Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Fides Service)- “Shooting and shouting by young supporters of President Laurent Gbagbo can be heard coming from Cocody where the president has his residence” a missionary in Abidjan economic capital of Ivory Coast told Fides. In Abidjan on 6 November supporters of President Laurent Gbagbo attacked French troops and residents.
“Saturday night was the worst time. For several hours we saw and heard fighting between demonstrators and French troops patrolling the road leading to the airport. Early this morning things appeared to be quiet apart from a little sporadic shooting, although no European dared leave the house. French troops are guarding the airport and two bridges on the airport road in case foreign residents need to escape in haste” the source told Fides
“Tension is high despite President Gbagbo’s appeal for calm. French helicopters are flying over the city and French and Ivorian troops patrol the streets. This is a positive development although sacking continues of homes of French and other nationals who have asked the French troops for protection” the sources told Fides.
In the meantime the northwestern areas controlled by New Forces rebels fighting President Gbagbo, are still isolated. “We have been unable to contact with our mission in Korhogo in the north, since Thursday 4 November” a spokesman of the Fathers of the Little Work of Divine Providence of Don Orione told Fides. “Indirectly we have heard that our missionaries are safe although unable to go to surrounding villages to say Sunday Mass” the spokesman told Fides.
The situation in Ivory Coast precipitated on Saturday 6 November when Ivorian aircraft bombed a French military position near Bouake, the main city in the hands of the New Forces rebels, killing 9 French soldiers and one American civilian. Following the attack the 4,000 French troops present in Ivory Coast destroyed Ivorian aircraft and helicopters as they returned to base in Yamoussoukro. In Abidjan and elsewhere supporters of the President attacked French army positions and homes of European residents. “At present there are about 15,000 French citizens here. Whereas not long ago the French community consisted of 25,000 people. A reduction in number which shows that the situation in Ivory Coast had been deteriorating for some time” the sources told Fides.
Yesterday, Sunday 7 November, before praying the Angelus prayer, the Pope launched and appeal for peace in Ivory Coast: “May weapons be silenced, peace agreements respected and dialogue resumed. This is the voice of good will, the voice of hope, which becomes a prayer”.(L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 8/11/2004 righe 43 parole 541)
