Cote d'Ivoire Crisis Simulation

In May 2011, the R2PSC ran a mock political crisis simulation based around the presidential crisis in Cote d’Ivoire in March and April 2011, when Laurent Gbagbo refused to relinquish power following his defeat in the Presidential elections. The simulation was set on 13 April 2011, two days following Laurent Gbagbo’s capture and arrest, and shortly after the International Criminal Court announced its preliminary examination into the alleged crimes against humanity. Led by the neutral Chair roleplaying the Secretary General’s Special Adviser on R2P, Ed Luck, participants roleplayed key actors involved in post-crisis political negotiations that targeted cessation of violence and a framework for demobilisation, disarmament, reintegration and rehabilitation; the most appropriate method of post-conflict justice; and measures designed to promote ethnic harmony as preventive mechanisms to ensure underlying ethnic tensions did not continue to fuel the commission of R2P crimes.

APC R2P staff read ‘unfolding development’ briefs, role-playing on-the-ground United Nations staff. Participants worked together to produce a consensus outcome document that highlighted key issues to be immediately addressed, so as to deliver peace, security and justice to Cote D’Ivoire in the wake of mass R2P crimes. We received positive feedback from all participants, who expressed a desire for similar events in the future. As a result, we are planning a mock Security Council debate on R2P and Syria, to be held on 10th September.

The International Coalition for RtoP, based in New York, expressed interest in our Crisis Simulation, with a view to running similar interactive activities with students in the United States. The R2PSC was delighted to put together an information pack about the Cote d’Ivoire Crisis Simulation to send to the ICRtoP to contribute to the global R2P education of students.

Reflections on the Cote d'Ivoire Crisis Simulation

Crisis Briefing Pack for Participants

Unfolding Development Briefs

Final Outcome Document