In implementing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1975 (2011) South Africa is freezing the assets and other economic resources of the former president of Côte d’Ivoire, Simone Gbagbo, and others in the country’s presidency.

“The South African Government is implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution which was adopted with immediate effect on Wednesday, 30 March 2011,” Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said.

The resolution requires of financial institutions in member countries to freeze the funds and other financial assets of persons who pose a threat to the peace and national reconciliation process in Côte d’Ivoire.

The resolution is against Gbagbo, chairperson of the Parliamentary Group of the Ivoirian Popular Front (FPI); Désiré Tagro, the Secretary-General in Gbagbo’s presidency; Pascal Affi N’Guessan, Chairperson of the FPI; and Gbagbo’s advisor Alcide Djédjé.

“Financial institutions should note that the resolution applies to the above mentioned individuals listed in Annex 1 of the Resolution and also to the funds, other financial assets and economic resources owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the designated persons in an earlier UNSC Resolution, namely in paragraphs 9 and 11 of UNSC Resolution 1572 (2004).

“Accordingly, I have instructed the Financial Intelligence Centre to caution financial institutions not to become involved in any transactions or business relationships which may facilitate the provision of funds to persons or entities listed pursuant to UNSC Resolution 1975 as amplified by paragraphs 9 and 11 of UNSC Resolution 1572 (2004),” said the minister.

The Reserve Bank also indicated that it will use measures available to it to prevent any such funds from leaving the country.

“The South African Government has expressed its deep concern for the situation in Côte d’Ivoire and called upon the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to support efforts to find a political solution to the violence and conflict in that country,” said Gordhan.

Gbagbo’s refusal to step down after Alassane Ouattara was pronounced as the winner of the country's November 2010 polls plunged the country into political crisis.

– BuaNews