CÔTE D’IVOIRE Time to “disarm minds, pens and microphones”

May 2005 Reporters Without Borders International Secrétariat Africa Desk 5, rue Geoffroy Marie 75009 Paris-France Tél. (33) 1 44 83 84 76 Fax (33) 1 45 23 11 51 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rsf.org CÔTE D’IVOIRE Time to “disarm minds, pens and microphones” of preparations for a “free, fair and transparent” – 30 October 2005 – seems improbable for lack election presidential the for set currently date the if control,even UN under elections general militias in the south. All sights are now fixed on combatants government and north the rebelforcesin the – their of (DDR) reintegration and disarmament demobilisation, a the for on timetable agreed parties warring the May, 14 On Union. African the of behalf on Mbeki Thabo thanks to mediation and by South African President sanctions targeted of threat 2005 UN a April under 6 on concluded accord, the Pretoria by offered is settlement negotiated a for chance last A phase. decisive a entered has 2002, September since partition country’s the for prosecution because they are “low-hanging targets first the be would journalists say York New in sources UN again, derailed is process jeopardize to not South Africa’s concern mediation. However, if a the peace of because up Court in January 2005 but there was no follow- Criminal 95 International the of to sent blacklist was names This peace. to obstacles as identified or atrocities of have instigators to the been alleged military and politicians with for called openly along blacklist a on violence incited or murder have who journalists put and media” “hate d’Ivoire’s Côte 1572) condemned resolution (in Council Security UN the play. In an unprecedented move last to November,role crucial a have media news Ivorian The poll. T ,0 wl b pites f epe otne to continue whip uphatedayafterin Côted’Ivoire. people if pointless be will 8,000 the increasing number of peacekeepers from 6,240 to around and (UNOCI) d’Ivoire Côte in Operation Nations United Strengthening the of mandate media. the hate the of challenge the up take to community international the on call to opportunity the seizes Borders Without in adopting a involvement new resolution to by 5 June, view Reporters a its with process peace reexamines d’Ivoire’s Côte UN the As fruit” –theeasiesttobringtrial. he civil war in Côte d’Ivoire, the cause for d’Ivoire,cause Côte the in war civil he to President Laurent Gbagbo on 4 November 4 on Gbagbo Laurent President to “Youngof Yacoubagrouplinked a Patriots” by utd ln with along ousted the press in the Marcoussis accord, which the which accord, Marcoussis the in press the about clause key a But January). 10 on work Yacouba(while 2005 alreadyhad to back gone Their reinstatement became effective on 10 May 2004. Ivoirienne Radio-Télévision broadcaster, TV the state the of of board reinstatement governing the include would that this envisaged was It service. public a be to the state broadcast media, which are supposed of impartiality the guarantee and d’Ivoire Côte in media’sexcesses print the to end an put to The Pretoria peace accord reaffirms the “need” task urgent An and pens microphones.” minds, “disarm to time is it wrote, daily Ivorian the in columnist a responsibly.As and freely both practised be to journalism for fighting been have dangers, Ivorians who, for a long time and despite all international the of Reporters help the to come the to duty solution.” a has community believes the Borders of Without part therefore be and problem must the of part are “they that grounds the media on unpunished the go criminals letting and outrage ineffective to alternative an as urgentmeasures of number a advocates Borders Without May,Reporters 14 to from7 field the in investigation an Following RTI ietr eea Kébé general director ( RTI Fraternité Matin Matin Fraternité , hc was which ), 2 CÔTE D’IVOIRE Time to “disarm minds, pens and microphones” n 1 October, 11 On apart,killingfieldsandgenocide.” torn country the with today, know all we result the with neo-colonialists, “by 1994 in down shot was plane whose president Rwanda’s as fate same the suffer could Gbagbo President that w mar mas f ussec? O 7 On subsistence?” of means their meagre of own them deprive could it down, it breaks if that, and region this of locomotive the d’Ivoire is Côte that forgotten really they Have could repatriate those thousands of foreigners? it wall, d’Ivoirethe Côte to if reallyback its has forgottenthey Have return. in asked being that thanks to the funds they repatriate with nothing the are and ones who enable their own d’Ivoirecountries to survive Côte from lodging board and received always have citizens their of thousands several that forget must they mean that does But rebels. the support to decided his in diabolical work.” accomplices It said: “Chirac’s“These presidents have as presidents ih hi wvs” n 5 October, 15 On wives.” their with way his having pleasurein malicious victims’ a took he the rebels, lawless as the by cut that, being were reported throats is “It said: It wives.” victim’s his raped “He headlined, was deputy the that Tabley Dakoury about Louis-André leader report rebel a had issue The it.” same to up him put who the ones for the French, boots seven-league on president, put bad has who this of adventurism government’s the political short cut Ivorian urgently must services “The special Faso: neighbouring Burkina in Compaoré Blaise President not lag behind. On 23 September, 23 On behind. lag not did media print The resistance.” “anti-colonial of act an as glorified was whites” for “hunt the On 17 November, against poverty.” struggle hour in back us hold to bank-robbers has and rapists bloodthirsty of years horde a maintained two than more for and us against war make to decided therefore “Chirac wrote: on air the on made were murder for Calls contingent. Licorne the as known force President Gbagbo and a French peacekeeping of supporters between war” “six-day the and forces very government by violation cease-fire were the The media ever. Ivorian December,following and November than in serious the urgent of more excesses is task This financial the foster and independence ofthemedia.” service of public impartiality the and neutrality the guarantee authorities, regulatory the of role the reinforce government of national reconciliation a year “to near Paris, still awaits 2003 implementation. This gave the January in signed parties warring blood.” On 24 September, of drinkers and addicts “drug rebels the called Notre Voie Voie Notre e ainl Plus National Le Le Temps Le described Africa’s suggested Notre Voie Notre Le Temps Temps Le ad of said RTI and

