STATE BEHAVIOUR AND REBELLION IN WEST AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF LA CÔTE D’IVOIRE

ABSTRACT

This study appraised the impact of state behaviour on rebellion in La Côte d’Ivoire. It was occasioned by the continued recurrence of rebellion in that country, despite efforts at ensuring peace. Rebellion undermines political and socio-economic development; hence the need to investigate the extent to which state behaviour has contributed to rebellion in La Côte d’Ivoire. The research set out three objectives. First, it sought to examine the relationship between state behaviour and rebellion. Secondly, it was to identify the role of political leadership in the rebellion in La Côte d’Ivoire. Finally, it was to propose sustainable strategies to control rebellion in La Côte d’Ivoire. The scope of the study centered on La Côte d’Ivoire and focuses on rebellion as a consequence of dreadful state behaviour. The time frame was restricted to 1993 and 2011. The research adopted the content analysis method, using primary and secondary data from individuals, the internet, and libraries. Its major finding was that undemocratic behaviour of the political elites such as the introduction of “Ivoirite”, redrafting of the electoral code, election malpractices and bad governance led to the rebellion. The study looked at the peaceful and stable atmosphere the Houphouet-Boigny-led government sustained from independence to 1993. Of particular interest was his ability to maintain stability with the policy of “reconciliation” during the latter part of his reign, when the country encountered political turbulence occasioned by economic recession. The research held that the rebellion in La Côte d’Ivoire was a direct consequence of the behaviour of succeeding political leaders towards their citizens. Accordingly, the work viewed state behaviour in La Côte d’Ivoire as those tendencies or traits that generated conflict between governments and their citizens, mainly engendered by incompetent leadership. It was also discovered that, states confronted with incidents of rebellion tackled them by adopting autocratic tendencies. The study concluded that rather than adopt coercive force against aggrieved citizens, the Ivorian Government should institute policies aimed at uniting the different ethnic, religious, political, and interest groups within the country by developing politics of multicultural integration. It should also adopt enhancement strategies like conflict prevention, peace promotion, the consolidation of good behaviour, and democratic practice aimed at eliminating conflicts to facilitate socio-political and economic development. The Government of La Côte d’Ivoire should also ensure that power and resources are equitably distributed to avoid perceived marginalisation of minority ethnic or interest groups. The ECOWAS Secretariat should ensure capacity-building for early warning and conflict management strategies of the sub-region in order to eliminate conflicts and promote development. Finally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) should indict key political figures who lead atrocities against civilians to serve as deterrent to others.