The Second Ivorian Civil War, which erupted in 2010, was a culmination of political tensions and disputes over presidential election results in Côte d'Ivoire. This conflict led to significant violence, loss of life, and displacement of populations. Below is a detailed account of the key events, dates, individuals, and incidents that defined this period.
Background
The roots of the Second Ivorian Civil War trace back to the first civil war (2002–2004), which left the nation divided between a rebel-held north and a government-controlled south. Despite a peace agreement in 2007, the country remained politically unstable. The long-delayed presidential elections were finally held in 2010, aiming to reunify the nation.
2010 Presidential Election and Dispute
October 31, 2010: The first round of the presidential election took place.
November 28, 2010: The runoff was held between incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo and opposition leader Alassane Ouattara.
December 2, 2010: The Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) declared Ouattara the winner.
December 3, 2010: The Constitutional Council, led by a Gbagbo ally, annulled the CEI's results, citing alleged irregularities, and declared Gbagbo the winner.
Both Gbagbo and Ouattara claimed the presidency and held separate inauguration ceremonies, leading to a political standoff. The international community, including the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS, recognized Ouattara as the legitimate president.
Escalation into Armed Conflict
December 2010 – February 2011: Clashes erupted between forces loyal to Gbagbo and Ouattara, particularly in Abidjan and western regions. Reports emerged of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
March 2011: The conflict intensified. Pro-Ouattara forces, known as the Republican Forces of Côte d'Ivoire (RFCI), launched offensives, capturing key towns and advancing towards Abidjan.
Major Causes of the Second Ivorian Civil War (2010–2011)
Disputed 2010 Presidential Election – The main trigger of the conflict was the disputed results of the November 2010 presidential election. Incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to Alassane Ouattara, despite international recognition of Ouattara as the winner.
Ethnic and Regional Divisions – Côte d'Ivoire had longstanding ethnic and regional tensions between the mainly Muslim north, which largely supported Ouattara, and the Christian/animist south, which backed Gbagbo.
Failure to Fully Implement the 2007 Peace Agreement – The Ouagadougou Peace Agreement was meant to reconcile the government and rebels from the First Ivorian Civil War (2002–2007). However, many provisions, including disarmament and electoral reforms, were not fully enforced.
Intervention of Militia and Mercenaries – Both sides recruited local and foreign militias. Pro-Gbagbo forces included Liberian mercenaries, while pro-Ouattara groups received support from the Forces Nouvelles rebels.
International Political Influence – France, the UN, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) backed Ouattara, while Gbagbo's government accused them of neo-colonialism. The crisis intensified due to conflicting external pressures.
Major Effects of the Second Ivorian Civil War
Humanitarian Crisis and Mass Displacement – The war resulted in over 3,000 deaths and displaced more than a million people, with thousands fleeing to neighboring Liberia and Ghana.
Economic Collapse and Sanctions – Côte d'Ivoire, the world's largest cocoa producer, suffered economic damage due to international sanctions, bank closures, and a trade embargo.
War Crimes and Human Rights Violations – Both pro-Gbagbo and pro-Ouattara forces committed atrocities, including killings, sexual violence, and ethnic targeting. The International Criminal Court (ICC) later prosecuted Gbagbo and his allies.
French and UN Military Intervention – France and UN peacekeepers launched Operation Unicorn, conducting airstrikes on Gbagbo’s forces and ultimately arresting him in April 2011.
Political Transition and Reconciliation Challenges – Ouattara assumed power, but deep political divisions remained. Efforts toward reconciliation, including the Dialogue, Truth, and Reconciliation Commission (CDVR), struggled to heal ethnic and political wounds.