eebr December, d’Ivoire d’Ivoire daily sentence. daily the 2000, year, single in that warnings coming from abroad. many A study showed the like effect, no have warnings these of courts capable of sanctioning press offences, for 10 at every weekly meeting. But in the absence newspapers or violating basic rules of conduct – an average of journalists official to 6,000 warnings than more years, issued 10 has past OLPED the Over country. the inside time long a for out speaking been have People excesses. media’s Ivorian the about outrage voicing been have who foreigners just not is It consequences.” headline in headline “France, a terrorist country of long standing.” A s ao aae rpsd n h interactive on the Issues,” “Current in programme, proposed Lazare Lago himself identifying as listener a as war,” the for lynching of journalists as the ones “responsible the for calls for way the pave could it And (2). “native” everything of glorification the areas, the wider problem of “Ivorianness” and, in rural visceral rejection of everything the foreign and obscures divisions national for alone press the exception and without distinction.” But blaming war real are the Ivorian of journalists all colours, without “the unity national of destroyers saying, real the mongers, as adviser Soumahoro presidential Ben and member assembly the March, 3 On become crisis. have the for they scapegoats discredited so now are media Ivorian the excesses, their resultof a As (1). by Licorne” assault final all-out in Gbagbo assassinate to n vra plcmn o a 7ya prison 17-year a got which policeman for Ivorian Hélène an Jean journalist French of was case finally dismissed and the October 2003 murder the which in massacre Yopougon the – prosecuted been have killings of two cases only reports enquiry, of the commissions and various of resolutions UN in violence internationally? and Despite all the public condemnation of political nationally unpunished judicial gone any have Abidjan in atrocities squad” “death without and massacres worst the even violence and response political victims of the media been have hate civilians of the thousands of which in country a hope in justice to brought any being there is But courts forincitingracialhatred” (3). the in punishable been have would democracy law-abiding a “in which articles, 52 published and warned that comments they could such have “unforeseeable condemned” “roundly 1995, since media Ivorian the monitoring been has Ethics and Conduct Watchdog (OLPED), which ’nelgn d’Abidjan L’Intelligent n My 05 Te rs Freedom, Press The 2005. May 4 on Le Temps Temps Le Le Courrier d’Abidjan d’Abidjan Courrier Le on 10 March said, “Plan said, March 10 on utd national quoted Radio Côte Côte Radio or Voie Notre eerd to referred 3

CÔTE D’IVOIRE Time to “disarm minds, pens and microphones” oet 5. hr ae ny he newspapers three only are There (5). modest more much is sold actually copies of number The profitability. of threshold the considered is which copies, 10,000 morethan print others the of eight only and 20,000, than more of run rtrié Matin for Fraternité cent per 25 from ranges unsold returned copies of rate The readers. paying 1,000 than fewer have others Nine day. a copies 10,000 than more sell which – daily) party ruling (the – – 2004 23 of end the the at existing of newspapers daily two Only the virulence. editorial of their relation and number large their poor despite media Ivorian the are Newspapers who giveorders.” “those from themselves emancipating regards as manoeuvre for room some have journalists shows also but assessment overall Bouquet’s confirms Ivorian work they way the the and of media news situation current still orders The with give intact.” press who those party on a from dependence to gone press government have a we Bouquet “Mentally, (4). continues: contradicted” being for stand not will still piece each but monolith apart broken the has – system multiparty a towards party single the as course same the followed has opinion of diversity towards press the of In the view of Christian Bouquet, “the progress would liketobeheldassoonpossible. Ivorians most certainly almost and community of the coming elections, which the international as one would like it to be, especially in the light not exists, it as press the from support some the the worse press offences can only hope to find from emerging stemming least at or impunity for of circle vicious strategy realistic A “ Dependence on Toujours h acutn – rm h rsl o returned of resale the from – accounting the in included not one – income personal small a ones who gives orders” and some editors earn “the by funded are newspapers that fact the by offset is This business. of out newspaper the putting up end can and sold one each for when four, five or even nine copies are returned self-destructive is it But high. artificially tariffs advertising keep and advertisers lure to helps extent, printing many more copies than are of sold rate a with unsold copies higher than dailies 50 per cent. other To some 14 still But are there 2005. February in folded day, a copies which mustbeaworldrecord. those whothose give orders Fraternité Matin Fraternité rtrié Matin Fraternité , which printed an average of 18,000 of average an printed which , o 5 e cn for cent per 95 to and , Soir-Info Soir-Info Soir-Info and – have a print- a have – ” Notre Voie Voie Notre Toujours , f n-at rl, s osdrd h leading the independent relatively of group the of member considered is rule, one-party of decades four the during newspaper official the y eoig oe pc in space more devoting by politicians the from independence relative for RDR minister for new information technologies information new for