Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Fides Service)- “This is a tribal conflict triggered by land claims” said a local source in Côte d'Ivoire where the death toll resulting from violence in the western region of Duékoué, continues to rise (see Fides 2 June 2005). Ten more people, including women and children were killed last night bringing the total to 55 victims since the clashes started on 31 May when 40 Guere villagers were found massacred with firearms and machetes. Retaliation on the part of the Guere was immediate with a massacre of Dioula people the following night.
“This tribal conflict is all about land” the source told Fides. “The people of the region are mostly Guere farmers. For some time many have been hiring labourers coming from the north of the country and from across the border in Burkina Faso who are mainly Dioula. In recent months the Dioula started claiming land rights, according to the principle championed by the old President Senghor, that land belongs to the people who work it”.
“The dispute degenerated into armed conflict following a general strike called by Dioula labourers which irritated the resident farmers (see Fides 2 May 2005)” our source recalled. Guere militia attacked a group of Dioula killing ten.
“A month later the Dioula took revenge calling reinforcements from the north, a group of traditional Dozo warrior hunters reportedly responsible for the recent massacres” said our source. “Now we will probably see a counter attack by the Guere to retaliate”.
“It is urgent to find a lasting solution to the question of land which is the root of trouble in Côte d'Ivoire. This means helping people to overcome hatred which has grown in hearts and for this Christian forgiveness is the only path to peace” the missionary concluded.
This unrest in the west gives added dimension to the serious crisis in Côte d'Ivoire divided since 2002 in two with the north and west controlled by the government and the west by New Forces rebels fighting against President Laurent Gbagbo.
In April there was a glimmer of hope when President Gbagbo and the rebels reached an agreement. The agreement also included a detailed calendar for general disarmament. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 3/6/2005 righe 38 parole 466)
