Here is a summary of the current situation from our perspective here in Abidjan. Much of the information we have comes through local and international news reports via Radio, TV & the Web. These do not always agree, and few sources seem entirely reliable. Personal telephone contacts with national colleagues in other parts of the country sometimes give a different picture to what we hear through the media.
All SIL members are currently either in Abidjan or out of the country. We have not yet decided to evacuate as a group, but are doing all we can to be ready should this be necessary. Some other mission groups have left, but mainly those who had no real base of operations in Abidjan.
Rebels claimed an important victory on Sunday when they took over the town of Daloa. Yesterday, they said that they were no longer willing to talk about a ceasefire because the Ivorian government had brought in Angolan troops. Whilst some armoured vehicles did arrive from Angola only the rebels affirm that troops were also brought in. Last night loyalist forces regained control of Daloa, this was confirmed by personal contacts there this morning. This is the first significant victory for government forces since the quashing of rebel actions in Abidjan during the days immediately following the initial attacks on Sept 19th.
The situation in Bouaké is difficult for those who remain there. Many thousands of people have left due to a lack of food and security particularly following a brief government incursion into the city last week. We have been doing what we can to get help through to national colleagues and friends in rebel controlled regions.
We hope and pray that efforts towards negotiation will bear fruit and that somehow a longer-term solution will be found to the problems which have beset Ivory Coast over recent years.