Security continued to deteriorate, despite some positive moves. Commercial capital Abidjan tense. Rebel leaders said 22 December they would rejoin coalition government. Government and rebels commenced pulling heavy armaments from frontline. Rebels divided – one group of fighters declared allegiance to new rebel leader, Ibrahim Coulibaly, 19 December. At least 18 killed in attack by unknown assailants on state television station 12 December, repelled by police. Pro-government protesters attempted to storm base of French peacekeepers 1 December.

Rebels declare state of emergency in north of country, claiming army is preparing to attack them. President Gbagbo called on rebels to lay down arms. French peacekeeping troops clashed with about 100 Ivorian government troops who entered demilitarised zone 30 November. Soldiers briefly seized television station 30 November and broadcast demand that Gbagbo attack rebels. UN SG Kofi Annan warned country may slip back into conflict. West African leaders trying to find solution to crisis - urged UN to consider replacing stretched ECOWAS forces with UN peacekeeping forces. Human Rights Watch accused pro- government militias of killings and torture of citizens in government controlled parts of country.

Further deterioration in political situation. Presidents of Ghana and Nigeria met with President Gbagbo 30 October to discuss stand-off with rebels. Government arrested 11 members of two main opposition parties for alleged plot to assassinate government members. Government also claimed it thwarted plot to kill Roman Catholic cardinal. Army warned rebels holding north of country it would take action unless they returned to program of peace and disarmament. Tens of thousands marched in capital Abidjan 2 October calling on rebels to disarm. Rebel supporters reciprocated with own march in rebel-held northern town of Bouake 4 October. UN Security Council called on all parties to implement fractured peace agreement. French journalist shot dead by police officer - since arrested. Police chief sacked over murder.

Rebels announced on 23 September they would suspend participation in power-sharing government and disarmament program because of stalling by president. One, possibly two, rebel ministers chose to remain in government, defying orders of rebel leaders to withdraw. At least 23 killed in fighting between rebels and looters in rebel held town of Bouake. French committed to keep troops in Côte d’Ivoire until 2005. Border with Burkina Faso reopened after year-long closure. President appointed ministers of Defence and Internal Security – in accordance with peace process.

Power-sharing government under threat after 11 men arrested in France on 23 August, accused of plot to assassinate President Gbagbo. Government and former rebels deadlocked over who should control defence and security ministries. 2 French soldiers killed in clashes with rebels on 25 August. Security Council voted on 4 August to extend mandate of French and ECOWAS peacekeeping forces to 4 February 2004. Parliament granted amnesty on 6 August to former rebels holding north of country.