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Ivory Coast: Media ban lifted
The new government of Cote d’Ivoire on April 13, 2011 lifted the ban imposed on foreign radio and TV channels in the country by the National Council for Broadcasting (CNCA) loyal to then incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, who refused to step aside from power, despite losing the UN-certified election.
Gbagbo was reportedly captured in a raid on the presidential palace on April 11 and since then Alassane Ouattara, winner of the second round of the presidential election, has now taken total control of the reins of governance in the country.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)’s correspondent reported that Hamed Bakayoko, the acting Minister of Communication in a statement said the ban was illegal and asked the heads of the affected media to resume operation.
When Outarra was announced as the winner of the November 28, 2010 Presidential Run-off election, the Gbagbo-controlled CNCA on December 2, banned the channels saying it was to “maintain social peace that has been badly shaken.” The ban was only effective in the strongholds of Gbagbo. The ban which was renewed on Febuary 22 and March 2, 2010 resulted in French Television station, France 24 and BBC and RFI disappearing from the airwaves. The international media was consistently accused by Gbagbo authorities of bias.
The correspondent said SMS service, which was also blocked to control information in the country, has also been restored.
In a related development, Minister Bakayoko and Brou Aka Pascal, director general of the state-owned Radio Television Ivoirienne (RTI) have visited the RTI’s premises to ascertain the extent of damage caused to the station following a clash between the two factions on March 31. The correspondent said the government has promised to expedite work for the station to resume normal work.
La version française suit
Cote d’Ivoire UPDATE: Ban on international media lifted by Ouattara’s government
The new government of Cote d’Ivoire on April 13, 2011 lifted the ban imposed on foreign radio and TV channels in the country by the National Council for Broadcasting (CNCA) loyal to then incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, who refused to step aside from power, despite losing the UN-certified election.
Gbagbo was reportedly captured in a raid on the presidential palace on April 11 and since then Alassane Ouattara, winner of the second round of the presidential election, has now taken total control of the reins of governance in the country.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)’s correspondent reported that Hamed Bakayoko, the acting Minister of Communication in a statement said the ban was illegal and asked the heads of the affected media to resume operation.
When Outarra was announced as the winner of the November 28, 2010 Presidential Run-off election, the Gbagbo-controlled CNCA on December 2, banned the channels saying it was to “maintain social peace that has been badly shaken.” The ban was only effective in the strongholds of Gbagbo. The ban which was renewed on Febuary 22 and March 2, 2010 resulted in French Television station, France 24 and BBC and RFI disappearing from the airwaves. The international media was consistently accused by Gbagbo authorities of bias.
The correspondent said SMS service, which was also blocked to control information in the country, has also been restored.
In a related development, Minister Bakayoko and Brou Aka Pascal, director general of the state-owned Radio Television Ivoirienne (RTI) have visited the RTI’s premises to ascertain the extent of damage caused to the station following a clash between the two factions on March 31. The correspondent said the government has promised to expedite work for the station to resume normal work.
For more information please contact/ Pour plus d’information, veuillez contacter :
Kwame Karikari (Prof)
Executive Director
MFWA
Accra
Tel: 233-30-22 4 24 70
Fax: 233-302-22 10 84
Email: mfwa@africaonline.com.gh, alerts@mediafound.org
Website: www.mediafound.org
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