Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Fides Service)-“People are expecting great things from the meeting among Ivorian parties on 29 July in Ghana. There is hope but also concern”, a qualified Observer in Abidjan, economic capital of Ivory Coast, told Fides. The meeting sponsored by the African Union, between Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and representatives of the different political groups aims to find a solution to the serious crisis in the country which has lasted for 2 years.
“The problem is always the same: the application of the conditions of the peace agreement, signed in France in 2003, which stopped the fighting but left the country divided in zone controlled by the rebels and the government” the local source told Fides. “There are two options. Either the 29 July meeting agrees that the treaty must be applied totally or the treaty will be put aside and a new basis for negotiations will be created”.
“What ever happens a decision must be reached” the source told Fides. “One good sign is that Parliament is working on Constitutional amendments required by the Treaty. Let’s hope this is a concrete sign of a will to proceed in the negotiations”.
The fact that the situation in Ivory Coast merits attention by the international community is seen by a study published by the International Crisis Group which reports on the world’s conflicts. The ICG says that there is an illegal economy in Ivory Coast, which helps to keep the country divided. There are situations of illegal trade in both government and rebel controlled zones, and also in neighbouring countries and the people who grow rich on this situation wants it to continue.
Because of the situation of emergency and division there are no customs controls on Ivory Coast borders and trucks and travellers are forced to pay militiamen at roadblocks. Furthermore there is a flow of arms trade with Mali. In the west Ivorian militia and militia from Liberia collaborate in all sorts of illegal trading: timber arms, rubber. Again in the west a number of gold mines are exploited by amateur minors who prevent farmers from planting crops in gold field areas.
At the political level, the ICG says there are quarrels among the rebel leadership accentuated by interference from people connected with Liberian guerrillas. There is also a possibility that the crisis in Ivory Coast may lead to a war involving Burkina Faso and Mali anxious to defend their expatriates in Ivory Coast.
“We can agree with some of this study but some of it is also exaggerated” the sources told Fides. “However if it helps Ivorians overcome the impasse, the study and others like it are very welcome”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 13/7/2004 righe 39 parole 511)
