Northern Ivory Coast Hosts Rally for Burkina Faso Refugees

In northern Ivory Coast, tens of thousands of people from Burkina Faso have fled their homes due to extremist violence and military abuses. Many have sought refuge in makeshift camps or with local families, with over 6,000 currently housed in a site that resembles a village rather than a traditional refugee camp. Although the Ivorian government does not officially recognize these individuals as refugees, local communities have shown remarkable hospitality, providing shelter and support despite limited resources. The situation has led to overcrowding in villages, prompting the government to create designated sites for better coordination of assistance and to prevent conflicts between local farmers and herders. The refugees, primarily women and children, face significant challenges, including a lack of employment opportunities and the need for their children to contribute to the family income. Many dream of securing land for farming and sending their children to school, but only a small fraction have been able to do so. The ongoing support from local families and international organizations remains crucial for their survival and integration into Ivorian society.