Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) - “In some quarters of Abidjan firearms could still be heard throughout the night and also this morning,” says Jean Djoman, Director of Development and Human Promotion for Caritas in Abidjan, the administrative capital of Côte d'Ivoire, where yesterday, 11 April, the Republican Forces in Côte d'Ivoire (former rebel allies of President-elect Alassane Ouattara) have captured former President Laurent Gbagbo, who was barricaded inside the presidential residence. The assault was carried out after the French and UN forces repeatedly struck “Therefore for the moment we must be cautious because we do not know how the situation will evolve. In several districts of Abidjan youth from both sides were armed, and fighting between them continued. When security forces backed by the UN are deployed to the neighbourhoods, they will risk confrontation with the various armed groups,” explains Djoman.
“It needs to be highlighted that in the north of Abidjan, especially in the quarter of Abobo, there are still members of the invisible commando. We do not know how the rapport will develop between them and the new President,” says Djoman.
“The leadership of the invisible commando (headed by Ibrahim Coulibaly, known as IB) may prove to have political ambitions. The relationship between the commandos and the Republican Forces commandos is not defined. It appears that two days ago, when the Republican Forces were forced by Gbagbo's soldiers to fall back to Abobo, they were attacked by armed civilians and have been forced to seek refuge elsewhere. We will see how events develop in the coming days,” says Djoman.
“The humanitarian situation remains serious, because the relief organisations, due to insecurity, are still notable to get into the area to assist displaced people and more generally the city's entire population. There is an acute lack of basic foodstuffs in the markets. When there is food it is extremely expensive. There have also been several incidents of looting,” says the head of Caritas. “The supply of drinking water and electricity has been restored in almost all parts of Abidjan, although there are often interruptions to service.
“In these conditions the resumption of complete humanitarian activities is conditioned to the creation of a calmer environment,” concludes the Caritas representative. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/4/2011)