minister RDR Mayama group headed by Hamed Bakayoko, the e newspaper, new case for case the often the areis This shareholders. They leading newspaper’s them. paying and them behind is who hide newspapers these of None newspapers. d’Abidjan and in “pro-government” degree of diversity of opinion. Paradoxically, the a for respect their positively,more it put or,to loyalties political fluctuating their so-called of because newspapers, “two-faced” the and parties), opposition of group the after (named newspapers” “G7 the newspapers), Gbagbo tops” (blue “blue- being the the preferred colour categories: of the three pro- into newspapers Ivorian the classify can one speaking, Broadly copies forrecycling. (6). newspapers ( newspapers leading other two owns that group business A professional conduct. the print media, including from the viewpoint of Nonetheless, it is still considered the flagship of capital). its times 30 than (more debt heavy by reached 100,000 copies, but now it is burdened time (in the the mid-1980s) when from its daily resourcescirculation state significant inherited a homogenous power centre – can be studied be can – centre power homogenous a of the presidential palace – which is in no sense intentions The from orders.” them give get who “those they messages the is “G7” newspapers and “blue-top” the of interest sole The the Ivoriansenseofidentity. distort to helps probably that effect hot-house a has and extraordinary is Togo.press Ivorian the of in turmoil death the Exacerbated by Eyadema’s the civil now,war, neighbouring the Gen. self-absorption right following in as, such occur when countries even events newspapers, significant other in largely ignored is that something news, international e on in found be can – Houphouët-Boigny Félix President late the under party single ruling the was which – (PDCI) d’Ivoire of Côte of positions Party The Democratic May.the 17 on launched was ae eetd in reflected are – Republicans (RDR) – Alassane Ouattara’s party of Rally the of position the parties, opposition n gnrl neet es n, in and, news interest general and Notre Voie Notre Les Echos du matin du Echos Les Le Patriote Le and , Soir-Info Le Temps Le e ova Réveil Nouveau Le Frat’Mat L’Evénement odSd Quotidien Nord-Sud e Patriote Le Fraternité Matin Fraternité , which is financed by the by financed is which , and a i i otn called, often is it as , . As regards the various , Le Courrier d’Abidjan Courrier Le L’Inter . Soir-Info , 4 Heures 24 , ) also strives also ) , which was which , L’Intelligent L’Intelligent L’Inter o crime to which , 4 r a or to ,

CÔTE D’IVOIRE Time to “disarm minds, pens and microphones” of the market, with cent per 24 have stations radio Foreign cent). per (25 sport of ahead way listeners), of cent and evening news have the most impact (57 per morning the programmes, the all Of (7). day a minutes 119 for with in tuning average cent), on listeners per (28 often” “quite or cent) per (19 often” “very listen population the of cent per 47 – south government-controlled the in station with the biggest percentage of listeners the still is It source. news important most was the and country the of cent per 90 reached h ntoa rdo station, radio national the All of these newspapers, together with the daily at thepresidential palace. WanyouAllou protocolof head also is Eugène, Before partition, opinion. public control to battle political the of heart the d’Ivoire’sat areCôte stations TV two any appreciable impacton thesefigures. in broadcasting had yet not has cities, other three currently and Abidjan mission, is UN the which by UNOCI, run and up set station ( the 2002, September in national radio station, partition Before public control to opinion At Sport Le Nostalgie of director the and communication and Horizon 500 and 15,000) the reader? not if client the is reader?”Who the than client the in interested more we “Are meeting: the at asked was question self-critical unintentionally doubt no and revealing A April. 28 on (UNJCI) the d’Ivoire of Côte of meeting Journalists of public Union National a at given figures to according 85,000, to fell subsequently this but 150,000 totalled buy who last readers of number the Before market. resurgence in the crisis, in November 2004, the shrinking a share 35,000), of run print a with magazine “people” ie s el s en oe f h FIs other FPI’s the vice-presidents. of one being as well as president’swife the is who Gbagbo, Simone and Gbagbo’s party, the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), Dramane Sangaré, one Abou of the vice-presidents include of President shareholders whose the satirical weekly satirical the Foreign satellite TV stations, above all above stations, TV satellite Foreign cent). programmeper variety (40 popular most the than rating higher a south, the in viewers programmenews of cent per 46 by watched is its p.m., 9 to 7 From south. the in population the of half than more reaches still It country. RFI the heart of the political battle battle political the of heart the ) dominating (20 per cent). A new FM radio FM new A cent). per (20 dominating ) , have 35 per cent of the market. Like market. the of cent per 35 have , wt a rn rn f ,0 i 2004), in 7,000 of run print a (with I i as te ae for case the also is It . TopVisage RTI Notre Voie Notre Radio France Internationale Internationale France Radio reached 70 per cent of the Gbich Radio Côte d’Ivoire Côte Radio a ey successful very (a (with a print run of run print a (with ’s managing editor,’smanaging RTI s ne the under is or Voie Notre Canal+ Canal+ Radio- ( RCI ), , by any concern for diversity of views. of diversity for concern any by untroubled is that propaganda out put to them use who rebels, the by over taken were north installations of the state broadcast media in the ea voaig h caefie te main and while the attacked ransacked, were cease-fire, newspapers the opposition violating began en ond y w biweeklies, two by since joined has It been Abidjan. in force by to power bid take failed their after days three just 2002, “ RTI tension, of times At for calm. is valid all when periods only are figures these all However, claimed). party,opposition CNCA parties the the than