AFRICA/IVORY COAST - The Bishops urge to "work for reconciliation in view of elections"

Abidjan (Agenzia Fides) - Disarmament, reconciliation of souls, truth about the recent past of the Ivory Coast, equal justice, forgiveness, dialogue among political opponents and within the parties themselves. These are some of the suggestions offered by the Ivorian Bishops in the message published at the end of their Assembly, which ended on May 10, in view of the presidential elections in October.
In their message, sent to Agenzia Fides, the Bishops recognize the progress made by the Ivory Coast in the few years since the civil war ended in 2011. "After the crisis due to the last elections, the new authorities of the Country opted for the reconciliation of the sons and daughters of the Country".
A policy that resulted in the establishment of the European Commission on Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation (CDVR), in launching disarmament and the admission of former combatants in civil society, and the return of refugees.
"Despite all this action taken in such a short period of time, one must point out that much remains to be done", said the message. In particular the CDVR "came at the end of its term without having overcome the challenge of reconciliation. It is true that tensions, frustrations, trauma and the practice of ethnic manipulation are still present in our country".
"On the other hand - the Bishops continue - the social situation troubles us". For this reason the Bishops' Conference encourages everyone to "create the conditions for true reconciliation".
The Bishops ask young people to be vigilant in order to avoid being manipulated by politicians and to avoid journalists "to write articles that can jeopardize the fragile peace". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/05/2015)