Among the infuriating aspects of the post-election situation in Cote d’Ivoire, one thing has particularly irked me: Russia blocking a UN Security Council resolution endorsing Ouattara because Lukoil (Russia’s biggest state-owned oil company) is exploring for oil off the Cote d’Ivoire coast.
Companies (granted these are private companies) based in Western Europe have huge financial interests in Cote d’Ivoire’s cocoa sector, yet that has not stopped the European Union from supporting Ouattara.
It’s a dangerous game they’re playing – if Ouattara comes out on top, Lukoil is going to be out by the ‘petit porte’ as they say here.
Very interesting. By the way John, I’ve found your reporting really helpful over the past week. I especially like your sidebar analyses (I’m not sure if that’s what it’s called) next to the news articles. Stay safe.
if the UN favors one leader a cic=vil war may break our or a genocide amy occur if either the north or the south feel threatend or like they are being mistreated.