Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ABIDJAN583
2006-06-02 09:36:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Abidjan
Cable title:  

COTE D'IVOIRE: PILOT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM

Tags:  PGOV PREL ASEC KPKO IV 
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VZCZCXRO5839
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHAB #0583 1530936
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 020936Z JUN 06
FM AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1416
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS ABIDJAN 000583 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL ASEC KPKO IV
SUBJECT: COTE D'IVOIRE: PILOT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
CONCLUDED ON MAY 27

REF: ABIDJAN 532 AND PREVIOUS

UNCLAS ABIDJAN 000583

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL ASEC KPKO IV
SUBJECT: COTE D'IVOIRE: PILOT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
CONCLUDED ON MAY 27

REF: ABIDJAN 532 AND PREVIOUS


1. (U) Summary: From May 18 through 24, 4810 applicants
were interviewed at seven sites in the pilot identification
program. A total of 2601 birth certificates and 2188
certificates of nationality were approved after interviews
averaging 40 minutes per person. The pilot identification
program was extended by two days until May 27 due to high
demand and as May 25 was a national holiday. End Summary.


2. (U) Numbers by region: In the government controlled
south, a total of 1285 applicants were interviewed, 972 birth
certificates were issued and 356 certificates of nationality
were posted to an internet published list of qualified
applicants. In the Zone of Confidence, 1406 applicants were
interviewed, 965 birth certificates issued and 829
certificates of nationality posted. In the New Forces-held
north, 2119 applicants were interviewed, 664 birth
certificates issued and 1003 certificates of nationality
posted.


3. (U) A workshop incorporating the National Identification
Supervisory Commission (NISC),members of the Ivorian
government, UN personnel, EU representatives, and the High
Representative for Elections is scheduled for early June to
analyze the results from the pilot program. The NISC,
created in 2004, is a result of the Linas Marcoussis
agreements and supervises the work done by the National
Identification Office. No dates have yet been set for a
national identification program.


4. (SBU) After the first day, the population was able to
participate in the process without significant harassment
from pro-FPI militias (though these continued to pass out
literature calling for disarmament before identification).
Nevertheless, the interview process remained overly drawn out
and cumbersome. At the rate interviews were conducted during
the pilot phase, it would take a very long time indeed to
complete a national identification program. There were also
complaints that the interviews, conducted by five
magistrates, were intimidating to many participants.
Finally, though called a pilot identification program, we
note that this effort did not result in the issuance a single
identity card. Without these, which would probably have to
be issued at the same time that voters are registered, there
can be no move to elections.
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