Religions for Peace

Statement of the Secretary General

The Violence in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire Must Stop 

4 April 2011

Religions for Peace urgently calls for all combatants in the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to desist from the violent fighting that is placing evermore civilians in extremely grave danger.  Killing civilians is wrong.  A non-violent, negotiated solution must be found to the current impasse. 

The Religions for Peace affiliated African Council of Religious Leaders sent a multi-religious delegation in February to meet with the two leaders to seek a peaceful resolution.  The delegation included Archbishop John Onaiyaken and a representative of the Nigerian Sultan of Sokoto, Sheikh Rahman Ahmad Abdur.   Religions for Peace continues to offer itself to assist in the peaceful resolution of this crisis. 

Religions for Peace also urges the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and all governments to undertake all responsible and legal avenues to ensure the safety and full rights of the people in Côte d'Ivoire.

Already hundreds of persons have been killed, thousands subjected to violence, and more than one million forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries. 

The violent conflict is over the disputed 2010 presidential election in Côte d'Ivoire.  The international community has recognized the democratic election of Alassane Ouattara as the new president of Côte d'Ivoire.  However, incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo has refused to step down.  Gbagbo’s refusal has generated a grave crisis, as forces loyal to Ouattara continue their bloody advance upon the capital of Abidjan.

Religions for Peace calls for an immediate end to the military campaigns of both parties.

Religions for Peace stands in solidarity with the people in Côte d'Ivoire and in partnership with the Forum of Confessions Côte d'Ivoire (the Religions for Peace affiliate in Côte d'Ivoire).    

Yours in partnership,