February the 15th would have been the first time that the Catholic Church of Cote d’Ivoire display publicly concerns regarding the political situation of the country. After calling for the the liberation of political prisoners, a truly independant Electoral Commission , the return of the exilees and a true national reconciliation at the 114th Episcopal conference of Korhogo, the March for Peace was canceled.
What exactly happened?
On January 19th, the dioecesis of Abidjan shared what they think are requirements for transparent, fair and open elections in view of a true Reconciliation to the President. They encourage a political dialog between the government in power and opponents also.The tense situation is probably what pushed them to open up and express their concerns; however, they were quickly accused of trying to discredite and criticize the government in power.
Where some wounds have not scared yet
It is important to remember that the previous crisis in Cote d’Ivoire have seen divisions between the North mostly muslim and the South predominantly christian. The current President, Alassane Dramane Ouattara, being from the North, any critics from the Church can be taken by him or his partisans as a pure attack and not an objective analysis.
The march for Peace supposed to take plan on February 15th announced by the Cardinal Jean Pierre Kutwua, received numerous backlash and threats from different communities and groups who qualified it of an insult to the progress made. The initiative was called « Lets go meet Peace » and had for goal to sensibilize women and young people to the importance of a true reconciliation.
The Catholic Church reminded that the march had been decided since October of last year and had nothing to do with the controversial speech that took place a week earlier calling for actions. They claim that it is a strictly spiritual initiative to stress on the importance of cohesion, non violence and stability.
Cancellation…
The march was transformed into a Prayer Day at the Cathedral at the same date, for anyone who wants to pray for the country.
…..welcomed with relief
To many opponents to the March, besides the religious divide it could have accentuated, the regional stability was at stake. Because the same climate of tension is present in other countries such as Senegal, Togo among others , it could have inspired organizations and church to protest and maybe revive old tensions and create a climate of violence.
Isn’t it interesting to see how the Peaceful march initiated by the Catholic Church revived old tensions and afraid a lot of people ? Isn’t it the proof that the NATIONAL RECONCILIATION has not taken place in the heart of Ivorian? The same division, sensibilities, memories and schemes are still affecting Ivorians the same. Intolerance, disunity and violence are still dominating deep down and ready to erupt.
Overbooked by Moss 
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