ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a historical background on the Cote d'Ivoire conflict and its aftermath; and economic background on Cote d'Ivoire. It explains a discussion of corruption in the natural resource sectors; and a consideration of rebel groups' exploitation of natural resources during the conflict. The chapter explores an analysis of the role of natural resources in the 2010-2011 election conflict; and a description of reform efforts undertaken by the government and civil society. During the country's protracted conflict, both sides relied on Cote d'Ivoire's natural resource wealth for support; in the transition from conflict to peace, natural resource wealth represents the nation's principal source of hope. When the Ivoirian banking industry, with international support, succeeded in shaking off Gbagbo's influence, Gbagbo intensified his financial demands on the natural resource sectors. Ivoirian civil society and national and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have consistently advocated for reform in natural resource governance. The chapter examines a consideration of developments under the new administration.
