Despite Ivorian leaders' declared intentions, political obstacles to reform abound in Côte d'Ivoire, and sometimes conflict with the stated aim of reconciliation. Analyzing the possibilities and limitations of reconciliation shows that peace-building steps are going nowhere; the political situation fosters stagnation. The shortfalls in reconciliation result from a mix of political power that takes advantage of precarious security conditions and a reconciliation process that exacerbates divisions. In this way, the reconciliation process contributes to the most recent practices of inclusion and exclusion; it also prompts the increasing militarization of Ivorian political life.