Funded by

French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE)

The analysis covered a number of issues, such as how the situation and needs might evolve and how the available resources might be used to optimal effect. The mission was carried out in continual contact with the French Embassy in Abidjan and in close collaboration with missions by UNDAC, DG ECHO and Swiss Cooperation which were being carried out at the same time. The consultation of the national authorities (the Ministry of Health, Equipment and Health) and of their specialised institutions (SODECI, the National Blood Transfusion Centre, Pharmacy and Public Health) was given particular importance. A number of United Nations agencies (OCHA/OCHA, UNICEF, WHO, FAO) and NGOs (ACF, Handicap, MSF, MDM, MEDAD, Solidarités,) as well as the ICRC, were met.

Civil-military issues and the decontamination of combat zones were discussed with representatives of France’s Opération Licorne. The mission visited the various districts of the city except Yupugon, where there was still too much military action.

Figures were scarce before the crisis. Since the end of the fighting, data is rarely up-to-date and often not very accurate. We do not know how many people lived in Abidjan on the eve of the conflict; we do not know how many actually fled and how many returned. This report thus presents few figures and the analysis is based primarily on qualitative data collected through interviews and direct observation.

Carried out by

François Grünewald

Co-founder & Honorary President