Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Fides Service) – “This is not yet authentic peace” a Comboni Missionary in Ivory Coast tells Fides Service. That country has been in the grip of ferocious civil war since September last year. “Despite the formation of a government of national unity with the participation of representatives of all the parties and rebel movements, there seems to be no way out of the spiral of violence” the missionary adds “not only has the problem of the appointment of ministers of defence and security yet to be solved but all sides, government and rebels, continue to preach hatred instead of looking for paths to peace”.
Moreover divisions in the rebel camps are beginning to appear: “The main rebel group Patriotic Movement of Ivory Coast MPCI, has split” the local source tells Fides Service “on the one hand there is Koonate the chief and on the other, other leaders who want to kill him. In MPCI controlled areas there is constant shooting between the two factions. The presence of Liberian mercenaries paid both by government and guerrilla adds to the confusion, because often these soldiers are totally undisciplined and think of plundering among the civilians ”.
With regard to international responsibility the missionary says: “Certainly France is also responsible for what is happening here. President Gbagbo was a protege of the socialist Jospin. When the former lost the presidential elections France’s protection of the Ivorian president was withdrawn and suddenly a civil war broke out. Gbagbo also opened Ivory Coast to Asian investments (China, India) damaging the interests of French industries in the country and creating another reason for friction with Paris”.
The missionary adds: “Ivory Coast is losing a whole new generation in this absurd war. It is heartbreaking to see young men become prey to the culture of violence. This is seen also by the names taken by the different combat units: Cosa Nostra, Cobra, Mafia. Almost a following of negative myths of a certain type of western cinema”. LM (Fides Service 20/5/2003 EM lines 30 Words: 348)