treatment political better no receiving the party president’s the of (with ahead way reports, news of number largest the of subject the was society” “civil president, the members by appointed are whose body regulatory a figures (CNCA), airtime to compiled by the National Broadcasting Council according activities. president’s the Nonetheless, of exhaustive all to gives coverage and thumb government’s Patrie Tam-Tam their ot wud eur te etrto of restoration the require would the in north debate of level minimum a to return A es ei’ ms rcn enforced recent most Ivorian media’s the on of date case news the the 2004, November was 4 Such tool. propaganda eegny ln sbitd o h president the to submitted plan” “emergency the in euros) million (12.2 francs CFA billion 8 at estimated is north the in transmitters relay rtra cod. h cs o rpiig and repairing and reequipping of Marcoussis cost The the accords. both Pretoria in envisaged as with opinions, of country diversity reflecting programming the throughout broadcasting togod f oaé ht itiue a few a copies. The rebels brought out the distributes first issue of that Bouaké of stronghold rebel the in bookstore French a to only due is this even and north, the in presence symbolic a than more little have south the in circulating newspapers The expression. free and media The rebel north is something of a desert for news Forces ofCôted’Ivoire Philippe (FANCI). Col. by Mangou, the chief of attended staff of the National Armed was “departure ceremony” their mission, been official had an they on that there sign clear a In for months. in occupying been headquarters had they which television Abidjan, national the left signed, that the last 200 pro-Gbagbo militiamen Pretoriaaccordthe was after days six April, 12 until not was It president. the of supporters by replaced and removed forcibly were board his initially rebaptised initially Gleichschaltung s rnfre it te government’s the into transformed is Journal Officiel Officiel Journal . wih r dsrbtd oal. The locally. distributed are which , RTI nldn te ear f 14 of repair the including ” s h gvrmn forces government the As .” RTI Télé-Mutins in Bouaké on 22 September s ietr eea and general director ’s and then and Liberté RTI Notre Notre 5 and was RTI

CÔTE D’IVOIRE Time to “disarm minds, pens and microphones” aob, h i se a smoe h can who someone as seen is general, who Yacouba, director present the the of to continuation threat a poses nonetheless provision the dismiss this principle, in Unassailable and general. director appoint to power the have entity. Its board of governors will also henceforth owned company to an exclusively state-owned state- part privately-owned, part a from status of fairness. guarantee essential an of deprived be thereby receive would national level radio and TV coverage themselves and would elections the nor campaign election the neither June, in being not does work if that warned Yacouba 2005. May 11 on Yacouba Kébé general director by Collines Collines that in warned result “could privately changes the – genocide 1994 encouraged that the to station allusion radio an Rwandan in the – member CNCA one and radio national on broadcast being messages hate virulent most the relayed stations these December,and November last during of violence However,the news.” “local broadcast to permitted be will all, above and, benefits tax receive will now), km 10 80 of (instead km of 100 to radius a over broadcast to allowed be are about 50, mostly located in the towns – will privately- another danger. These stations – governing of which there rules contain stations radio non-commercial owned, the to changes freedom, their increasing principle in Although guarantee impartiality(8). on 14 December. adopted It envisages a change in media broadcast both public regulating and law private new a had government Ivorian the time, same the at freedom press of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, predator and protector Financial pressure commission, thereby ending the use of multiple with registered pseudonym, one than more no use may journalist A (UNJCI). d’Ivoire Côte of Journalists of Union National the by accepted criteria to a according commission by 11 government issued card least press a at holding employ journalists must newspaper Each response. any to comments adding on ban a with established, is response of right The to libel. prone publications premises, fly-by-night own prevent to its have must newspaper. company a set The publishes that to company needed a is up euros) (7,500 francs CFA million 5 of Capital responsibility. more foster to designed requirements formal of number a established and offences press for sentences privately-owned print media. the It abolished to prison improvements many introducing law a The national assembly at the same time passed multiplied byfifty.” Radio des Mille Mille des Radio RTI ’s Current real pay Pay stipulatedbytheaccord / stipulated inthecollectiveagreement. those half about are pay of levels real current who the newspapers, these in orders”).Except give “those on dependence increased an of means by only perhaps (or costs production in • Ivoir-Soir newspaper no except applied, were accord pay collective the If the that would notbeready intime. seemed it decreesrequiredimplementation their begin to mid-May in However, transition. six-month a aftter 2005, June 1 on effect take to supposed are media, print and these All provisions, journalists. those paid affecting poorly both among broadcast corruption existing an apply collective to pay agreement with the requirementaim of ending the is new law the of provision – essential – other One pseudonyms whichalsofacilitateslibel. tpcl vra diy esae employs newspaper daily about 20 editors, reporters and photographers, Ivorian typical A Vendors, and forums • • • • the principlesofprofession. under considerable financial pressure to betray thereforeare d’Ivoire Côte in working currently journalists 500 approximately the of majority vast the Abidjan. consideration, moral in any living from of Aside cost the with line in not are – example for journalist, senior a for euros 1985- 300 than less – levels in pay existing the But 86. was Lille or Strasbourg Bordeaux, Dakar,Yaoundé,in Tunis, train to scholarships received journalists time poorly last the are and d’Ivoire journalists many that Côte in school Therejournalism qualified. no is true is It à 457 euros) (381 francs CFA 250-300,000 / euros) 914 335 euros) à (274 francs CFA 180-220,000 / euros) (533 305 euros) à (229 francs CFA 150-200,000 / euros) (427 229 euros) à (152 francs CFA 100-150,000 / euros) (335 around 50,000CFA francs(76euros) Trainee: Editor: ed f section: of Head eir journalist: Senior tf journalist: Staff and

