Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Fides Service)- Working to promote reconciliation among hearts which three years of crisis have filled with hatred is the daily task of Catholic missionaries in Cote d’Ivoire plunged three years ago into the most serious crisis the country has ever known. On 19 September 2002 an unsuccessful coup resulted in a rebellion which split the country in two: since then the north and west are under the control of the New Forces a banner for different rebel groups.
“We share the lot of people forced to abandon their homes at the start of the revolt” said missionaries working in north of the country on what is known as the “line of trust” which divides the regular army from the New Forces troops. The narrow strip of land is controlled by UN and French peace keepers. “In this area there are at least 500 people who had to leave their villages, many from the village Wassadoujou,” said the missionaries. “They had to leave in a hurry without even food supplies or a change of clothes ”.
“We share with them the little the Catholic Mission has to offer. We started 3 schools, 9 classes for the children to help them continue their instruction” the missionaries said. “For the people the situation of political impasse has tragic consequences. Half of the entire population in the north are now internally displaced persons, wanderers in their own country. The rebels destroyed their homes. When these people eventually return home and find their homes are gone what will their reaction be?” a missionary asks. “This crisis was started by outside interference to prevent the people of Cote d’Ivoire from freely choosing the path they want. But local politicians are responsible too: I pray the country may have political leaders who give first place to the common good and to human values, including respect for human dignity of every person”.
On 19 September 2002 rebel troops from the north took control of a greater part of the country. The then President Guéi was killed in the fighting. A cease fire agreement with the rebellion which had the full support of the people in the north, mainly Muslims, was shortlived. Fighting resumed to take control of cacao plantation areas. France sent peace keepers to monitor the cease fire border line. Irregular militia took advantage of the crisis to occupy most of the west of the country.
In January 2003 president Gbagbo and rebel leaders signed an agreement in Marcoussis, France which however went into crisis when Opposition ministers withdrew. The African Union appointed South African president Thabo Mbeki, mediator in the crisis, but at the beginning of September the rebellion rejected his intervention. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 19/9/2005 righe 39 parole 527)
