Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Fides Service)- In the past three years the silent victims of conflict in north of Côte d'Ivoire controlled by rebel groups, have been school pupils. And it would seem that once again they will be denied the opportunity to sit for school examinations.
The dates of school exams BAC and BEPC have been postponed once again. The news was announced on 29 September and no new date was set. High food prices make it increasingly difficult for people to eat and the people suffer extortion by armed militia which control roads in the north. “An unbearable situation because a whole generation without instruction will be unable to find honest work and in danger of being dragged into the whirlwind of delinquency, banditry and desperation” said a Catholic mission in the north of Côte d'Ivoire.
People in towns and in the country are ever more impoverished and fearful. In Bouake, the rebel capital, there are no post offices or banks and water is a luxury.
Most people drink tap water despite the health risks involved. Humanitarian agencies and agencies of the United Nations have worked with the Ministry of Education to organise school exams.
One crucial factor is to guarantee security in schools where exams are held. In an open letter UN humanitarian co-operator in Côte d'Ivoire, Mr Abdoulaye Mar Dieye, urged the government to allow exams to take place, reminding all those involved that it would be a serious violation of human rights to deny students the right to sit their school exams.
Despite efforts by the international community the political impasse in Côte d'Ivoire persists. The country is still split in two with the north and west in the hands of New Forces rebels since 2002 and the rest of the country under the government army. The troops are kept apart by UN and French peacekeepers. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 25/10/2005 righe 29 parole 346)
