"Those refugees who are living in Accra, they are free. But here, we are not free," said one refugee who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. "We don't have money. There are so many problems here. In Accra, they say they are refugees but they are free to do anything they want."
Hellweg at Florida State said this frustration would likely become more widespread over time, hurting the exiles' ability to influence the debate over reconciliation.
"The longer that Ouattara can maintain power, the harder it will be for the exiles to effect change, as their resources will eventually diminish and their authority among their Ivorian fellow travelers will diminish due to distance," Hellweg said. "Time, in other words, is on Ouattara's side."
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