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.

The Catholic Mission in Duékoué is the largest displacement camp in the country, with over 27,000 people registered there. As the humanitarian crisis continues in Duékoué, it is important to provide humanitarian assistance and greater support to rebuild lost livelihoods.

Women & Development

We work with 3 women’s associations in Duekoue filled with 500 women and several cooperatives waiting to start their businesses & markets to support their families and pull themselves out of poverty. The fighting of the 2010 political crisis ruined the markets and limited access to food. Our microcredit program will help put these women to work!

Homes & Infrastructure

The people of Duekoue are ready to rebuild their homes themselves! All they need are the tools & resources to make it happen and people that care enough to support their effort. Many of the homes in the western region were broken by rebels, and grass and shrubs have taken over the homes. We will join Habitat for Humanity and you to make this dream real!

The the chaos from war many villagers have struggled with reclaiming their lands. We want to give them back the rights to their land.