Scottish Sunday: Chaos in Ivory Coast as Violence Escalates

Government Warplanes Attack French Forces

As government warplanes rip into French forces, killing eight, renewed violence in this once-affluent state is set to bring chaos to West Africa.

African Union Holds Emergency Meeting

The African Union, under current chairman, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, was this weekend holding an emergency meeting in an effort to prevent a full-scale war in Ivory Coast.

Ivorian Government Launches Air Attacks

After a tenuous truce between government and rebel forces lasting 18 months, the armed forces of Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo launched air attacks three days ago on at least seven northern towns and threatened to follow up with ground attacks. Yesterday, at least eight French soldiers were killed and 23 injured when government warplanes bombed French positions in the rebel stronghold of Bouake.

French Retaliate with Destruction of Ivorian Warplanes

The French later retaliated by destroying two Ivorian warplanes, prompting pro-government protesters to gather outside a French military base in the pro-government town of Abidjan before they were dispersed with teargas.

International Leaders Alarmed

The renewed hostilities have alarmed international leaders because warfare in what until recently was the region’s most affluent state has the potential to plunge the entire West African region into chaos.

The Root Causes of Conflict in Ivory Coast

Divisions Between North and South

Ivory Coast, the world’s biggest producer of cocoa and once an apparent oasis of political stability, lies at the economic and political crossroads of West Africa and is the base for millions of foreign nationals. A civil war began in September 2002 in which thousands died and more than a million people were uprooted.

The Gbagbo-Ouattara Clash

The immediate cause of the conflict was a mutiny by soldiers unhappy at being demobilised and at the banning of prominent opposition leader and former prime minister, Alassane Ouattara, from contesting presidential elections. The clash between Gbagbo and Ouattara was rooted in the classic West African mould, with all the potential for madness and disorder that peacemakers fear.

Divisions Based on Ethnicity and Religion

Gbagbo, a 60-year-old Roman Catholic from the south, relied heavily on French investment, aid, and personnel. Ouattara, a Muslim from the north, had closer ethnic, cultural, and religious links with neighboring countries to the north than with southern Ivory Coast.

Rise of Xenophobia and Economic Decline

Before the civil war, Ivory Coast experienced a wave of xenophobia, fueled by political leaders, including Gbagbo, and a decline in the economy due to falling commodity prices. As a result, the once prosperous country faced increasing resentment against immigrants.

The Role of Hotels Amid the Violence in Ivory Coast

Impact on the Hotel Industry

With the escalation of violence and political instability in Ivory Coast, the hotel industry is facing significant challenges. Many hotels in the affected areas have been damaged or destroyed, leading to a decline in accommodations for both tourists and locals. The situation has also caused a suspension of tourism activities in the region.

Concerns for Safety and Security

Tourists and business travelers are increasingly concerned about their safety and security while visiting Ivory Coast. The clashes between government and rebel forces have created an unpredictable and dangerous environment, discouraging many potential visitors from choosing the country as their destination.

Effect on Tourism Revenue

The decline in tourism activities and the negative perception of Ivory Coast as a result of the ongoing violence have had a significant impact on the country's tourism revenue. Hotels that heavily rely on tourism as their primary source of income are facing financial difficulties and may struggle to survive during these challenging times.

Hopes for a Resilient Hotel Industry

Despite the current challenges, the hotel industry in Ivory Coast hopes for a return to stability and peace. The country's unique cultural heritage, natural beauty, and economic potential continue to be valuable attractions for tourists. Once the violence subsides, it is expected that the hotel industry will work towards recovery and attracting visitors back to the country.