UN Security Council bars weapon sales to Cote d'Ivoire

The UN Security Council on Tuesday decided that all states shall prevent direct or indirect supply of weapons to Cote d'Ivoire given that the country's situation poses a threat to regional peace and security.

The 15-nation body "decides, for a period ending on 30 April 2016, that all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to Cote d'Ivoire, from their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms and any related lethal materiel, whether or not originating in their territories," said a UN resolution released Tuesday.

After considering all violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Cote d'Ivoire, the council determined that "the situation in Cote d'lvoire continues to pose a threat to international peace and security in the region."

In terms of the instability in western Cote d'Ivoire, the council expressed its continued concern and encouraged the coordinated action by authorities from neighboring countries to address this issue, particularly with respect to the border area.

It also urged all illegal Ivorian armed combatants, including in neighboring countries, to lay down their arms immediately and called on the government of Cote d'Ivoire to ensure that those arms are neutralized or not illegally disseminated.

After the second Ivorian civil war in 2011 between forces loyal to Laurent Gbagbo, the ex-president since 2000, and supporters of the internationally recognized president-elect Alassane Ouattara, the country is still plagued by rampant insecurity, particularly in the west and north.

Moreover, the government has failed to disarm and reintegrate ex-combatants from both sides, resulting in a persistent flow of small weapons and light arms across the country. Endite