CRSV: Second Ivorian Civil War
This case note documents the occurrence of sexual violence in violent conflict. It contains explicit mentions of different forms of sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised.
Background of the Conflict
The Second Ivorian Civil War took place between November 2010 and April 2011, between forces that were loyal to Laurent Gbagbo, the President of Côte d’Ivoire since 2000, and supporters of the internationally recognised President-elect, Alassane Ouattara (Lynch & Brainigin, 2011). Following many months of unsuccessful negotiations and violent conflict between both sides, Ouattara’s forces seized control of large swathes of territory in the country with the help of the UN. Gbagbo controlled Abidjan, the largest city in the country. The fight for territorial control resulted in large numbers of casualties and losses. Eventually, Ouattara sought the support of the French and UN forces, and the conflict eventually culminated in the arrest of Gbagbo at his residence in April 2011 (Lynch & Brainigin, 2011).
Prevalence of Sexual Violence
Reports show that sexual violence was perpetrated against women and girls in large numbers, often by armed men (IRC, 2011). On many occasions, many women and girls were subject to rape and sexual violence in the presence of their family members, and several of them were abducted and subjected to sexual slavery (Pender, 2011). The fear of rape and sexual slavery resulted in many women also actively migrating to Liberia. Women were also subject to strip-searches and were paraded naked at checkpoints (IRC, 2011).
Basis of the Use of Sexual Violence
Sexual violence and rape were used to intimidate and terrorize populations in a bid to seek control over territory. It was also deliberately used as a means to drive whole populations out of particular regions in an attempt to gain territorial control. On several occasions, rape and sexual violence were used to humiliate women and girls, and by extension, their families. It was also used as a means to target particular groups for their political views and affiliations. There were also many instances of opportunistic rape and sexual violence.
References
IRC (2011). Rape and sexual abuse pervasive in Côte d’Ivoire crisis. Rescue. https://www.rescue.org/uk/article/rape-and-sexual-abuse-pervasive-cote-divoire-crisis
Lynch, C. & Branigin, W. (2011). "Ivory Coast strongman arrested after French forces intervene". The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ivory-coast-strongman-arrested-after-french-forces-intervene/2011/04/11/AFOBaeKD_story.html
Pender, E. (2011). In Ivory Coast, when conflict starts, women become targets. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/poverty-matters/2011/apr/13/ivory-coast-women-targets-of-rape
