland
We can easily see how Gbagbo is trying to exalt French hate among its partisans. The foreigner as the cause of all our troubles... In that game, France seems isolated. Both rebel and government sides are hostile to the UN interposition. If France leaves, it's a civil war. If France stays, it can be a Vietnam.
Clement, Madrid, Spain
The French and the other colonial powers will continue to do such things if Gbagbo and other African leaders like him refuse to be realistic. The problem is with the Ivorians themselves. Mbeki's visit will just be a waste of time. Gbagbo should sit down with his countrymen and talk instead of calling them rebels.
Chris Nutakor, Accra, Ghana
I find it quite ironic that for months we have been criticized for doing nothing. Now, we act, we nearly bring peace in Cote d'Ivoire all alone. Then as nobody around the world (too focused on Iraq) care about Africa, we have to separate both the rebels and the Ivorian army all alone again. Then as we are the ancient colonial power, Ivorians pushed by their dubious leader, attacked us... does anybody want to see the French soldiers let themselves die? Of course they defended their own lives. In the end, Ivory Coast will turn into a new Rwanda, and all of you, who are criticizing will regret that France left. To finish, France is not an occupier, we have the mandate of the UN signed by all the countries of the Security Council.
Luc, France
Africans are wise enough to handle their issues without Westerners who made them slaves before. By destroying the Ivory Coast air force, the French forces have shown that they are ready to re-take the country as their colony again. This is another show of Western atrocities after the Thatcher business and all those past atrocities. How can you undermine the defence of a sovereign country like that? Leave Africa for Africans. Doesn't France have problems to sort out at home? And surprising enough for me, the UN has the guts to back such atrocities carried on in a sovereign country.
Zero Betha, Zomba, Malawi
Ivory Coast is in a similar situation like Uganda had in 1985 when the country was divided between government forces and the rebels. For stability, one group has to defeat the other and then invite it to become part of a broad-based government. But President Gbagbo shares most of the blame for promoting sectarianism against African immigrants from neighbouring countries. If the government continues stubbornly to break the truce, the international community and regional powers should support the rebels to take over the entire country in order to restore national and regional stability.
Ahmed Kateregga Musaazi, Kampala, Uganda
I don't know why we're still in Cote d'Ivoire after all these years. Our government is the first to jump all over the Americans for what they view as imperialism, and yet here we are still maintaining our colonial presence in Africa. Hypocritical to say the least.
Robert Lemond, Orleans, France
My brother Renaud is in the French Marine troops. His section was attacked by aerial bombing. He called us on Saturday to reassure us. He also told us that three soldiers of his section including his pilot had been killed by the attack of the Ivorian air force. Five are injured including him. The situation is pretty scary, especially for the 15,000 French civilians in Abidjan. French troops have to deal with a nasty civil war also turning into a neo-colonial war (France having many commercial interests in Ivory Coast).
The dead and injured will be repatriated from Abidjan to Paris. The airport has seen some infantry combats between French and Ivorian troops who share the airport. French schools have been burned. French houses are being looted. The French military camps are surrounded by angry mobs. The civilians fled their homes and tried to regroup. It appears some have light weapons. France has now a clear mandate from the UN and will answer with appropriate force. Ivorian power declares it will become France's Vietnam.
Eric Merlin, French Londoner
It is obvious to those observing developments in the Ivory Coast that the peace process is not moving on and with that tensions have arisen leading to the current clashes. In my view, Ivory Cost needs an impartial peace keeping force and clearly, the French aren't. Whereas I understand their bitterness at the loss of French lives, I cannot understand their action of wiping out the entire air force and taking control of the airport and other facilities. They need to respect the fact that Ivory cost is an independent country and not a colony.
Cliff Nyamweya, Kabul, Afghanistan
The French are not arguing over Ivory coast sovereignty (not like Iraqi crisis) but to protect the country that was once an example for Africa. Their presence is essential to prevent another genocide like in Rwanda and Burundi. If they leave then everyone will condemn the French for letting the genocide happen.
Sebastian, UK
As it was once for our Haiti, the French will eventually realize that Ivory Coast is not their country and in leaving will bankrupt it. This is why Haiti has not stood since they left because in their bitterness they put us in a debt we cannot leave. With the French, they make it so you either live with them or suffer without them.
Ryane, Port Au Prince, Haiti
It's rather sad that serious developments i.e. threat of sanctions and arms embargo are only seriously evoked subsequent to the attack on French troops. Ceasefire violations have been reported for weeks and political stalemate was evident. Had the international community stepped up the pressure on all parties after the failure to abide with the Accra III agreements, yesterday's losses and God knows how many more to come could have been avoided. This is yet another failure by the international community to prevent, rather than assist and condemn.
Aziz, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso I think the moral duty of a country is to defend its citizens' rights. In one way or the other France is right in taking action against those who cowardly kill its citizens. This does not mean France should take sides and intervene, which, of course would not create any good condition and position of the French nationals in the Ivorian cities. I deeply regret to see Ivory Coast following Sierra Leone and Liberia, even though their civil wars were not based on ethnic division as it is today in Ivory
Abu Jalloh, Madrid, Spain
The bombing of the rebels' areas was the result of them refusing to disarm - or at least commence disarmament - as stipulated in various treaties, especially the Accra Accord. While the Ivorian army broke the cease-fire, and in the process has hurt a number of French soldiers, no investigation was carried out to ascertain the truth and the underlying reasons of the incident. France's president, Chirac still behaves like a colonial master who can directly intervene in African politics. Indeed, France is wrong to retaliate, in this manner and should be stopped and brought to their senses.
