UN arms embargo on Cote d'Ivoire

The UNSC has imposed an arms embargo on Côte d'Ivoire, which only allows the supply of arms and related materiel to the Ivorian security forces, intended solely for support or use in the Ivorian process of Security Sector Reform, as approved in advance by the relevant UN Sanctions Committee.

In November 2004 Security Council resolution 1572 (PDF) decided that "all States shall, for a period of thirteen months from the date of adoption of this resolution, take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to Côte d'Ivoire, from their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms or any related materiel, in particular military aircraft and equipment, whether or not originating in their territories, as well as the provision of any assistance, advice or training related to military activities."

The resolution allowed supplies of arms and related material and technical training and assistance intended solely for the support of or use in the process of restructuring defence and security forces of the Ivorian Government of National Reconciliation. Such supplies had to be approved in advance by the relevant Sanctions Committee.

In the years 2005-2009 the sanctions were extended annually with one-year periods.

In October 2010 Security Council resolution 1946 (PDF) extended the embargo until 30 April 2011. It did not change the scope of the embargo but it explicitly mentioned that the embargo also allowed supplies of non-lethal equipment intended solely to enable the Ivorian security forces to use only appropriate and proportionate force while maintaining public order, as approved in advance by the Sanctions Committee. This text was added in response to a recommendation by the UN Operation in Cite d'Ivoire to allow the supply of anti-riot materials 'since the lack of these materials leads the law enforcement forces to resort to firearms'.

Security Council Resolution 1980 (PDF) of April 2011 extended the embargo for one year. It did not change the scope of the embargo but it explicitly mentioned that the embargo also banned the supply of vehicles to the Ivorian security forces without approval from the Sanctions Committee.

Security Council Resolution 2045 (PDF) of April 2012 extended the embargo for one year and lifted all restrictions on the provision of training, advice and expertise related to security and military activities and on supplies of civilian vehicles to the Ivorian security forces.
 
Last updated on 3 May 2012.