Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Fides Service) – At least 3 million people are at risk because of war in Ivory Coast. This is reported by Carolyn McAskie, United Nations’ special envoy to Ivory Coast.
According to the United Nations in Ivory Coast alone fighting has displaced more than 750,000 people who have fled from regions in the north and west to eastern and southern regions. Another 400,000 have taken refuge in neighbouring countries. The displaced persons are straining the economies of Liberia, Guinea and to a lesser degree those of Burkina Faso and Mali.
War also forced some 45,000 Liberians, who took refuge in Ivory Coast years ago, to return to their country also in the grip of a violent conflict.
The United Nations has asked for the assignment of at least 85 million US dollars for emergency aid for the displaced persons. The International Red Cross has asked for 2 million US dollars to assist 200,000 displaced persons in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Ghana, Guinea and Liberia. LM (Fides Service 9/5/2003 EM lines 19 Words: 190)
