ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast reminded its leaders of their obligation to democratic norms after an attack on members of the former ruling party.
The U.N. mission, known by its French initials UNOCI, condemned a weekend attack that left several people injured during a meeting between members of the Ivorian Popular Front.
UNOCI in a statement reminded the Ivorian people that freedom of assembly is an "indispensable" part of democratic life.
The attack followed meetings between Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Abidjan, the site of the weekend attacks. Ouattara during the meeting said the country was at peace.
Ivory Coast almost fell into civil war following a presidential election in 2010 meant to unite a country divided by previous internal conflicts. Ouattara was recognized by the international community as the winner of that contest, though former Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo refused to surrender power.
Gbagbo is awaiting trial at the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity committed during the post-election violence. Human rights groups say both sides of the political conflict likely committed atrocities, however.
