- Title: IVORY COAST: Residents look forward to celebrating a peaceful festive season
- Date: 19th December 2011
- Summary: ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST (DECEMBER 18, 2011) (REUTERS) STREET SCENES IN ABIDJAN VARIOUS OF CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ON STREET VARIOUS OF MAN SELLING CHRISTMAS TREES IN THE STREETS AS CARS DRIVE BY
- Embargoed: 3rd January 2012 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Cote d'Ivoire
- Country: Ivory Coast
- Topics: Quirky,Religion,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
- Reuters ID: LVABR6XR4L6AWELIL37A7RI1VCA2
- Story Text: On the streets Ivory Coast's capital Abidjan residents are busy bargaining with traders for the best deals. Like many around the world, they too are preparing for Christmas festivities.
Ivorians have an extra reason to celebrate as the country tries to recover from last year's crippling civil war that gripped the country following disputed presidential elections in November that took a toll on the country's citizens and its economy The four months conflict, which was sparked after ousted leader Laurent Gbagbo refused to step down after loosing the vote left more than 3,000 people dead and than 1 million were displaced.
Today, life is almost back to normal in Ivory Coast, with the country holding the first parliamentary election in a decade last week, that went off peacefully.
"With the crisis that we have just experienced, the festive season will be relatively nice because there are still people who lost their family members and they are still mourning them. And then there are those who are no longer in Ivory Coast. Each family will celebrate how they see fit, but the festive season will be a good one compared to precious years," said civil servant Serge Sekongo out shopping for presents.
The poll could boost investor confidence in Ivory Coast, which wants to expand its gold mining, oil, cotton and services sectors to take back its place as the West African region's economic powerhouse.
For Benjamin Guei times have been hard on him and his family after he lost his job during last year's political turmoil and now he tries to makemeet as parking attendant.
"At this moment, I can tell you that I have nothing to celebrate, but I will do my best. I will not steal, I will find another way. Even if I have 5,000 CFA (9 USD) to buy a small chicken, that will be enough for me to celebrate the festive season. I don't need new clothes, what's important is that my children have clothes to wear, that I have enough for me," Guei said.
Traditionally, Ivorians celebrate the holiday with parties and street carnivals but while this year events will be low key, most are just happy the voilence has come to an end.
"We don't need money to say that we are happy. Happiness, is having peace and today we live in peace, we don't need anything else," said Germain Kouame, an Abidjan resident.
"We don't even talk about the festive season because we have suffered so much. So we have life, everyday is a celebration. You have to take advantage and live life while you can," said a nurse, Beinvenue Amian, a nurse.
Gbagbo made his first appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC) earlier this month, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity, including murder and rape. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None