Amidst the ever growing political conflicts in countries throughout North Africa and the Middle East, the struggles of Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) are being pushed to the back of people's minds. Seven unarmed women were gunned down by Gbagbo forces yesterday and over 360 people have been killed since the disputed elections in the Fall. Sanctions are being threatened by the U.S. and the U.N. and most banks have cut communication with the Gbagbo regime. Even an almost complete ban of Cote d'Ivoire cocoa has not dissuaded Gbagbo from his position.
Ellen J. Kennedy of World Without Genocide wrote a great commentary today for Minnesota Public Radio. She does a phenomenal job of summarizing the issues in this conflict with a special emphasis on the growing concern of a possible genocide in the region. Many people have already fled the country, but many have stayed and tried to fight for their land. Women and children are being abused and raped by gangs of Pro-Gbagbo and (possibly) Pro-Ouattara militias while their husbands and fathers are being brutally killed with their bodies left rotting in the streets, later burnt to prevent disease from spreading.
No matter what happens, the possibility of a humanitarian crisis is growing more apparent everyday. Please take a minute and read up on this important issue.
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