A/HRC/17/49 46. Indiscipline and excesses by the FRCI, which is composed of several different groups with no clear command structure, and an assortment of other armed groups are also a concern. There have been reports of arbitrary arrest, torture, rape, looting and extortion by some FRCI elements in roadblocks and homes, many of which have ethnic dimensions. There is also the continuing risk of reprisals by FRCI elements and RHDP supporters against former FDS and LMP supporters which, if they persist, could seriously undermine efforts aimed at social cohesion and reconciliation. 47. There have been many reports suggesting that elements of the FRCI are involved in human rights violations in both Abidjan and the rest of the country. In neighbourhoods across Abidjan, including Yopougon, Angré, Plateau, Zone 4, Koumassi, Rivera and Cocody. At least 300 people were arbitrarily arrested and transferred to the prison in Bouaké and other places of detention. While the majority of these have been released, reports indicate that at least 56 are still in detention. 48. During May, numerous cases of ill treatment and illegal arrest, followed by extortion, have been documented. On 3 May, in the Yopougon Académie Cité neighbourhood, a man was reportedly shot in both hands by elements of the FRCI who alleged that he was a militia member, an allegation rejected by his family members. The FRCI members were reported to have arrived at the family residence of the victim, ordered all the occupants outside and instructed them to kneel down, identified the victim, whom they subsequently shot in both hands, and conveyed him to one of their bases, where he was detained for 6 days and released upon the payment of 250,000 FCFA as the first instalment of a total 500,000 FCFA they requested from his family. On 23 May, a 52-year-old man from Benkro, a sous préfecture of Oumé, died in detention after he was severely beaten and ill-treated by two members of the FRCI stationed in Doukouya (74km west of Yamoussoukro). Prior to his death, he had been summoned on 22 May by FRCI members who, in the presence of the victim’s brother and without questioning him, began kicking and hitting him with their rifle butts. XII. A. Conclusion and recommendations Conclusion 49. The political crisis in Côte d’Ivoire created a climate of insecurity and impunity which led to large-scale human rights violations and abuses. Some political actors, through radical statements and actions, incited local communities and supporters to carry out acts that have undermined the full realization of human rights. Throughout the reporting period, civilians were subjected to excessive and disproportionate force by the security forces, sometimes in collaboration with militia groups and mercenaries. 50. While the presence of the FRCI has helped to stabilize the security situation following the end of hostilities, there is still a security vacuum due to the fact that many members of the police and gendarmerie abandoned their posts around the country and many police stations were looted and destroyed. Coupled with the proliferation of small arms and armed groups, this has often led to violence, especially at the inter-community level, with attendant consequences on the human rights situation. The creation of a new professional armed force and the reconstitution of security sector institutions could play a vital role in addressing the aforementioned concerns, and deserves critical attention. 51. The ongoing processes, both nationally and internationally, to address the issue of impunity, will be essential in ensuring justice and reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire. 14