In
Face of Catastrophic Deterioration of Local Situation, DJCI
President Appeals for Unity in the Ivory Coast
We, Ivorians of the
Diaspora are increasingly alarmed at the catastrophic
deterioration of the situation in our homeland. The continuing
destruction of the Ivory Coast under the present
“leadership” is leading to a major catastrophe, not only for
our country, but also for the whole neighboring West African
region. Our once successful country, a model for the region, now
heads the list of failed states.
Ivorians of the Diaspora
are less exposed to the climate of intimidation, manipulation
and deceit promoted both by the authorities and by their
political opponents inside the country. We can clearly see the
disaster that looms ahead for our beloved homeland. A large
number of people inside the country, those who have to directly
suffer the consequences of the current tragedy, are also
increasingly troubled by the catastrophe that awaits them.
Others, victims of the irresponsible manipulations of the
political class, are taking longer to see the grim future that
lies ahead. Some of these still believe in the message of hate, division
and exclusion used by their “leaders” in their desperate
efforts to retain the support of sectors of the population. For
how much longer will this go on.
The Ivorian economy is
collapsing, social cohesion has been destroyed, the institutions
of a once successful state are not functioning. Rule of law is
not respected, education and public health services are
practically disappearing, corruption has taken over. Life,
except for a small elite in power, has become increasingly
insecure, poor and precarious for the majority of our people.
Why do we have to accept this?
Are we to wait for a
major catastrophe, a Rwanda-style genocide, to destroy our
nation before we act to restore the peace we once knew?
NO! Now is the time to act. Now is the time to say no to
the current madness. Let us refuse to be victims of
diabolization, of division, hatred and manipulation. Let us
recognize the state of crisis our country is in. Let us stop
blaming others for this situation and realize that only we,
ourselves, can heal our society and save our country, provided
we are willing to reconcile with one another as the brothers and
sisters we are.
DJCI appeals to Ivorians
in the Diaspora to see the reality of our country. To unite in
peace as brothers and sisters for the benefit of the common
good. To use our capacities to support our fellow citizens in
the Ivory Coast who are trying to reconcile in unity and peace.
Let us all join in our support for neutral civil society groups
inside the country – such as CUP-CI (Citizens for Unity and
Peace of the Ivory Coast). Let us together assist them in their
noble mission of promoting reconciliation and providing civic
education to the people, on an inclusive basis, without
distinction of ethnicity or religious belief.
By educating our brothers and sisters in the rights and
duties of a democracy, we will help to build the future of peace
and political maturity that we wish for our country. A future
where the rule of law, justice and equality for all applies, and
where we can together build the inclusive, prosperous and mature
society for the Ivory Coast we dream about.
Let us all have the
courage to acknowledge that the present election charade will
take us nowhere. To correct the damage done to the country we
need a transitional government led by a new team of persons of
integrity and competence, that are willing to serve the Ivory
Coast with honesty and commitment, and are not out just to
enrich themselves at the expense of our population.
We also need the committed support of the international
community ensure the security of this transitional government.
We need outside support with resources and skills, to help us
develop our own capacities. Only this way, will we finally
achieve our full independence, maturity and strength as a
nation. Only this way will we stop being threatened by outside
domination and exploitation as has been the case so often in the
past, and increasingly seems to be happening again, this time
from a new colonizer, posing as a disinterested friend.
At this critical moment
of our history, as we are on the verge of a major catastrophe, I
call on all of you fellow Ivorian brothers and sisters to
seriously reflect on the situation of our beloved country. Let
us reconcile and unite. Let us put past differences behind. Let
us learn from the mistakes we have all made in the past. Let’s
start today to build a better future for our country and for our
children. This may
be the last chance we have.
New York, 17 August 2005
Modeste Seri,
President of DJCI and
CUP-CI.
P.O Box 1001 NY, NY 10027
Email: modsetseri@aol.com
Tel/Fax: 1-212-283-8660
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