Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Fides Service)- Has the Côte d'Ivoire crisis entered a new stage, international observers are wondering because of the new outbreak of fighting in the west of the country with the entrance on the scene of a pro-government militia group Mouvement Ivoirien de Libération de l'Ouest de la Côte d'Ivoire (MILOCI) which attacked New Forces rebels in Logouale 55 km from Duekoue (see Fides 28 February 2005).
“The government and government television say that the fighting in the west of Côte d'Ivoire is a local conflict between civilians and the rebel groups which have controlled the region since September 2002, suggesting a return of ethnic conflict” a local missionary source told Fides. “But rebel television says President Laurent Gbago is behind this new group MILOCI. The New Forces rebels announced that the peace process backed by South African president Thabo Mbeki, is dead”.
“The situation is highly complex” the source told Fides. “Western Côte d'Ivoire has a fragmented ethnic composition, with ethnic groups also from over the border in Liberia. The ghost of ethnic war is not to be excluded therefore also because of the presence, reported from many sides, of Liberian mercenaries. On the other hand MILOCI appears to be formed mainly of Young Patriots, supporters of President Gbagbo. The President could be trying to take back the west with the help of a loyal militia group, instead of using the regular army directly. This could be to avoid protests and sanctions from the international community deeply committed to restoring peace in Côte d'Ivoire”.
“We recall”- the missionary continued - “that President Gbagbo has tried more than once to control the city of Man, considered a strategic point because close to the port of San Pedro. As things stand the rebels have no access to the sea. The government forces fear that from Man the rebels may take San Pedro, so they are trying to anticipate the move”.
“Every time Man changes hands, from rebels to government, to rebels, there has always been unimaginable violence” the missionary concludes. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 1/3/2005 righe 32 parole 400)
