I Coast clashes condemned
2005-06-09 13:27
Parfait Kouassi
Abidjan - President Laurent Gbagbo has said those responsible for massacres in his country's west were trying to sabotage elections some hope can heal war-divided Ivory Coast.
Gbagbo added late on Wednesday "strong action would be taken in the next few days as we have information indicating they are planning further massacres throughout the county". He offered no details and did not name those he held responsible.
Long-awaited presidential elections are slated for October.
Last Wednesday, unidentified assailants armed with guns and knives slaughtered 41 villagers from the Guere ethnic group in the western town of Duekoue. A day later, eight Ivorians and two immigrants from neighbouring Burkina Faso were stabbed and clubbed to death, bringing the total number of casualties to 51.
Immigrants have cultivated the fertile land for decades, but locals have begun to view them as sympathisers with rebels who have controlled the northern half of Ivory Coast since a failed coup bid in September 2002.
"When people are sleeping and are killed in their bed, when their houses are set on fire with fuel, we can no longer talk about clashes," Gbagbo said. "It is a crime against humanity."
Despite peace deals aimed at reuniting the country, Ivory Coast has remained tense. About 10 000 peacekeepers are manning a buffer zone separating rebels and government troops.
On Tuesday, rebels cast doubt on a long-delayed disarmament campaign, saying the recent violence could delay the exercise, due to start on June 27.
The United Nations security council has recently threatened to implement a travel ban and an asset freeze it authorised in a resolution adopted in November against any individuals and groups blocking peace efforts.
- AP