Côte d’Ivoire / Following clashes, ICRC concerned about inhabitants of Abobo
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, February 26, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — A new flare-up of violence in Côte d’Ivoire has left the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) particularly concerned about the west of the country and about Abobo, a northern suburb of Abidjan where thousands of people, mostly women and children, fled heavy weapons fire yesterday. There have also been clashes in other parts of the city, but not as destructive as in Abobo.
“We call on all those involved in the fighting of recent days to respect human life and dignity at all times,” said Philippe Beauverd, deputy head of the ICRC’s regional delegation in Abidjan. “In addition, medical staff, facilities and vehicles must be respected and spared the effects of the violence.”
With ICRC support, volunteers from the Red Cross Society of Côte d’Ivoire have in recent days cared for 34 injured people and taken 19 serious cases to hospital. This work is continuing.
SOURCE
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
