Interview with Cees Wittebrood, ECHO chief

Cees Wittebrood, head of the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific unit of the European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO,) talks to IRIN about his visit to Cote d’Ivoire last week. QUESTION: What has struck you the most after having just visited Cote d’Ivoire? ANSWER: I have mainly visited the west of the country and more than anything I was happy to notice that the urgent crisis has passed. We are entering a period of transition where the humanitarian organisations and the development organisations must work together for the country’s long-term development. Q: What was the impact of the war and the division of the country on your operations in Cote d’Ivoire? A: The impact of the civil war created many humanitarian needs. There have been many people who were displaced, villages that were affected by violence, fighting and combat. But also the fact that the country was cut in two led us to examine the needs of the two sides. One is not limited to the south, neither to the north, but both sides. Because for us what is important is the needs of the people where they are. Q: Is ECHO considering continuing aid in Cote d’Ivoire? A: During 2007 one can foresee the end of ECHO’s operations [in Cote d’Ivoire]. But that doesn’t mean that the [European] Union will be left on its own. The European Union has many other means at its disposal to help the country. ECHO has granted more than 22 million Euros (US $28 million) since 2003, but the delegation of the European Commission here in Cote d’Ivoire has substantial means and significant assistance. For example, there is a rehabilitation programme, which … has provided urgent assistance for rehabilitation in different sectors such as health, water and sanitation. There is now an ongoing programme of 35 million Euros (US $44 million) and we foresee a programme for the end of this year for about 100 million Euros (US $126 million). That shows that even if ECHO decides to stop its activities the [European] Union remains engaged in Cote d’Ivoire. Q: Ivorians want disarmament, reunification of the country and elections. What role can ECHO and the European Union play in the resolution of this crisis? A: The European Union is strongly engaged in the process. One can’t distinguish between ECHO and the European Union - it is a collective effort of all of the European Union to make this peace process a great success, politically as well as financially. Q: Do you believe there is hope for peace? A: Yes! All is based on conviction. If everyone cooperates, the Ivorians of the south, those of the north, and the international community, Cote d’Ivoire can become, as the English say, a “success story”. Q: In Liberia, the war has ended and there is a new government. What role has ECHO played and what are your priorities for this country in the future? A: In Liberia ECHO was also strongly engaged and has shown its support for all the displaced and the refugees who are in Guinea, in Sierra Leone or here in Cote d’Ivoire. Now, as we enter another phase of the situation, ECHO remains strongly engaged to help meld the humanitarian phase with the transition. Q: In certain very advanced crisis situations, such that in Darfur, does ECHO play a particular role in an aim to improve the situation? A: Darfur is at present ECHO’s main field of activity. As I am speaking with you we are trying to unblock [more funding] to aid the displaced. It is there where there are still very urgent needs for all of those affected by the hostilities and the crisis: the displaced, refugees and also the local population. bk/cs