Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) - “Côte d'Ivoire is sliding into civil war,” reveal local Church sources to Fides, who for security motives wish to remain anonymous. “The fighting in Abidjan, the administrative and economic capital of the Country, is the order of the day. Whole areas of the city are invested in the violence, especially in Abobo and Yopougon, where civilians have managed to escape or be trapped in their houses,” say our sources.
“In Abobo yesterday a convent of Poor Clares was hit by heavy artillery. Luckily the sisters, who were praying in the chapel, were not hurt, but the monastery sustained some damage,” report local sources. “The Religious leaders of Côte d'Ivoire are trying to mediate, but it seems difficult to contact the two parties. Communication difficulties also hamper the process of finding a common position among the religious representatives”, concludes our source.
According to local news reports, the party of outgoing President Laurent Gbagbo has called on young supporters to enlist en masse in the armed forces. The militiamen of the New Forces, the former rebels, who support the President-elect Alassane Ouattara, went into attack in the west, while continuing their offensive in Abidjan, towards the district of Cocody, where the corridors of power are concentrated.
The Government of Nigeria has criticised the 'contradictions' of the international community, which is focusing its attention on Libya, to the detriment of Côte d'Ivoire on the brink of a real civil war. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 22/3/2011)
