As the world watches, the hostilities resulting from the November 2010 elections in Cote d’Ivoire keeps escalating and moving into the vast civilian population far beyond the group loyal to Laurent Gbagbo, who has refused to concede the election and the New Forces loyal to Alassane Ouattara, the presumed winner.
Recently security forces loyal to Laurent Gbagbo shot dead at least six women among a large group of women holding a peaceful march in support of Alassane Outtara in Abidjan. (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12646355)
As if the various atrocities against the citizens of Cote d’Ivoire who dared to be out in the street exercising their fundamental liberties was not enough, the government loyalists since February 28 cut off power and water supplies to the central, northern and western areas of the country; plunging a major part of the country into darkness and water-starvation. While majority of the affected areas are loyal to Mr. Ouattara, areas loyal to Mr. Gbagbo are also affected. Ultimately, the citizens of Cote d’Ivoire, men, women and children are being punished over control of political power.
The power and water shutdown is having immediate and devastating consequences among the populace, triggering what could be an uncontrollable humanitarian crisis. According to information and eyewitness accounts gathered by Amnesty International, the affected areas are said to be suffering from poor sanitation and disrupted medical services,
The Ivorian electricity company denied any responsibility for the power cuts, which began on 28 February, instead stated that officials loyal to outgoing President Laurent Gbagbo had made the cuts "for national security reasons".
Gaetan Mootoo, the Amnesty International West Africa Researcher has warned that the whole sanitary system in these areas is being affected and is stopping medical personnel from carrying out their work which could lead to the spread of diseases.
A senior doctor in the town of Man in the west of the country, told Amnesty International: "It's nearly impossible to carry out surgery as we only have one electric generator, we are running short of fuel. This will have dramatic consequences for people needing urgent care. This is particularly true for pregnant women needing emergency obstetric care including caesarean sections."
The Ivorian electricity company denied any responsibility for the power cuts, which began on 28 February, instead stated that officials loyal to outgoing President Laurent Gbagbo had made the cuts "for national security reasons".
Gaetan Mootoo, the Amnesty International West Africa Researcher has warned that the whole sanitary system in these areas is being affected and is stopping medical personnel from carrying out their work which could lead to the spread of diseases.
A senior doctor in the town of Man in the west of the country, told Amnesty International: "It's nearly impossible to carry out surgery as we only have one electric generator, we are running short of fuel. This will have dramatic consequences for people needing urgent care. This is particularly true for pregnant women needing emergency obstetric care including caesarean sections."
While the political issues are sorted out, the world must not sit idly by as a devastating medical crisis blows up in an already difficult environment. The already sick and injured cannot wait for the political crisis to be resolved and power turned on to get the medical services they urgently deserve. The rest of the population should not be deprived of sanitation or subjected to the outbreak of cholera and other diseases as portable water is being withheld from the citizenry.
President Laurent Gbagbo and his loyalists must restore power and water supply immediately. Keeping the people in the dark and dry would not resolve the political conflict. Those perpetrating this cruelty must be held accountable.
The right to safe water and sanitation is recognized by international law. Amnesty International insists that the government is obliged to ensure continuous access to water and ensure that the right to health and right to adequate housing is not jeopardized by power cuts.
