Sula, while I can understand that the situation is not easy, and also understand that it seems to be mainly a conflict between the government of Cote d ´Ivoire and the rebels in the north, I can not understand why most businesses in Cote d ´Ivoire are still owned and controlled by French, like the AllAfrica article says.
The whole thing reminds me of various other post-colonialism conflicts, where whites have been looted and kicked out of the country.
The colonial border lines are still intact, often cutting across tribal borders, giving good reasons for the hotheads for tribal warfare.
Also, I don´t know any big (in compare to American of French) African arms manufacturer. Who makes the money there?
Since the French President has ordered the helicopter attack, I tend to agree with Jamila, who is saying that the French are not there for altruistic reasons.
One has to ask what the role of the UN is. There is just a small difference between keeping peace and enforcing peace.