From Wikitravel

[edit] Update since the CIA's article

The CIA information article ends before September 2002, when dissatisfied northerners (many of Burkinabe origin, discriminated against as 'foreigners') launched a coup attempt on President Gbagbo. The coup failed, but the rebels succeeded in taking the northern and western parts of the country, which is still partitioned. Travel is possible in the southern half - which offers the most rewarding possibilities for travel - but there are numerous roadblocks at which bribes often have to be paid. The roads are, however, in a reasonable state, although some become impassable in the rainy season.

[edit] Update since that was written

[edit] Introduction

This information is based on the United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office webpage. I think the information on the wikitravel Ivory Coast page understates the hazards of the country considerably.--Lionfish 09:44, 20 Apr 2005 (EDT) (15:45BST)

[edit] January 2004

• New forces rejoined government.

[edit] February 2004

[edit] March 2004

• PDCI accuse Gbagbo of stalling the reconciliation discussions. They stop participation in the meetings.
• 25th: Pro-Marcoussis parties (PDCI and RDR) demonstrate on the streets. Over 100 people died in the resulting repression by the security forces.
• Other parties join PDCI Boycott

[edit] April 2004

• UN Peace-keeping force (UNOCI) began entering country

[edit] May 2004

[edit] June 2004

[edit] July 2004

[edit] August 2004

• Accra III accord signed: Requiring the president to pass all LMA legislation by October and to start the reintegration of the two parts of the country.

[edit] September 2004

• UN Peace-keeping force in place (6000 troops)

[edit] October 2004

• LMA legislation not yet passed. Reintegration not begun.

[edit] November 2004

• 4th: Ivorian Government military fighter planes dropped bombs on rebel stronghold of Bouake.
• 6th: During an Ivorian Government airstrike on a French military base (near Bouake), 9 French peace keepers killed and the Ivorian plane was shot down.
• 6th-8th: Ivorian and French troops had multiple clashes in and around the city of Abidjan. Militia groups also attacked foreign businesses and homes.
• 7th-8th: 8000 foreign nationals (mostly British and French) were evacuated by their respective embassies.
• President Mbeki tried to resolve crisis with a 'roadmap' with little success.

[edit] December 2004

• UN Security Council passed Resolution 1572. This condemned the actions of the goverment and endorsed the Accra III agreements. Arms embargos and travel bans were also imposed.

[edit] January 2005

[edit] February 2005

• Skirmishes in the Zone of Confidence

[edit] March 2005

• Clashes intesified in the Zone of Confidence
• All parties agreed to fresh set of talks in Pretoria in April

[edit] April 2005

• 1st: Operations at the British Embassy in Abidjan were suspended

--Lionfish 09:44, 20 Apr 2005 (EDT) (15:45BST)

[edit] FCO Advise

The FCO has designated the Ivory Coast as one of only three countries it advises against all travel to. It no longer provides diplomatic representation in the country. Many other countries have also withdrawn their embassies.

--Lionfish 09:44, 20 Apr 2005 (EDT) (15:45BST)

[edit] Things to see and do

There are attractive and swimmable beaches at Assignie, beautiful old colonial buildings at Grand Bassam, more coastal resorts around Sassandra, while Abidjan is a fun and vibrant city, albeit one that erupts in tension from time to time. Yammoussoukro is well worth a visit, boasting a cathedral with the largest basilica in the world, a game park, and a presidential palace at which the sacred crocodiles can be fed. The most unique attractions remain the annual Man mask festival and the Tai (Tye-ee) rainforest where it remains easy to see chimpanzees. Since both of these are generally unreachable because of the partition of the country, this is not, therefore, the best time to visit Cote d'Ivoire and a visit to neighbouring Ghana is likely to be rather more rewarding.

Totally disagree about Ghana being more rewarding. They are culturally totally different countries. If you want a better level of security the closest to CdI is probably Senegal BozMo

[edit] Naming of Article

Shouldn't the article be under "Ivory Coast"? I am pretty sure Cote d'Ivoire is not the common English name of the country.

The UK's Foreign office calls it: "Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire)"

The name was officially changed in 1985, 23 years ago, and unlike The Country Formerly Known As Burma there's no political dispute over it. Jpatokal 02:11, 3 January 2008 (EST)

Isn't the basilica the 2nd largest, not the largest?

Yeah, what they pointed out. -- Sapphire • (Talk) • 19:43, 2 January 2008 (EST)