Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Fides Service)- Missionaries working in Ivory Coast continue to send messages to Fides with regard to the situation there, the most recent came from two Italian Fidei Donum missionaries from Belluno - Feltre diocese who write from Sakassou, north of Bouake: “The past week was difficult, without water, electricity or telephone but now things are beginning to improve, although the situation is not clear. The rebels still have control of the north and we are right in the middle of the turmoil and anything could happen. We cannot go very far because they took away our car and the road south to the free zone is closed because of the risk of ambushes and shooting. The Spanish Sisters and we are safe and well thank God. On Saturday November 6 the mission was at the centre of a gunfire battle in which several soldiers were killed. We had gone to the Sisters house for vespers and it was 6.45pm when all hell broke out. We all dived under a table and held our breath. We were there until the morning broke...while bullets smashed through the windowpanes and whistled over our heads. Later however we were able to celebrate the 9.30 Sunday Mass as usual and we expected to be alone with the Sisters, but a good crowd of courageous people came to pray with us.
For some days now in Sakassou, rebel troops have been taking revenge on people in surrounding villages because they say they helped army soldiers sent to free the rebel occupied area: aggression, imprisonment, atrocious torture, threats … a reign of injustice which leaves us helpless and sad. In fact it is always the poorest people who suffer most.”
Orionini Fathers also sent Fides a brief update on the situation of their missionaries: “We have a community in Korhogo, northern Ivory Coast, which is still isolated. However we have not been informed of any new development or danger. There is more concern for our communities and institutes at Bonoua and Anyama near Abidjan, where anti-French tension could trigger more episodes of intolerance towards whites in general”. Vice provincial superior Giuseppe Bonsanto, confirmed that all the confreres, Sisters and lay members of the communities and institutes are safe and well. “Of course we are being very careful. We do not go to unknown areas in case of violence on the part of demonstrators and other people enflamed with political passion”.
The Italian Embassy in Ivory Coast arranged for nationals anxious to leave the country to board two transport planes on Wednesday 10 November. “That morning our confreres held a meeting to decide what to do and they took a unanimous decision to remain”.
A third message came from Discalsed Carmelites in Abidjan. Father Miguel Hernansaiz “is in contact with the Spanish Embassy and he is safe. He asks for prayers for the Carmelites and for the whole country”. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 15/11/2004 righe 43 parole 539)
