This past week, elections were held in Cote d'Ivoire. Who one the presidency? Alassane Dramane Ouattara. Yes, he is the recognized president of Cote d'Ivoire. What is the problem? The problem is that former president Laurent Gbagbo will not release power. He has lost the election to Ouattara, but he still insists on trying to stay in power. The Economic Community of West African States have met and said that Gbagbo needs to STEP DOWN!! It is argued that Gbagbo stepping down is in the best interests of the Ivoirian people. I can't argue with that. And this is why I say it would be best for the nation. If Gbagbo doesn't step down, this will further perpetuate corruption in the government. There is also the potential for violence to break out. The people have casted their voted and have voted for Ouattara. If Gbagbo doesn't step down, there is a strong potential for political violence. This is why: Part of the reason for political violence is due to lack of political opportunity. In this case, it isn't so much the "lack" of it. It is a matter of people being dissatisfied and that dissatisfaction coming from being ignored. By not stepping down, Gbagbo is essentially ignoring the people. When people feel ignored and frustrated, the likelihood of political violence is high. This has been proven through history. The French Revolution;The Romanian Revolution, and other examples. Another factor to think about is that when the former president doesn't step down, violence can come another way, via a declaration of war. A civil war could start. The last thing Cote d'Ivoire needs is a civil war. Gbagbo needs to step down, for the good of the nation. If he really cares about Cote d'Ivoire and not his own power trip, he will step down. I say he isn't trying to do what is best for Cote d'Ivoire. All he cares about is power. There is the potential for war.
Source: http://www.afrol.com/articles/37020
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