Rivalries still exist in Ivory Coast

Sept. 7, 2011 at 12:10 PM

MONROVIA, Liberia, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Ivorian refugees at camps in Liberia are dealing with harassment and threats as tensions remain after the near civil war in Ivory Coast, authorities say.

Laurent Gbagbo refused to step down following November presidential elections in Ivory Coast after the international community recognized Alassane Ouattara as the winner. The ensuing violence left thousands dead and many more displaced as rival groups pushed the country to the brink of civil war.

Authorities in charge of a refugee camp in Liberia said they are trying to make sure the environment there is free of weapons and harassment. T-shirts expressing support for Gbagbo were banned and security forces were told to keep weapons hidden or leave them behind when entering the camp.

"This cannot become a political environment," Steve Anyia, a manager at the refugee camp overseen by the Norwegian Refugee Council, told the United Nations' humanitarian news agency IRIN. "It is the only way to make sure people are safe."

Ivory Coast is struggling to recover from the political crisis. Gbagbo was arrested with the help of French peacekeepers in April and Ouattara has asked the International Criminal Court to look into the post-election violence.

At least 220 civilians were killed by pro-Gbagbo forces and Liberian mercenaries while they fled to Liberia after the former president's arrest early this year.

Human rights groups said both sides likely committed atrocities during the conflict.

Source: United Press International (UPI).
Link: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/Special/2011/09/07/Rivalries-still-exist-in-Ivory-Coast/UPI-10991315411836/.