5-0,0 CA rns 65 à (685 francs CFA 450-600,000 2,0 CA rns 13 uo) / euros) (183 francs CFA 120,000 L’Inter Fraternité Matin Fraternité would survive the increase

2,0 CA francs CFA 220,000 8,0 CA francs CFA 280,000 5,0 CA francs CFA 350,000 “ gombos and perhaps 6 ”

CÔTE D’IVOIRE Time to “disarm minds, pens and microphones” accounting miracle that allows Côte d’Ivoire’s Côte allows that the miracle explain accounting to enough not is it newspapers), could legally close down almost all the existing (which government the of mercy the at press the puts practice this authorities. that fact the the from Aside of acceptance tacit the with skipping their social security and tax payments by month each of end the to through get they about this, publishers and managing editors say asked When up. add not does clearly equation the copy), a francs CFA 20 or month a francs in factor social you advertising revenue (an if average of 4 Even million CFA expenses. etc), reporting of computers speak to not taxes, and contributions security cars, electricity, for telephone, rent, left (office costs francs production other CFA 44 and salaries, staff distribution, francs for CFA 30 printer, for the for francs francs CFA CFA 60 66 follows: as CFA 200 down is breaks therefore revenue the and newspaper francs a of price retail The CFA francs(1.5euro cents)percopy. 10 earning chain the of end the at vendors the with vendors, street the and sale of points the Twenty per cent of the distribution cost goes to (9). vendors street of army by hierarchical very a completed are sales newspaper national of before cent per 60 existed rebellion), 2002 September that the number the (half sale of points fixed 100 approximately the from Aside price. newspaper’sretail a of third a represent government-controlled south. Distribution the costs in km 7,000 than more totalling distances over day every copies 180,000 that some delivers for company privately-owned Except by a distributed EdiPresse, them). all are of they newspapers, two half (selling copies 10,000 about prints and trainees, them of half es f esaes r as rne a the at rented also are newspapers of Sets themselves. for keep vendors the which francs CFA100 of “rent” modest the for later hour an returned then and read are they where office, to office from newspaper day’s the all of sets the in is take blocks vendors Abidjan, of centre office administrative ruinous, the In more “renting.” much called practice, Another want toconvey. orders” give who “those which messages the reinforcesstreetpractices the of on impact the spaces, which also serve as public forums. This same the in matches shouting in it regurgitate then and end on and hours for venom their read absorb hands their on time and money no with people unemployed where spaces open in boards wooden big on newspapers the of pages the all up pinning of practice the is – so way – financially damaging but not enormously One newspapers. the swindle to ways various in conspire readers and vendors Furthermore, newspapers tokeepgoing. n pltcl at lae trd f aig to having of tiredboth “bait and transport” the press so that they leader party political the one of by comment approving provided the transport, was newspaper,” of their means have own “They professional. most the are usd o te es raiain ut be must organization news the of outside someone by for paid is that journalist a for trip any of terms The professionalism. their affect can that gifts and invitations repeated “Journalists refuse says: it trips,” paid and lunches “Gifts, heading the Under expression. free of restoration the and democracy of introduction the following 1992 in adopted press the which contrary, is touched on in the “code of honour” their principles. The subject is not taboo and, on the betraying enjoy journalists Ivorian think most to mistake a be would it press, activist for the “client.” It would be hard to get an get to hard is be would It “client.” subject the for the important how and media to the according varies diem per the okra), from Abidjan as the “gombo” (a popular sauce made in Known (10). diem per a of payment to also subject often and paid costs all with “invited” when travel only journalists countries, African many viability.in and As basis sound a lacks – salaries inadequate give and readers illicit who orders,” “those from subsidies with which what model – business media a is of journalists result d’Ivoire’sthe Côte of venality The sale of10copies. s hw b both by shown As who hatethose preach How in rein to come andcoverhismeetings. Voie o h gvrmn wt te eut that result the with government the to demands. Their insistence their is proportional in to their pushy proximity quite often are they but diems per lower get journalists media Print driver.” rest to the sound man, the lighting man and the the lion’sdistributes the and sharepockets He crew, often threatening not to produce a report. entire the of behalf on negotiates who reporter gombo,” the said the head of to big public corporation. “It’s limit the no is “There euros). (90 television crew for less than 60,000 CFA francs beyond reproach, beyond not Although want.” they what do they fact in promotion, any doing without money the take “They reliable: less were but less demanded Many “clients” said opposition press journalists the equivalent of what they make take from the while the vendors quickly 100 earn CFA francs, nothing, almost for press the all at look quick a get Readers benefits. everyone newspapers, sit servants around big tables to have lunch. civil Aside from the where places eating cheap ’sare “robbers.”the nicknamed journalists Fraternité Matin Fraternité rtrié Matin Fraternité ’s journalists n the and Notre Notre 7 RTI

