Since taking office in May, President Alassane Dramane Ouattara has reiterated his determination to promote national reconciliation and strengthen democratic institutions and practices in C?te d?Ivoire. His swearing-in ceremony in May marked the end of a violent crisis provoked by the refusal of former President Laurent Gbagbo to leave office after losing last November?s presidential election. The crisis resulted in more than 3,000 deaths and one million displaced. President Ouattara discussed the work by his government to rebuild the economy, foster national reconciliation and strengthen bilateral relations with other African countries, as well as the challenges presented by security sector reform and investigations of past human rights abuses. Formerly an anchor of stability and economic success in West Africa, C?te d?Ivoire continues to influence political and economic trends in the region. Effective democratic governance in C?te d?Ivoire would encourage wider political participation and economic growth in the country, and have a positive impact in neighboring countries.
