Côte d'Ivoire: following clashes, ICRC concerned about inhabitants of Abobo
25-02-2011 News Release 11/42
Geneva / Abidjan (ICRC) – 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 these were 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.
For further information, please contact:
Philippe Beauverd, ICRC Abidjan, tel. +225 224 000 70
Marçal Izard, ICRC Geneva, tel. +41 22 730 24 58 or +41 79 217 32 24