The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and the West African Journalists Association (WAJA) have expressed concerns over the political crisis in the West African country of Ivory Coast. According to agency reports, the distribution and publication of newspapers in Ivory Coast have been blocked. Newspapers ideologically allied with the opposition leader, now internationally recognised Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, are not allowed to publish. Two reporters working for Le Mandat newspaper were briefly arrested, at least eight foreign journalists were arrested in different periods, and the safety and security of local journalists have been compromised by the armed forces of both political camps.