Food assistance part of initial response
The recent post-election violence in the West African nation of Côte d'Ivoire has prompted the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) to begin delivering food aid to hundreds of displaced families. The violence has left more than 250 dead and forced thousands to flee their homes to escape the political crisis and inter-ethnic clashes.
Coordinating with local partners, ADRA will distribute food rations to newly displaced persons in the western town of Duékoué, an area where fighting erupted recently after the shooting death of a local businesswoman. This incident triggered fatal inter-ethnic clashes that resulted in the deaths of 34 people, the looting and burning of more than 400 houses and shops, and the significant increase of displaced persons.
ADRA's operation will target 250 families directly affected by the recent crisis. Each household will receive a 14-day food ration for five people.
According to local sources, more than two-thirds of the 9,500 people currently displaced in the area are women, children and elderly people.