A/HRC/32/52 II. General situation in the country A. Economic situation 7. The economy of Côte d’Ivoire continues to boom, with average growth rates of 9 per cent annually since 2012. The Government aims for Côte d’Ivoire to achieve emerging economy status by 2020 and, to that end, has established a five-year national development programme (2016-2020). The country is earning the confidence of foreign investors, particularly after the recent presidential elections went smoothly. One of the Government’s main ambitions is to strengthen processing industries so that the country will no longer export only raw materials. 8. While welcoming these significant trends, the Independent Expert took the opportunity to invite the Ivorian authorities to maintain their focus on the plight of the poorest population groups, especially since some time may elapse before society as a whole reaps their benefits, which might in fact turn out to be negligible. The Independent Expert notes that the Government of Côte d’Ivoire is earnestly working to integrate such an approach into its planning systems. Accordingly, the agricultural sector, which employs two thirds of the working population, is supported by a national investment programme that has helped to boost productivity in the sector while improving the living conditions of farmers. Côte d’Ivoire allocates part of its budget to actions aimed at improving the economic and social situation of the poorest groups, with spending for this purpose totalling 1,1702 trillion CFA francs in 2015 (more than US$ 3 billion) thanks to an increase of 50 per cent in two years. B. Security situation 9. The security situation in Côte d’Ivoire has stabilized considerably and is on its way to returning to normal. As a result, according to most observers, last November’s presidential elections were organized in a calm and orderly manner and international standards were respected. The significant progress that has been made has been recognized by the Security Council in two important resolutions. By the first (resolution 2283 (2016) of 28 April 2016), the Council lifted the arms embargo that had been imposed on the country for 10 years. That decision was prompted by the Security Council’s satisfaction at the progress achieved in the stabilization of Côte d’Ivoire, including in relation to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and security sector reform and in the management of arms and related materiel. The resolution also highlighted the progress made in terms of national reconciliation. In addition, the Security Council decided to put an end to sanctions aimed at institutions and individuals (travel restrictions and financial measures). 10. By means of the second resolution (resolution 2284 (2016) of 28 April 2016), the Security Council decided to renew the mandate of UNOCI for a final period ending on 30 June 2017. These measures illustrate the international community’s increased confidence in the efforts undertaken by the Ivorian authorities to date, with the support of UNOCI, to bring the security situation under control. The Government of Côte d’Ivoire deserves recognition for this praiseworthy achievement. 11. While applauding these developments, the Independent Expert wishes to stress the need for continued progress in bringing stability and security to the country. Stability is a dynamic rather than a static situation; it must be maintained and its continuity ensured. The Ivorian authorities should remain highly vigilant and alert to the risk of terrorist attacks, which have shown a tendency to proliferate in the region. Efforts to prevent and suppress GE.16-10958 5