Ivory Coast in grip of refugee crisis, says UN
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ivory Coast is threatened with a humanitarian disaster caused by the rebel uprising, a United Nations agency said yesterday.
About 150,000 people have been displaced by fighting in the central city of Bouaké, where the government launched an offensive this week against the rebels who have seized half the country.
Thousands of immigrants are on the run from ethnic clashes unleashed by the fighting. Most come from impoverished countries such as Burkina Faso and Mali, which are likely to struggle with any massive influx of people.
Ramin Rafirasme, a spokesman for the World Food Programme, said: "All the ingredients are present for a large-scale humanitarian crisis, which threatens to destabilise the entire sub-region."
Taking advantage of a lull in fighting, a tide of people balancing bundles of clothes and cooking pots on their heads streamed from Bouaké, seeking safety in nearby villages, or south in Abidjan.
Residents spoke of heavy explosions, food shortages and gangs of tribal militants who burnt to death some people.
The attacks appeared to be in retaliation for killings earlier by government supporters. The number of people burnt to death appeared small, but the brutality horrified residents shaken by three days of shooting and explosions.
"The mutineers, who never used to bother us, are now searching for loyalists," said one resident. "We are afraid of a civil war."
Bouaké appeared calm yesterday and French military officials said rebels controlled the city. But clashes were reported in the south-west, in the area of Daloa. France has about 1,000 troops in Ivory Coast, its former colony.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments