The role of west ivorian political forces in the 2002-2011 civil war [Роль политических сил запада Кот-д'Ивуара в гражданской войне 2002-2011 гг.]

The given article is devoted to the significance of military and political forces representing Western Cote d'Ivoire in emergence of civil war precursors in this African state as well as their immediate influence on the course of armed struggle. An assessment is made of the extent of independence this group had in carrying out its agenda, considering its distance from both major sides of the civil war. Special attention is drawn to general Robert Guei (in power in Cote d'Ivoire in 1999-2000) as well as his political allies and followers from the ranks of West Ivorian ethnic groups. Another aspect covered is the scope of their special relationship with Liberian President Charles Taylor and his warlords. An analysis is conducted of the role general Guei and his followers played in promoting Western Ivorian leverage in national politics, inciting the civil war and armed hostilities proper. Other instances of forces representing Western Ivorian ethnic groups (predominantly Yacouba) participating in the armed struggle are also considered. © 2020 Ltd "Integration: Education and Science". All rights reserved.