Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abidjan (Agenzia Fides)- “A small symbolic step but most important on the path to peace in Cote d'Ivoire” said local Church sources with regard to a visit to Bouaké in the north of the country by Charles Blé Goudé, head of the Young Patriots militia close to President Laurent Gbagbo. Bouaké the main city of the region controlled by the New Forces rebels has been isolated since September 2002. “The only way to get from one side to the other and pass through the many road blocks manned by various different groups of militia involved in the civil war was to offer a small bribe, even one cigarette” the sources told Fides. Since peace agreements signed on 4 March in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina Faso (see Fides 5 March 2007) ended the crisis, Cote d'Ivoire is at last finding its territorial unity again.
The visit to the former rebel's stronghold by the leader of the most intransigent part of the pro-presidential ranks is highly symbolic and important to dispel tension. Goudé paid homage to Guillaume Soro, head of the New Forces who following the Ouagadougou agreement was appointed by Prime Minister. “Guillaume Soro" - the Patriots' leader said in Bouaké - “is my friend. We were united but then we separated. Now we are again united and nothing will ever separate us”. “When Guillaume Soro took office we decided to support him to show the rest of the world that we can make peace. Our presence in Bouaké is a symbol. If among the crowds here there are people whom I have shocked I ask their forgiveness” Godé said in front of 500 people who responded with warm applause.
However the situation in the north is still precarious because the damage caused by fighting, sacking and isolation from the rest of the country still needs to be repaired. Thousands of government employees, including teachers, doctors and nurses fled to areas under government control. The local Catholic Church helped where it could especially at dramatic moments, guaranteeing education and healthcare in some structures. In “no man's land” controlled by UN and French peace keeping troops, several villages were 'emptied' of their inhabitants who now languish in camps waiting to return to a home which needs to be completely rebuilt. The many times announced and postponed programme to disarm and demobilise the combatants must be carried out. Peace has come but much remains to be done to restore normality in Cote d'Ivoire. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 11/6/2007 righe 35 parole 470)
