Côte D’ivoire’s Post-conflict Path. “Institutional Peacebuilding” in the Wake of Political Violence
Côte D’ivoire’s Post-conflict Path. “Institutional Peacebuilding” in the Wake of Political Violence

Summary/Abstract: After the November 2010 presidential election run-off in Côte d’Ivoire revealed former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara to be the winner, incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo contested the results and refused to yield power. Violence erupted between supporters of each candidate, leaving over 3,000 people dead and 1.2 million people unable to return to their homes. Multiple international and Ivorian actors were involved in the resolution of the conflict; UN and French troops, along with forces loyal to Mr. Ouattara, arrested Mr. Gbagbo and allowed for the installation of Ouattara as president; Gbagbo now faces war crimes charges before the International Criminal Court. Given the persistent divisions in the country and the high level of international involvement, how can Côte d'Ivoire achieve lasting peace? I coin the term “institutional peacebuilding” to describe the long-term stabilizing role that institutions – both domestic and international – can play in creating sustainable peace among formerly warring citizens. I apply institutionalization and peacebuilding theories to Côte d'Ivoire to see how institutions can create space for Ivorians to interact peacefully and overcome division, thus establishing stability and rule of law that allows for peacebuilding efforts to take root and bear fruit.

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