The armed forces of Cote d’Ivoire and their role in the socio-political transformation of society
The article analyzes the role of the armed forces in the socio-political development of Cote d’Ivoire. The research focuses on the legal status of the army, political processes concerning the relationship between the army and society, as well as pertinent issues of military reform. Particular attention is paid to the reasons for the continuing trend of lack of consolidation in its ranks. The author believes that the periods of the increasing role of the military in the political processes of Cote d’Ivoire, on the one hand, were marked by attempted coups, civil war and numerous rebellions, and, on the other, by the preservation of statehood by the national armed forces during the crisis situations that escalated at the beginning of the 21st century into a civil war, which almost led to the collapse of the country. The article analyzes the processes of reintegration of former rebel combatants and the restoration of the Ivorian army after the military-political crisis and the coming to power of A.Ouattara. The main feature of the reform of the army, conducted by A.Ouattara, was, on the one hand, the appointment of zone commanders of the North to command posts, on the other - the dismissal from these positions of all officers from the South, supporters of L.Gbagbo, in contrast to the zone commanders, who had good military training. The article draws attention to the fact that the absence to date of national reconciliation in the country at the political level has led to the Ivorian army becoming very politicized. And, as a consequence, military rebellions take place in the political life of the country. The author concludes that the influence of the military on the socio-political processes in the country due to the continuing high risks of conflicts in Ivorian society will continue.