Acknowledgments
This report was researched and authored by Matt Wells, West Africa researcher. It was
reviewed and edited by Corinne Dufka, senior West Africa researcher; Gerry Simpson, senior
researcher and advocate in the refugees program; Clive Baldwin, senior legal advisor; and
Babatunde Olugboji, deputy program director. Additional research and editing assistance
was provided by Marianna Enamoneta, West Africa associate. The report was translated into
French by Sarah Leblois; vetting of the translation was provided by Matt Wells, Marianna
Enamoneta, and Peter Huvos, French website editor. John Emerson designed the maps. The
report was prepared for publication by Grace Choi, publications director; Kathy Mills,
publications specialist; and Fitzroy Hepkins, mail manager.
Human Rights Watch thanks all of the individuals who helped connect its researcher to
people involved in land disputes linked to the post-election crisis. Village chiefs and
representatives from the various ethnic and immigrant communities in western Côte
d’Ivoire were, almost without exception, amazingly generous with their time and wisdom.
Local government officials were also incredibly giving with their time and helpful in
imparting knowledge. The members of the Duékoué land committee, who allowed Human
Rights Watch to sit in on hearings of land disputes, deserve special thanks. Human Rights
Watch also deeply appreciates the collaboration on this research project from the
Regroupement des Acteurs Ivoiriens des Droits Humains (RAIDH).
Human Rights Watch is particularly indebted to the victims of land dispossession—both
after the 2002-2003 armed conflict and the 2010-2011 post-election crisis—who were
willing to share their stories. They overwhelmingly wanted restitution of their land and
justice, not revenge. Should the Ivorian government ensure effective action to address
their claims, it could go a long way toward ending the violence that has plagued western
Côte d’Ivoire.
“THAT LAND IS MY FAMILY’S WEALTH”
96
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