News story

UK condemns announcement of intention to nationalise banks in Cote d'Ivoire.

Minister for Africa Henry Bellingham said that former President Gbagbo's illegitimate regime does not have the authority to act on behalf of the Ivorian state.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Henry Bellingham
• Published: 22 February 2011

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Following the announcement, the Minister for Africa said:

“The UK Government strongly condemns the announcement by the Gbagbo regime that it intends to nationalise the international banks operating in Cote d’Ivoire, including UK bank Standard Chartered. Former President Gbagbo’s illegitimate regime does not have the authority to act on behalf of the Ivorian state. These illegal attempts to take control of private banks will only prolong the suffering of the Ivorian people. We call again on him again to recognize the election results and stand down immediately”

Published 22 February 2011