Ivory Coast concerns

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West African bloc threatens intervention in Ivory Coast

ECOWAS lacks adequate logistics and cohesion for a quick and decisive strike to remove the dictator who is trying to thwart the will of the Ivoirians. Military force should be used if Laurent Gbagbo refuses to quit as it has been shown from the election result that the majority of the people does not want him to continue in power. He should never underestimate a determined ECOWAS with a very strong Nigerian influence and the support of the AU, UN, US and EU. -- Agholor, Nigeria

My opinion is that Gbagbo should hand over power peacefully, but if that is not the case then ECOWAS will have to send in the military. He cannot just gain power by force. A lot of resources were spent for the election to take place, so the people of Ivory Coast deserve to be heard. -- James, Kenya

I think it's high time we put an end to all of this military adventurism on the African continent so the ordinary people can be saved from these selfish individuals, and hopefully have some chance for some real development. Though there is a risk of abuse in intervening in the internal affairs of independent member states, this time around ECOWAS is right to use full force to oust Gbagbo. That would send a useful signal to all intending adventurists on the continent! ECOWAS may even need to clearly define the circumstances under which it might routinely consider this form of intervention in future. Enough is enough! -- Anthony, Nigeria

I am happy that ECOWAS has given a warning to Laurent Gbagbo that should he decide not to stand down, the bloc would use legitimate force to oust him from power. For a long time now, the African Union and the world have watched dictators cling to power even when they lost elections. The peoples' will, expressed through elections or the ballot box, has meant nothing. -- Malama, Zambia

While I am thankful that we have the presence of the UN in our world, however, it would be a mistake to send UN peacekeepers. I believe ECOWAS is more in touch with what's happening in Ivory Coast and it's time we give credence and support to local initiatives of this magnitude. The UN should work with ECOWAS and give necessary guidance if need be. Too many cooks here will spoil these welcome "winds of change" we are beginning to witness in some parts of Africa. -- Gari, Unknown

Compiled by Stuart Tiffen
Editor: Chuck Penfold