The turmoil after the presidential elections in Côte d'Ivoire at the end of 2010 resulted in civil war and the arrest of former President Laurent Gbagbo in April. The crisis has left President Alassane Ouattara and the country with a complex political situation and urgent humanitarian aid needs.
The most pressing objectives are the restoration of security and law and order, the re-launch of the economy and securing the food supply. Some of the sanctions imposed by the EU on entities financially supporting Gbagbo's regime are gradually being lifted to help put the country's economy back on track.
More than one million people are internally displaced, and at least 130 000 have fled into neighbouring Liberia and Ghana, with a spill-over effect of the conflict to these countries as well. Food and medicine are short, agriculture and food production must get going again, and clinics and hospitals must be reopened.
The EU supports the efforts of Côte d'Ivoire for a return to stability and recovery. It will resume its development assistance programmes as soon as possible. The EU and its member states have already mobilised a total of 60 million euros in humanitarian aid for protection activities, medical assistance, shelter, food, water and sanitation and health care.
Another 180 million euros have been pledged in development assistance, primarily for agriculture and food production, with a first contract worth 26 million euros. Other important areas to be covered are stability and recovery of the country, the national reconciliation process and reform of the security sector and demobilisation. 18 million euros have been allocated to support the justice sector. It is essential that the population sees rapid improvements in the areas of security, basic needs and human rights.