Wadjo Nath, London, UK
I grew up in Cote d'Ivoire, and still have many friends there, so I bring a different perspective on this conflict. I am outraged at the blatant hypocrisy of the French government. They stand on their high and mighty pedestal and condemn the United States for their involvement in Iraq, yet at the same time they are intervening in a conflict that no longer concerns them.
To prevent the democratically elected government of Cote d'Ivoire from reuniting a nation torn apart by an illegitimate rebellion is unjust and repugnant. The international community should be supporting democratically elected leaders, not the leaders of rebellions and coup d'etats. Also, the French should be held responsible for their obvious breach of the rules of engagement.
Kevin Kotecki, Seattle, United States
The French were in order to strike back, the resulting casualty though regrettable it is pathetic that the Ivorian government has chosen to ignore warnings of regional powers like Nigeria and have taken to bombing their countrymen. I hope this will be a lesson that dialogue should be the first option and force the last and such force must be calculated, planned and appropriate.
Kenneth Lambara, Lagos, Nigeria
The French have yet again shown their arrogance in their foreign affairs. France has destroyed its reputation in the US because of its irresponsible criticism of the US lead coalition's war on terror. Now France - with only one incident to show for - displays its true colours with a total disregard for human life in its use of unmeasured force for mere retaliatory purposes.
Magnus Malm, Uddevalla, Sweden
I was in Ivory Coast a month ago. Abidjan is still a gleaming capital but the interior of the country is severely impoverished. The role of the French is very dubious and it is, to say the least, unfortunate that the former colonial power and main economic partner of Ivory Coast is keeping thousands of troops there. Maybe a more neutral force would be more effective. That said; the cynicism of Ivorian politicians who have driven a once wealthy country into a dark abyss - only for their own gain - is despicable
Martijn ter Heegde, Yaounde, Cameroon
| You could see it was a matter of time before it all went wrong |
I just got back from the Ivory Coast less than a month ago and you could see it was a matter of time before it all went wrong. Everything is wrong, from a president elected by less than 20% of the population, a house of parliament not representative of the whole country and, an army mainly made of soldiers from the president ethnic tribe, militias and so on! The French did not have any other alternative than to react, it is just sad they waited to see nine of their soldiers die. Further more why did they allow the presidential camp to buy weapons and war planes despite a peace deal agreed months ago? An interim government and an open general election are the only alternative if this country is ever to recover from this chaos!
Konate, London
The French troops are not in Ivory Coast as occupiers, but on request of the UN for peacekeeping. The international forces are not there to side with anyone, but it is the government that is attacking not only French, but all westerners. I think it is time to clean up the mess and bring peace to the Ivory Coast. A small expedition to get rid of the president is probably quite efficient.
Thylbert Van Immerseel, Antwerp, Belgium
I live by the bridge General De Gaulle and that is the bridge on which the French soldiers fired on hundreds and hundreds of young protesters that were unarmed. I was up all night on my balcony that has a direct view on that bridge. Why shoot on people from the air? How many dead I do not know, but I saw lot of people being shot at again - I repeat unarmed. Why do you not report that side of the story? I guess we are still a colony to the eyes of the international community, according to France!
Walid Abdul-Massih, Abidjan, Ivory Coast
There is an air of confusion, destruction and disarray within the different suburbs of Abidjan. All my colleagues and friends are staying put in their homes. All have prepared a rucksack in case of immediate and/or near evacuation. Things are very tense, regardless of the eerie calm within the suburb of Cocody.
Aly Dhanani, Abidjan
The situation in Ivory Coast yet points to one serious direction - foreign interference into African affairs. In this 21st Century, the West must be very careful in their attitudes towards Africa and its people, because there is already billions of tons of anger stocked against the West throughout the continent. What is taking place now in Abidjan is just a drop in an ocean, but more explosive situations are just on the horizon, and believe it or not, Africa may become another Middle East for the West. They [the West] will have to leave the continent whether they like it or not. The French scenario in Abidjan is just the beginning.
Jorhe Yang, Abidjan, Ivory coast
As a Air France pilot, I was on layover in Abidjan last Thursday and I can tell you that the situation was already boiling over. [President Laurent] Gbagbo is clearly promoting an inter-ethnic war, this guy must be removed otherwise there will be a lot of deaths all over the area. Keep in mind Rwanda!
Xavier Dome, Paris / France
Why is it that the France cannot leave us and the Ivorians to handle our own problems?
Mark Belleh, Algiers, Algeria
African politics will always plague the French foreign policy. Unless France changes its policy to enrich and fatten the local politicians, it will be chased out of Africa...
Timothy Yu, Le Chesnay, France
It's about time France stopped interfering in the affairs of African countries.
Mavuso, Durban, South Africa
It's incredible how being irrational can be destructive. Ivory Coast is the symbol of why most Westerners think that there is no future for Africa.
Jerry, Beausoleil, France
I think it is high time the Ivorian people tackled these problems head-on instead of blaming their woes on foreigners. The coup of 1999 opened a Pandora's box in the history of this country.
Rotimi Obadia Williams, Nigerian living in Abidjan
There is no law in this country, it was a very nice country but since Mr Gbagbo came to power, he has spoiled all the country and he has spoiled our lives.
Mohammad Jaffer, Abidjan
I agree with Mohammad Jaffer. Whatever the arguments against France, since Gbagbo came to power, he seems bent on having it all his own way using the usual methods, oppression, sectarianism, dictatorship etc al. Unfortunately for him, France got involved (for whatever reasons). Power must corrupt, because any sane person would see that once that happened, he could no longer do as he pleases. Tough as it may be for him, negotiation would lead to a quick reunification than war.
Oz, Kampala, Uganda
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