CÔTE D’IVOIRE Time to “disarm minds, pens and microphones” o mc bte baig n id h ne is need the mind in bearing better much not arepractices and sometimes France, including countries developed many in alone newspapers of let conduct raised, of codes and even charters the in settled, not is problem The of flexibility independence. relative the only of declaration mock this to wrong be would It canacceptorrefuse.”the journalist defined in advance. The news organization and above andbeyondthepolitical divisions. of won it widespread respect Union within the profession, National Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI). All this the has from independence complete its established moreover card. has and which press named a were shamed at a congress in June 2004 by OLPED, have journalists newspaper Nonetheless, each at members staff 11 only that requires law new the Incomprehensibly, effect. takes law new press the when so be to not continue journalist will and a as work to obligatory not is government’scard press a However card. the press a with list the on those issued not request, has commission journalism OLPED’s At were libellousorcontained hatemessages. that articles unsigned and published journalists who editors both offenders, repeated Reconciliation of National the Forum at the end of at 2001, it released a blacklist and, more” nothing and moral, be must sanction “the that the trade, OLPED abandoned its initial position of rules basic these respect journalists make to way a lacked it that evidence the Accepting principles beingwidelyknown(11). denounced and have resulted in the underlying violating human dignity – have been repeatedly spirit, fraternal inciting of vice, violating decency lack and morality, balance, and reporting and of tribalism lack fanaticism, inciting religious inciting xenophobia, revolt, inciting and insult, of violence forms – Nine misconduct” job. good “professional a done having as recognised is frenzy, and support “patriotic” broad has OLPED of periods during silence its and name pompous-sounding its Despite self- Saharan Africa. a sub- in (OLPED), unprecedented then entity monitoring Watchdog Conduct and Ethics Freedom, Press in the formed – they 1995 (CNCA) Council Broadcasting National the and (CNP) Council Press National the – and bodies 1990) in exclusively (formed formal criteria of the state d’Ivoire regulatory Côte of Journalists of Union National the of approach undertaken media. In order to have go beyond the merely unionist considerable efforts themselves to clean up the Ivorian news Journalists less. qimn, t a as be icpbe of those whopreach hate(12). incapable been in rein to how for strategy also any with up coming has it equipment, recommandations Conclusions and Fr h pit ei ad t uval business model unviable its and media print the For • hate media. the combatting by especially d’Ivoire, Côte in freedom press for fighting are who journalists Ivorian help to commitment clear a of form the council resolution currently being discussed, in they should be included in the new UN security believes Borders Without Reporters and crisis the resolve to order in legitimacy indisputable of democracy a establish to efforts help would measures These elections. the to run-up the in microphones” and pens minds, “disarming for a number of urgent measures that are essential many adopt to community international the with on Borders calls Without consultations Reporters Côte there, in its journalists investigations and its of d’Ivoire basis the On o the for reinforcement and “support from Aside name. and does recordingsnot keep any systematic documentation worthy of make the not does it UNOCI, is incapable mission, of UN identifying the them media, because hate the of misdeeds York,the New condemns in level highest its at UN, the While opposite. the doing currently is Nations United the Unfortunately, world. real be purely academic and have no impact on the – legitimate – condemnations of its professional misconduct will Otherwise ground. the on practised is journalism which in conditions the of understanding an from working be should It in Côte d’Ivoire, especially from the hate media. freedom press defend to efforts its in past the in than success more have to wants it if allies local potential other the and OLPED with working and achievement significant community international should be helping and a is This n hs respect, this In newspapers. Ivorian many fate of the seal ultimately should – preferences The laws of the market – in other words, reader to need resolve thecountry’s crisispeacefully. urgent the only of is light that the one in acceptable palliative, a just is this that standards. Reporters Without Borders is aware on professional for respect with and dependent transparently less done be should This orders.” give who newspapers “those make to subscriptions) agency state and government subsidies, distribution and newsprint regime, forms of state assistance (such as a special tax working closely with OLPED to seek appropriate , Reporters Without Borders recommends RTI aaeet ad fw it of gifts few a and management” 8 CÔTE D’IVOIRE Time to “disarm minds, pens and microphones” hud t es b atoie t neutralize to authorized of installations it national the be attack, least eventual at any resist should to UN the by contingent Licorne must be deployed at French once. If it is not mandated the of members and peacekeepers UN personnel, army Ivorian by formed force joint A process. the derail to attempt any in target a be clearly would what in the run-up to a key election, does not secure inconceivable that the international community, is it election, presidential 2000 October the in winner himself declared Gueï Robert Gen. way November,4 on began that the of speak to not violence political of wave the After Abobo. in h eetos hn oeul psin would passions hopefully when elections the after begin now would which news, the report to responsibilityfuture their preparefor to time more stations radio local give would this hand, ééiin ivoirienne Télévision needne fr omril