Political dialogue in Côte d’Ivoire: a difficult, but exemplary task. Could the Ivory Coast become a role model of multi-dimensional reconciliation for other African nations?

Abstract

In Côte d’Ivoire, eight years after the civil war, initiatives for improving the conditions of a still-polarised society through parallel civil and political reconciliation mechanisms are underway. Institutionalised reconciliation commissions are flanked by new electoral alliances and the return of well-known players. All of these trajectories have the ability to further dialogue if they overcome narrow group interests and dedicate themselves to the greater good of the country, i.e. if they join forces, at least to some extent. Democratisation as a common goal will play a crucial role in every regard. If combined and successful, these initiatives could turn out to be exemplary for other Sub-Saharan African nations too–but only if everything goes extremely well, and all actors accept the teachings of the case and are willing to compromise on multiple levels, write Roland Benedikter, Ismaila Ouedraogo and William Mensa Tsedse.