The Root Causes of the Conflict in Ivory Coast.

Abstract

The conflict in Ivory Coast is a by-product of deep-seated cleavages revolving around ethnicity, nationality and religion. Politicians tapped into these differences to consolidate their monopoly on power, and in the process, pushed the country toward civil war. Alassane Ouattara has inherited a deeply divided country and peace in Ivory Coast will largely depend on how he approaches the process of bridging the differences in Ivorian society. Ouattara also owes his rise to power to a loose coalition of rebel groups from the north, who might demand a role in government. Meeting their demands is also a key ingredient to peace in Ivory Coast.