esn as reasons more much as – if commercialnot more than – for ethical reasons towards for moving is independence, press Ivorian the Unless issues. current political on violence undermines this debate emancipation, open an and story news a to sides all see to and want now because demanding more becoming sectarianism are readers and eschew sensationalism to that beginning are noted newspapers has some Borders Without Reporters • Similarly, a set of specific instructions should be the polling. allow would it Finally, orders”). give who “those on dependent more become or fold might newspapers many which (without agreement collective the in stipulated pay of levels higher the to adapt to period transition a Secondly,media print the give would delay the have cooled. October. for the after scheduled immediately elections until delayed be should implementation their journalists, and authorities Ivorian the between consultation following that, proposes exceptionally it goal, overriding the is laws peace as but, press December 14 on adopted were the that of nature liberal the welcomes • d’Ivoire broadcasters, television and radio state the of sites various the secure to is sector • The most urgent need as regards the broadcasting (13). murder ontheair. for calls and messages hate new of possibility event of a violent takeover, which would entail a and maintaining a guarantee of fairness during fairness of guarantee a maintaining and thereby eliminating a potential source of crisis, conflict the to parties various the of agreement by post his in confirmed be to general director eotr Wtot odr rcgie and recognizes Borders Without Reporters ( RCI ) , especially the transmitting centre ( RTI and ) RTI and RTI n h one the On Radio Côte Côte Radio s present ’s RCI Radio- in the in the hate media and the journalists concerned. the hatemediaandjournalists shame to just is result the if even blacklist the publish and duty its manner,do should UN the effective an in Court Criminal International the to referred not are cases these If ago. months the appeals for murder they made on the air six on the air because they back were never prosecuted for go and work to back go to right the at the beginning of the year are now demanding f ae ei ta i hs ae n e York. New in made has it that media condemnations hate the of with line into d’Ivoire Côte in actions its bring to UN the to appeals Borders • criminals. Voie in headline A Jewess.” “The Patriote white as his wife and French Negro his and Ouattara Alassane leader opposition to referred 1999 February 14 on the after in headline and A north. the rebellionin 2002 by before opponents press preceded government foreign and the been countries, African from neighbouring had immigrants targeting headlines language inflammatory Such (1) NOTES exterminate all the Muslims in Côte d’Ivoire.” Côte in Muslims the all exterminate prt drn te elections the during operate should media state-owned the how for up drawn impunity. Several And it has done a disservice to the fight against the in resulted list. the on supposedly people some of naming leaks – as deliberate possibly especially – innocence, of presumption of any judicial without follow-up. This violates suppressed, the principle then and compiled messages was hate of guilty allegedly of journalists blacklist a that It unacceptable possible. moreover as is soon programme as overhauled be reinforcement must media UNOCI’s nentoa wih t te aig f media of naming the to weight international its concert add would in which Nations, act United the to with were self-regulatory it if their especially OLPED, body, by might applied which be sanctions any to consent their journalists all have freely which professed support. This to would imply and 1992 in was adopted that honour” of “code the for generally, more and, given undertakings the for respect ensuring media, news the of all for as arbiter an act could OLPED press. privately-owned consideredthe be for should initiative similar A control orinfluencethem. to made be will attempts when period decisive this during “road-map” a media would state the give This it. to committed are government of all the political forces in the national reconciliation that so meeting cabinet a at approved other ones, and they are not insignificant. They are They insignificant. not are they and ones, has other It enemies. its as terrorists have just not does As well as supporting OLPED,supporting Reporters as well Without As

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CÔTE D’IVOIRE Time to “disarm minds, pens and microphones” as a book entitled “ entitled book a as February 2004, the transcript of which was published one of a as result created of the Marcoussis accords. Yacouba was scrapped that government reconciliation national the of head the Diarra, Seydou and Gbagbo President both by accepted candidate compromise radio stations, but also but stations, radio (9) EdiPresse was formed jointly by jointly formed was EdiPresse (9) and impartiality” and has since served as a manual a as served since has and impartiality” and all of all over.broughttook then he He as soon as together”) the international press, especially the especially press, international the and Nouvelles Messageries de la Presse Parisienne Presse la de Messageries Nouvelles and for TV Nations. and run to appointed was He United the radio for state years four Angolan for the broadcaster run to on went (8) A pioneering print media journalist, Kébé Yacouba how tobestallocatetheiradvertisingbudget. know to wanted that companies privately-owned of by out behalf carried on consultants research market polls independent from come figures These (7) into paying uptoavoidbeinglibelled. blackmailed are people which in method extortion, effective of an in or street the of politics in the invest as to willing found born, be can is someone as another long folds, newspaper one When renewable. is system The pocket. editor’s the into straight goes it but loss, company’s publishing the with compared small extremely is this two from revenue The or recycling. for kilo day the by a sold are million rest just The old. (3.5 is news Abidjan the in when cheaply