Stockpiles of arms across Abidjan threaten peace

While the violence has subsided, the number of weapons in the Abidjan continues to represent a major challenge for the forces now charged with maintaining order.

Since Friday, joint patrols that include tanks of the French “Operation Licorne” and pick-up trucks of the pro-Ouattara Republican Forces of Côte d'Ivoire (FRCI) have been combing the different neighbourhoods of Abidjan. The success of their mission hinges entirely on their ability to seize the numerous weapon stockpiles scattered all over this bustling city.

The arms were originally handed out by Charles Ble Goude, the leader of the pro-Gbagbo militia known as the Young Patriots, when he called on supporters of the ousted president to enlist in the army.

Many of the guns are now in the hands of those taking advantage of the power vacuum and instability to loot, rob and ransack the city

Abidjan, a city teeming with arms Since Friday, joint patrols that include the French forces of “Operation Licorne” and soldiers from the pro-Ouattara Republican Forces of Côte d'Ivoire (FRCI) have been in charge of securing the city of Abidjan. In the neighbourhood of Abobo, the task is carried out by soldiers who receive their orders from Major Mamadou Konaté (pictured far right). Grenades, machine guns and mortar shells: all types of arms can be found in Ivory Coast’s commercial capital, Abidjan. These anti-tank shells belonged to supporters of former President Laurent Gbagbo. Many cases of 7.72 mm bullets have already been seized. Gbagbo loyalists were firing 14.5 mm bullets like the ones in this picture from heavy machine guns fixed to the back of pick-up trucks. Many rifles have been seized. Pictured alongside these machetes, a French-made Cougar grenade launcher. Mortar shells.