Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Agenzia Fides)- “There is anger and resignation with regard to the UN sanctions on Ivory Coast. Many people telephoned the state radio asking for the government’s reaction. The national radio announced that the President of the National Assembly Mamadou Koulibaly was expected to make a statement”, local sources in Abidjan, told Fides with regard to reactions in Ivory Coast at the UN Security Council unanimous decision to ban arms sales to the warring parties in Ivory Coast. The UN also said that if the cease fire and peace agreement is not restored by 15 December there will be more sanctions: freezing of resources and travel bans for Ivorians considered “a threat to peace and the national reconciliation process”. A special UN committee will draft the list of the names of these people. The United Nations say that both sides must respect the cease fire and peace agreements signed in Paris and then at Accra (capital of Ghana).
“The government of President Gbagbo is ever more isolated by Europe, the United States and the rest of Africa, particularly neighbouring countries which fear that civil war in Ivory Coast may extend to the whole region” local sources told Fides. “There is concern at the news that at least 4,000 prisoners have escaped from Abidjan prison. The violence has also a marked component criminal” the sources told Fides.
In the meantime the situation is calm although foreigners continue to leave the country after the recent violence. According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees more than 10,000 Ivorians have fled to Liberia in the past ten days in which the civil war has intensified. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 16/11/2004 righe 27 parole 313)
