Recent weeks have shown how the political elite keep blocking the path to reconciliation in Côte d'Ivoire. The leadership from both sides of the politico-ethnic divide appears unwilling to learn the vital lessons from a decade of civil conflict in which thousands of civilians were killed.

The message was the same to the residents: to create a new Côte d'Ivoire, the abuse must stop, and the government must ensure justice by prosecuting the people responsible, regardless of who they are or whom they support.