Nigeria has condemned the recent developments in Cote d’Ivoire in which a small fraction of the country’s Armed Forces mutinied against the Government.
A statement by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity to the President, Office of the Vice President said Wednesday that “Nigeria expresses strong and unflinching support for the Government of President Allassane Ouattara and welcomes ongoing efforts at resolving the crisis.
“In this context, the Federal Government urges the parties to the crisis to exercise maximum restraint, remain calm and continue with dialogue and negotiations with the Government of President Ouattara.
“Nigeria also urges the mutineers to return to their barracks and to refrain from any action capable of undermining the peace, security and democracy in the country. The Federal Government further urges the people of Cote d’Ivoire to remain steadfast in their support for the Government and to refrain from giving support to the mutineers in the overall interest of peace, tranquillity, good order and prosperity of the country.
“In the light of these, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, had been engaged in phone discussions with the Ivorien President and the President of Liberia, Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is also the current ECOWAS Chairperson, seeking ways towards a peaceful resolution.
The statement said in a series of conversations with both Presidents since Monday, May 15, Prof. Osinbajo expressed Nigeria’s support for the government and people of Cote d’Ivoire, and also for the sustenance of peace, security and democracy in the country. The Ag. President also noted the readiness of the Federal Government to work with ECOWAS and West African leaders to pursue a quick resolution of the situation.
