The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

A Discussion with the President-elect of Côte d'Ivoire Alassane Ouattara

The political crisis in Côte d'Ivoire continues despite intense international efforts to negotiate a solution. The winner of November's presidential election, Alassane Ouattara, has been prevented from taking office by the incumbent, Laurent Gbagbo. Ouattara, along with his government-in-waiting, is confined to Abidjan's Golf Hotel, protected by a cordon of U.N. peacekeepers and effectively cut off from the outside world. CSIS established a telephone link with Ouattara, which will allowed him to address a public audience in the United States for the first time since the election standoff began.

Moderated by Jennifer Cooke, director, CSIS Africa Program

Followed by a panel discussion with:

• Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, senior associate and regional director for Central and West Africa, NDI
• Akwe Amosu, senior policy analyst for Africa, Open Society Institute

Watch the recording of the event