inhabitants) very off sold are newspapers returned the of percentage small A (6) harm. in irreparable possibly newspaper any reportcause not order this in sales newspaper individual giving from refraining is Borders Without Reporters invest. to continuing in orders” give that “those kept of interest the or best rates advertising undermine could the they that are sales professional secret real in Abidjan, for the obvious reason Newspapers’ (5) (4) Ibid. d’Ivoire : Bouquet Christian (3) and exclusion. magnifying mirror of a society that itself spawns hate a just are media hate the that shows example This us.” among outsider an integrate to procedure any forbidden. All families are banned outright from using strictly is marriage Mixed III: Article foreignerconstruction. for a to lot a assign to forbidden strictly is It to forbidden assign any part are of their lands to a foreign kinsmen community. All transporter. of trade the practising from outright banned are All activity.foreigners of kind any for foreigner a be may to market assigned the in stall or following: space the No II: contained “Article that 50 Abidjan, town of small east a km Bonoua, in 2001 January 22 on posted was regulation municipal a example, For (2) of these“enemy”journalists. addressesand names broadcastthe television state RTI RTI staff. RTI , Paris(ArmandColin)2005,p.218. ’s 800 journalists together for a seminar in seminar a for together journalists 800 ’s ’s leading “patriotic” programmes (“We are RTI , the book – professionalism – book the , AFP RTI Géopolitique de la Côte Côte la de Géopolitique .” At the same time, the time, same the At .” in January 2004 as the as 2004 January in Fraternité Matin Matin Fraternité BBC and RFI

ulctos a bcm ee mr precipitous more since November. even become has publications foreign to subscriptions in decline rapid The turmoil. November’ssince half a by fallen having distribution EdiPresse’sof cent per 60 turnover, foreignpressits represents now distribution press Local price. retail new contracts was increased for in April to 37 per cent of rate the the Nonetheless, profitable. stay and costs reduce to attempt an in employees 38 to 85 points out that it slashed its staff four years ago from often and EdiPresse Abidjan. interior in stands news to late the delivering skipping of expense the at far so 2005, of start the since distribution own their although Côte d’Ivoire was the pioneer in this area this in pioneer the was d’Ivoire Côte although elsewhere” and subregion the in bodies similar with is to be achieved through “exchanges of experiences capacity-building This body,OLPED. such one only is there again, although, bodies,” self-regulatory for “capacity-building is there finally And and etc.” printers computers recorders, minidisc microphones, the and ethics, provision of “editing equipment, masts, transmitters, professional in training including personnel, radio community of training is equipment. third The unspecified of provision the including 30 copies are imported and nearly all go to foreign to go all nearly and imported are copies 150 30 just some had only Now November. 1990s, to the prior readers in paying day a copies 4,000 - ae h floig xlnto fr h h left he why for explanation following the gave “Nowadays, the public has forced us to change what – the Ivorian Movement of Press Consumers, which Consumers, Press of Movement Ivorian the – example extreme an take to – as such d’Ivoire Côte (11) Especially comparing OLPED with other NGOs in airtime. formalizing TV receive of lots and ceremonies newspapers the in loans praise of columns and grants that assistance international ensures custom workshops on press ethics. But attend this long-established to them get and frequentseminars their including activities, their to salaries their of the by standards sums significant often embassies journalists local western pay see to disconcerting is It (10) entities inAbidjansuchasembassiesandbanks. d’Abidjan Patriote d’Abidjan with Quotidien case sector the particularly political is L’Intelligent This the from. of hail they positions the reproduce blindly just longer no newspapers moreIvorian more and bias, editorial their abandoning Without (13) 10 yearsago. for help is second and The print media). both OLPED, broadcast from body, journalists such combines one which only is there (although media,” print the forming for body to self-regulatory view unified a a with environment analysis media “the the is of One coherent. very be to appear information and not do which projects, four proposes press It department. ONUCI’s a by says d’Ivoire,” written Côte study pacified a the in of freedom construction complete with role responsible its play feel to to and press the allows mandate, of end its the before which, strategy a develop must d’Ivoire Côte in Operation Nations United “The (12) claims tohave987,000“activemembers.” ae. w poGab newspapers, pro-Gbagbo Two rates. (NMPP). Editors often accuse it of charging exorbitant te D’ ams ofiil mouthpiece): official almost RDR’s (the woe aaig dtr Mié Sindou, Méité editor, managing whose , and Notre Voie Notre Le Monde Le , 4 Heures 24 , have been trying to handle , which used to sell 3,000 and e C Le Nord-Sud Nord-Sud ourrier ourrier 10 RTI Le Le , CÔTE D’IVOIRE Time to “disarm minds, pens and microphones” Market Transforms Information into News into Information Transforms Market – including The newspapers partisan most too.” the of door fortunes declining next country the in but tribe other the in just not camp, opposing the in side, other the on what’shappening know to wanting includes that we give them, because they want to know more, and 2004, pp.37to46). T.Hamilton: James (cf. viewpoints diverse more of comes readers with that market advertising bigger the capture as principle of responding to commercial reasonsopportunities to grow and for much so less not became partisan, press western the way the development matches This content. partisan reading while informed better (somewhat) be to demand nascent Le Patriote Le All the News That’s Fit to Sell. How the the How Sell. to Fit That’s News the All and Notre Voie Notre – confirms this , Princeton , 11