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UPSC MainsGENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-II20115 Marks50 Words
Q37.

Success of international intervention in Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

How to Approach

This question requires a nuanced understanding of international intervention, specifically focusing on the Cote d'Ivoire case. The answer should analyze the factors contributing to the success (or lack thereof) of the intervention, considering the political, economic, and security dimensions. Structure the answer by first providing context, then detailing the intervention's phases, assessing its successes and failures, and finally, drawing lessons learned. Focus on the role of key actors like the UN, France, and regional organizations.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The concept of Responsibility to Protect (R2P), endorsed by the UN in 2005, provides a framework for international intervention in situations of mass atrocities. The 2011 intervention in Cote d'Ivoire, following a disputed presidential election, serves as a significant case study in the application of this principle. The intervention aimed to resolve a post-election crisis that threatened to escalate into a full-blown civil war, with significant humanitarian consequences. This note will analyze the success of this intervention, considering its objectives, execution, and long-term impact.

Background to the Intervention

The 2010 presidential election in Cote d'Ivoire between incumbent Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara resulted in a contested outcome. Gbagbo refused to concede defeat despite the UN certifying Ouattara's victory. This led to widespread violence and a political deadlock, dividing the country and creating a humanitarian crisis. The UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) was already present, but its mandate was limited.

Phases of the Intervention

The international intervention unfolded in several phases:

  • Diplomatic Pressure (November 2010 - March 2011): The UN, African Union (AU), and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) exerted diplomatic pressure on Gbagbo to step down. Sanctions were imposed.
  • UNOCI Reinforcements (January 2011): The UN Security Council authorized an increase in UNOCI’s troop strength.
  • French Military Intervention (Operation Licorne - March-April 2011): France, with UN Security Council Resolution 1977, launched Operation Licorne, directly intervening to neutralize Gbagbo’s forces. This was a decisive turning point.
  • Post-Conflict Stabilization (April 2011 onwards): UNOCI played a crucial role in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programs, and supporting the new government.

Factors Contributing to Success

  • Clear UN Mandate: Resolution 1977 provided a strong legal basis for the intervention, authorizing the use of force to protect civilians and facilitate the work of UNOCI.
  • French Military Superiority: Operation Licorne quickly neutralized Gbagbo’s forces, preventing a prolonged civil war.
  • Regional Support: ECOWAS and the AU played a vital role in legitimizing the intervention and providing political support.
  • Targeted Sanctions: Sanctions against Gbagbo and his allies weakened his regime and limited his ability to finance the conflict.

Limitations and Challenges

Despite its successes, the intervention wasn't without its challenges:

  • Human Rights Concerns: Both sides of the conflict committed human rights abuses, and the intervention itself resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Post-Conflict Justice: Bringing perpetrators of atrocities to justice proved difficult, hindering reconciliation.
  • Underlying Causes: The intervention addressed the immediate crisis but didn't fully address the underlying causes of conflict, such as land disputes and ethnic tensions.
  • Dependence on External Actors: The intervention highlighted Cote d'Ivoire’s dependence on external actors, raising questions about its long-term sovereignty.

Comparative Analysis: Cote d'Ivoire vs. Libya

The Cote d'Ivoire intervention is often contrasted with the 2011 intervention in Libya. While both were authorized under R2P, the outcomes differed significantly. In Cote d'Ivoire, the intervention was more targeted and focused on protecting civilians and restoring constitutional order. In Libya, the intervention evolved into a regime change operation, leading to state collapse and prolonged instability. This difference highlights the importance of clearly defined objectives and a limited mandate in international interventions.

Feature Cote d'Ivoire Libya
Primary Objective Protect civilians & restore constitutional order Protect civilians (evolved into regime change)
Mandate Clarity Relatively clear & focused Ambiguous & expanded
Post-Intervention Stability Relatively stable, though challenges remain State collapse & prolonged instability

Conclusion

The international intervention in Cote d'Ivoire can be considered a qualified success. It prevented a large-scale civil war and facilitated a peaceful transfer of power. However, it also exposed the complexities and challenges of international intervention, including human rights concerns and the need to address underlying causes of conflict. The case underscores the importance of a clear mandate, regional support, and a commitment to post-conflict stabilization and reconciliation. The lessons learned from Cote d'Ivoire are crucial for informing future interventions and ensuring the responsible application of the R2P principle.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
A global political norm that seeks to ensure states’ capacity and willingness to protect their own populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, and that if they fail to do so, the international community has a responsibility to intervene.
Humanitarian Intervention
Military intervention in another state with the primary purpose of preventing or ending widespread human rights violations.

Key Statistics

Approximately 3,000 people were killed during the post-election violence in Cote d'Ivoire (2010-2011).

Source: International Crisis Group, "Côte d'Ivoire: Preventing a Descent into Chaos," December 2010.

France contributed approximately 2,400 troops to Operation Licorne, representing the largest contingent in the intervention force.

Source: French Ministry of Defence (Knowledge cutoff: 2023)

Examples

Operation Licorne

The French military intervention in Cote d'Ivoire (Operation Licorne) involved approximately 2,400 troops and played a decisive role in neutralizing Gbagbo’s forces and securing Abidjan.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Was the intervention in Cote d'Ivoire a violation of sovereignty?

The intervention was justified under the R2P principle, which posits that sovereignty is not absolute and can be overridden in cases of mass atrocities. However, the question of sovereignty remains a contentious issue in international law and politics.

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