Following the presidential election in November, a humanitarian crisis is building up in Côte d’Ivoire. In recent days, around 3,500 people have crossed the borders to neighbouring Liberia and Guinea, and more are expected to follow as the situation is worsening in the West African republic.

In Côte d’Ivoire, the situation is now deteriorating day by day following a precarious political stand-off with President Laurent Gbagbo refusing to accept international recognized election results declaring his political rival Alassane Ouattara as the winner and new leader of the country.

Reports state that rebel groups and political factions loyal to the incumbent President Ghagbo are gathered in the main city Abidjan around a building housing the UN-backed winner of the election, Ouattara.

A growing number of people, especially in the rural areas, are now fleeing the tense situation and insecurity. Recent reports state that people trying to escape the deteriorating situation are being harassed and tortured by rebels in retribution against those they believe voted for the incumbent President Ghagbo.

“In fear of what can happen, many more are fleeing outside the official border crossing points, and many are believed to be hiding in the bushes waiting to cross to safety in Liberia,” says Elsa Moreno, head of desk with the Danish Refugee Council.

In order to be able to respond to the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, the Danish Refugee Council along with the UN and other humanitarian aid agencies, are closely monitoring the situation and assessing needs both in Côte d’Ivoire as well as in the neighbouring countries to where people are fleeing.

“By now, we are aware of immediate needs for food, medical aid, and shelter in the affected areas around the borders, and we prepare to assist the refugees who are there and those expected to come – already by now we anticipate receiving close to 5,000 people over the next ten days. And this figure could rise depending on how the situation back in Côte d’Ivoire unfolds,” says Elsa Moreno.

The Danish Refugee Council has been present in Côte d’Ivoire since 2003 working in support of the population confronted with needs following conflict and widespread poverty. Throughout West Africa, populations are facing threats to livelihoods and protection, and the Danish Refugee Council is present in Liberia and Guinea working in support of refugees and internally displaced.

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