Mass atrocities could devastate the Ivorian economy Data: The World Bank
The private sector in Côte d'Ivoire has a critical role to play in ensuring a peaceful electoral process through 2020. Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential election is less than a year away, and though atrocity crimes are not currently taking place, early warning signs of violence are already visible. These signs warrant immediate attention, not only from Côte d’Ivoire’s political leadership and the international community, but also from business leaders.
In our latest policy brief—The Private Sector and Atrocity Prevention (available in English and in French)—we illustrate the potential economic impact of mass atrocities and make the case for the business community’s specific interest and unique role to play in prevention. Drawing on past experience in other countries, we highlight examples of actions taken by private sector entities--both international and domestic--to prevent and mitigate violence in countries at risk.
Since the publication of Election Uncertainty: Preventing Atrocity Crimes in Côte d’Ivoire in summer 2019, the Simon-Skjodt Center has continued to track the risk of mass atrocities and opportunities for preventive action as the country approaches its presidential election in October 2020. Given their interest in Côte d’Ivoire’s stability, business leaders should emphasize to government officials the devastating economic implications of mass atrocities—on top of the economic fall-out of COVID-19—and publicly and privately call on political leaders to pledge nonviolence, and to provide support for local peacebuilding.
Download the policy brief: The Private Sector and Atrocity Prevention: Lessons from Côte d’Ivoire’s 2010-11 Electoral Crisis and the Role of the Business Community in Preventing Violence in 2020.
Télécharger le note d’orientation en français: Secteur privé et prévention des atrocités: Leçons tirées de la crise électorale de 2010 11 en Côte d’Ivoire et rôle du secteur des entreprises dans la prévention de la violence en 2020.