The Issues
Massacre
The Duékoué massacre involved numerous instances of human rights violations and mass killings, leaving about 1,000 dead and almost 30,000 displaced (about 60% of the town’s population). The full-scale military conflict erupted in March 2011, when the town was captured by pro-Ouattara forces, ultimately known as the Republican Forces. In Duékoué, the Republican Forces and allied militias massacred those they alleged to be pro-Gbagbo militiamen. Women watched as Republican Forces pulled their husbands, brothers, and sons out of their houses and killed them. According to Human Rights Watch, the Republican Forces also targeted men not believed to be militia members, including boys and older men.
Seven months after the end of the conflict, most internally displaced persons and returnees are facing challenges to rebuild their lives. “Food, shelter and support to rebuild lost livelihoods are pressing needs that should be prioritized to give people the support they need to return home, rebuild their lives and live in peace,” said Steve Wallace, the Director of Care in Côte d’Ivoire. Sources indicate that 83% of displaced people in Côte d’Ivoire say they do not have enough to eat and 82% have completely lost their source of revenue. Read More
