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Brothers in Ghana help refugees

Brothers Rupert, Godfrey and Valerius In recent months there has been politically motivated violence in the West Africa country of Côte D’Ivoire. It erupted after a disputed presidential election in November 2010 in which both the incumbent, Laurent Gbagbo, and his rival, Alessane Ouattara, claimed victory.

Pictured: Br. Rupert O’Sullivan, Province Leader, together with Brothers Valerius Sandow and Godfrey Kuubagr discuss the situation with Fr. Nicholas Afriyie, General Secretary on behalf of the refugees.

Although the U.N. and other organisations confirmed that Alessane Ouattara won the elections, both political rivals took entrenched positions and set up parallel governments. Despite several negotiations and mediations, much violence was unleashed on innocent civilians. Over a thousand people lost their lives and thousands more were displaced. Recently, Gbagbo was arrested but much damage was already done.

The Presentation Brothers in West Africa are aware of the large number of refugees pouring into Ghana and other neighbouring countries- Côte D’Ivoire borders Ghana. The Brothers liaised with the Logistics and Relief Department at the National Catholic Secretariat in Accra which deals with refugees, including those from neighbouring Côte D’Ivoire.

The Brothers in Ghana have asked for support by prayers and otherwise for the people of Côte D’Ivoire and other countries in similar situations where basic human rights, democracy and good governance are threatened.

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