Why is the UN in Ivory Coast anyway?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the presence of the United Nations in Ivory Coast, particularly questioning the rationale behind their involvement in what some perceive as an internal conflict. Participants explore the implications of UN policy regarding interference in civil wars and the specific circumstances of the UN's deployment in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that UN policy generally prohibits interference in internal conflicts, questioning why they are present in Ivory Coast.
  • Others clarify that the UN's presence is by invitation from both parties involved in the conflict, suggesting a different interpretation of their role.
  • A participant humorously suggests that the UN's presence is related to protecting chocolate supplies, indicating a more cynical view of the motivations behind international involvement.
  • Another participant notes that the situation has been reported in the media intermittently, particularly during flare-ups of hostilities, and implies that media coverage may be influenced by the presence of Western interests.
  • One participant expresses appreciation for another's contributions, highlighting the perceived quality and neutrality of their posts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the reasons for the UN's presence in Ivory Coast, with no consensus reached regarding the motivations or implications of their involvement.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying interpretations of UN policy and the complexities surrounding international intervention in civil conflicts, with some assumptions about media representation and geopolitical interests remaining unexamined.

Smurf
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It is my understanding that UN policy is not to interfere with internal conflict, like a civil war. If this is true then why are they in Ivory Coast, if not what is the correct policy?
 
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Smurf said:
It is my understanding that UN policy is not to interfere with internal conflict, like a civil war. If this is true then why are they in Ivory Coast, if not what is the correct policy?

They are there by INVITATION of both parties:

http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/unoci/

This is a thing going on since many years now. It seems that it only just got in the media since this incident with the French soldiers.
 
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UN is there to protect our chocolate supply. :approve: :-p
 
Actually it's been in the news on and off for years. Every time there is a flair up in hostilities it's in the news. It's just not as memorable as anything involving the US.

Why are they there? Because they are French speaking and there are white westerners to protect.
 
Thank you kat, as always your posts are unbiased, factual and very enlightening
 

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