Contamination and Impact

Mines

Côte d’Ivoire is not known to be contaminated with mines. Allegations of use of antipersonnel mines were made by both main political factions against each other in January 2011, but it is not known whether these allegations have any basis in fact. Côte d’Ivoire’s latest Article 7 report, dated 28 May 2010, reported no mined areas under its jurisdiction or control containing antipersonnel mines.[1] An assessment mission by HALO Trust in May 2011 found no evidence of antipersonnel mines.[2]

Cluster munition remnants

Côte d’Ivoire is no longer believed to be contaminated with cluster munition remnants. It was initially listed as such after its statement in June 2011 that it was contaminated.[3] It appears, however, that this reference was to stockpiles held by the government and not to abandoned stockpiles; this is considered a stockpile destruction obligation in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention on Cluster Munitions.  

Other explosive remnants of war

Côte d’Ivoire is newly contaminated with explosive remnants of war, especially following combat in late March 2011.[4] The extent of the contamination is, however, said to be limited.[5]

In addition, on 29 September 2008, an ammunition storage area belonging to the Armed Forces of the New Forces exploded near the commercial center in Bouaké, injuring seven soldiers. It is not known whether this created an unexploded ordnance problem in the vicinity.

Compliance with Article 5 of the Mine Ban Treaty

Under Article 5 of the Mine Ban Treaty, Côte d’Ivoire was required to destroy all antipersonnel mines in mined areas under its jurisdiction or control as soon as possible, but not later than 1 December 2010. Côte d’Ivoire has never declared a problem with antipersonnel mines and did not request an extension to its Article 5 deadline.