Head of the Ivorian Defense And Security Forces Vows to “severely” Punish Defiant Soldiers

The head of the Ivorian defense and security forces (FDS-CI, regular army), Gen. Philippe Mangou has vowed to “severely” punish soldiers who would be tempted to undermine the authority of the government.

“Officers and other ranks, the time has come for sanctions has really come”, Gen. Mangou said in a speech to the army on Saturday.

“When you fight like you did, when you protect and defend the Republic like you did, you should not go back to fight and destroy what you have achieved”, he said during a ceremony held to honor 108 soldiers promoted this year.

He slammed at attitudes that cause disgrace to the army, saying “we cannot understand that members of the Defence and security forces, whose uniform commands trust and respect could turn against civilians!”.

This is the reason why, he said, that “We will not falter, we will assume our responsibilities by ensuring that discipline is preserved in the army”.

Those promoted include nine senior officers, nine subalterns, 18 senior non commissioned officers and 72 subaltern non commissioned officers from the different sections of the army including the gendarmerie, the regular army, the fire-fighters and the republican guard.

Meanwhile, 91 soldiers of the FDS-CI who were involved in the 26 and 27 September 2008 demonstrations in the central cities of Daoukro and Yamoussoukro, have been expelled.

They open fire into the air, blocked two cities, and illegally held the Prefect of Daoukro, as well as their superior officers in demand for the payment of overdue salaries and higher benefits.

Those arrested were detained at the army penitentiary in Abidjan (MAMA), while 13 of them managed to escape and are being sought.

If found, they face between five to 20 years of imprisonment while their accomplices will face between one and five years of imprisonment.

Source African Press Agency

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