While American media attention this past week focused on the congressional budget deal that kept the federal government functioning, the French, with United Nation’s assistance, were busy shutting down Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo.
It was a coup d’etat.
The United Nation's actions were unprecedented in Africa as its peacekeepers took on the role of active aggressors rather than neutral observers. Abidjan residents said they witnessed U.N. helicopter gunships firing on President Gbagbo’s residence.
But it wasn’t the first time U.N. troops resorted to violence under the guise of peacekeeping. Last January, CBN News interviewed victims of a peacekeeper shooting that occurred in the capital city, despite a U.N. mandate to protect civilians, to not harm those they have pledged to protect.
The French reportedly apprehended President Gbagbo and turned him over to his enemies - the New Forces rebels who have spilled the blood of innocents for nearly a decade while fighting federal government control.
The French denied they were involved in Gbagbo’s capture. But if Gbagbo is harmed or murdered by his enemies, the French and United Nations must share in the blame. The French have co-opted the U.N. in this coup and they’ve provided the rebels with the arms they’ve needed to arrest Gbagbo and defeat his army.
The internationally recognized president, Alassane Quatarra, has called on citizens to lay down their weapons. But that is unlikely as his rebel troops reportedly continue to fire on Abidjan residents and loot their homes
For additional analysis of Gbagbo's arrest and the Ivory Coast, watch my discussion with Pat Robertson on the April 12 edition of "The 700 Club."