Abidjan (Fides Service) - Slowly but surely withdrawal of heavy arms continues from the strip of no man’s land which divides army controlled territory from the zone in the hands of the New Forces rebels. Fides was told this by a local church source in the northern city of Bouake which has been the rebels’ headquarters September 2002.
According to the agreement reached by the parties, army weapons will be collected at Daoukro (centre), Yamoussoukro (centre) and Boundoukou (east), while rebels will take their arms to a military camp near Bouake. Army and rebels have agreed that the first stage of withdrawal of heavy weapons will close on 25 December to underline that this is a Christmas of peace whereas Christmas 2002 was one of war.
The agreement entails also the dismantling of numerous road blocks set up on both sides in September to intensify security measures when rival groups began fighting over booty from a robbery at the West Africa Central Bank.
“In actual fact road blocks in Bouake and surrounding area have not been removed at all” the missionary told Fides. “I think this is partly due to the fact that these young warriors realise that the times of harassing civilians are over. If there is peace they will no longer be able to extort money from people who want to pass their road block. So they are making as much money as they can before their leaders decide to dismantle the road blocks”.
The main condition for the peace process to advance is for the rebels to be once again part of the national unity government. The international community is putting strong pressure on the rebels to allow their ministers to resume their functions and take part in government meetings. “Unfortunately there are no signs of a positive turning in the near future” the local source told Fides.
Recent clashes in front of the national television studios in Abidjan increased tension despite the fact that the Minister of Defence said the New Forces rebels were not to blame. Press sources said the attackers were young militants close to President Gbagbo.
“Despite difficulties we are preparing for Christmas with our hearts full of hope that peace will be restored” the missionary told Fides, adding: “when the political leaders have signed all the agreements to unite the two territories and make the country one again, work must start on healing society torn apart by hatred. I think for example of hundreds of people who fled Bouake and who will return to find their homes looted or even destroyed. May the Lord help us restore peace in hearts”. (L.M.) (Fides Service 16/12/2003, lines 39 words 504)