Abidjan (Fides Service) - While fighting continues in western Ivory Coast, there is no end to the exodus of people. "Here in Duekoue people are afraid and those who can, move away" a local sources tells Fides Service. "The fighting is only 90 km away. We are in a zone under army control but people fear being caught up in the war and they are leaving. A village some 30 km away is completely empty. Here in Duekoue schools closed down two weeks ago, public offices are closed, doctors and nurses have abandoned the hospital. In the town there are 3,500 refugees from war zones and 2,500 of these are housed at the Catholic mission compound and all the others come for food and medical assistance. This is war, rebels and army are recruiting all the young men they can. Rebels are well armed and well trained. There is clearly a precise plan. But who is behind it? (Fides Service 12/12/2002)