Oikocredit Ivory Coast office closed
24-03-2011
Increasing reports of civil unrest and violence in Ivory Coast have raised concern for Oikocredit's local staff, their families and its project partners. The BBC reports over 500,000 people have fled the country after fighting broke out between those loyal to Laurent Gbagbo who refuses to relinquish his presidency, and supporters of rival Alassane Ouattara.
The Oikocredit West-Africa Regional Office, based in capital city Abidjan, is closed. An Abidjan market was the target of a shell attack, killing at least 25 people, the BBC reports.
Oikocredit is closely monitoring the situation in the country, and will act wherever possible to ensure the safety of our staff in the region. The country is without television and radio contact, and is operating in a cash-only economy. Oikocredit has four project partners in the country and will maintain close contact of our local colleagues.
For news updates of the situation in Ivory Coast, visit:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world/africa