Address by Prez Kufuor At Inauguration of National Reconciliation

On behalf of my colleagues and brothers, Presidents Obasanjo of Nigeria and Eyadema of Togo, and on behalf of all the Governments and people of West Africa,I congratulate you and the people of Cote d’Ivoire on the successful formation of your Government of National Reconciliation. I cannot tell you how delighted we are to see the various parties to the recent unfortunate happenings in Cote d’ Ivoire assemble here today under one roof as members of a new Government, united by their common destiny and their shared commitment to the future prosperity of Cote d’ Ivoire. From today, that which divided you and threatened the very survival of your great country must be buried for good. This new Government must provide the framework for the unity of Cote d’Ivoire as envisaged by the Linas-Marcoussis and Accra Accords. We must all lend a hand to ensure that out of the ashes of conflict a new future will blossom for Cote d’ Ivoire – a future of which unborn generations of this great and prosperous nation would be proud. The search for peace always has its high hopes and its deep frustration. You have experienced both in your joint quest for peace in Cote d’ Ivoire. Happily, today, you stand at the threshold of history, with high hope of achieving for your country a durable peace that would signal to the world that at long last you the leaders have for the love of your nation succeeded your differences peacefully. Africa has had the misfortune of bearing an unfair share of conflicts in recent years. As Chairman of ECOWAS, I want to believe that the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Cote d’ Ivoire signifies the beginning of the end of the other conflicts in our sub-region. I urge you all members of this new Government of Cote d’ Ivoire to facilitate the realisation of this dream by resolving to be each others keeper, to tolerate each other’s views, and never again restore and armed conflict as a way of settling differences. I want to commend all the parties represented in this Government for the sacrifices and concessions they each made to make today’s happy event possible. With the help of all present, our Economic Community, ECOWAS, has demonstrated its capacity for the peaceful resolution of conflict. It is my sincere hope that you will continue to give due support to this organisation that is committed to serve and promote peaceful integration of the sub-region. I must also thank the Ivorian people for their endurance and evident resolve to continue to stay together as one people with one common destiny. The International community has been supportive, and is watching you with cautious optimism. This Government must not fail the nation, the sub-region and the International Community. Your singular aim must be to restore your nation to an orderly humanity and democratic governance. You must never lose sight of the relative superior advantages your nation enjoys in the sub-region. Your per capita GDP is highest in the sub-region. Your agriculture is diversified, and your infrastructure is more developed than most. You are an oil producing country. Cote d’Ivoire has since independence been the main financial, economic and commercial dynamo of Francophone West Africa. Your must be reminded that this glorious heritage was installed for your nation. Not by chance, but by the uniquely wise, far-sighted, inviting, humanitarian statesman and historic leader, and late revered nation builder Felix Houphuet-Biogny. You owe the nation the challenge to, at least maintain this enviable heritage, if you cannot improve upon it. But it is to be hoped that by your collective, selfless and nationalistic leadership you will prove capable of building upon it. My colleague and I feel greatly honoured to be sharing in this moment your glory. Our prayer is that this government will prove equal to the task of restoring law and order, national unity and reconciliation for all the people of Cote d’Ivoire. Thank your for your kind attention and wish this Government of National Reconciliation God’s Blessings. Thank you.