ReliefWeb

I. Introduction

1. By its resolution 2112 (2013), the Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) until 30 June 2014 and requested me to provide a final report by 15 May 2014. The present report includes an update on major developments since my midterm report dated 24 December 2013 (S/2013/761), outlines the main findings of the strategic review of Côte d’Ivoire and provides my recommendations for UNOCI, including the extension of its mandate.

II. Political situation

1. The President of Côte d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, and his Government continued to take steps to further ease political tensions, alleviate insecurity and accelerate economic recovery. In his New Year’s address to the nation, the President underscored the importance of reconciliation and national cohesion and, to that end, expressed his Government’s determination to continue its dialogue with the political opposition and make further conciliatory gestures to those who supported the former regime.

2. The year 2013 began with constructive momentum with respect to political dialogue — including within the context of the permanent framework for dialogue, bilaterally between the Government and the former ruling party, the Front populaire ivoirien (FPI), and among opposition political parties. The focus was on establishing new mechanisms to advance dialogue and negotiations with the Government.