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RNIS 41, April 2003 WESTERN AFRICA
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| Country |
Estimated number of nationals in Ivory Coast1 |
Estimated number of returnees2 |
| Burkina Faso | 2,238,548 | 148,000 |
| Niger | 102,220 | 6,600 |
| Mali | 792,258 | 45,000 |
| Guinea | 230,387 | 100,000 |
| Total | 299,300 |
1 Source RGPH, 1998
2 Source IOM
Some 12,000 might be trapped in Liberia (see Liberia).
Before the crisis, Ivory Coast also hosted about 70,000 Liberian refugees, mostly settled in the west of the country. It is estimated that, as of March 2003, 35,000 were still in the country, whilst more than 40,000 had returned home (UNHCR, 21/03/03). The fate of some 5,000 Liberian refugees, who will not be safe in Liberia if they return, is of particular concern; UNHCR has not yet found them a country of asylum.
More than 42,000 Ivorians have also fled mainly to Liberia and to a lesser extent to Guinea.
The health sector is especially affected. WHO has estimated that in the rebel controlled areas, 85% of the medical staff has left and that 70% of the health infrastructure has been closed (WHO, 12/02/03). A measles outbreak has been reported in western Ivory Coast (OCHA, 07/03/03). Several humanitarian agencies are supporting the health sector.
Different vulnerabilities among the population have been identified. In the area where a high number of IDPs have sought refuge with relatives, food security may worsen rapidly as the resources are shared between the residents and IDPs. In the towns, loss of employment and an increase in food prices may affect food security of the urban population.
The worst affected rural populations might be those relying on sugar and cotton production in the north of the country. They are estimated at 30,000 families (WFP, 07/03/03).
ACF-F carried out several food security and nutrition assessments (ACF-F, 01-02/03).
Odienne town and rural area
Following the events mentioned above, people have fled from the town. It is estimated that only 55% of the pre-crisis population has remained in town. The main problem was the poor functioning of health structures because of lack of health staff and medicines. Access to food has decreased since the beginning of the crisis, but food insecurity did not seem to be widespread; the most affected groups were the ones who were already vulnerable before the crisis, i.e. daily agricultural workers and social cases; they are in need of help.
In the rural area, the food security situation seemed good; people relied on their own food production and cash crops. The main problem was access to health care.
The MUAC assessment did not show a precarious nutrition situation (see table). About 3% of the children, however, had oedema, which is of concern.
Bouake- rural areas
The area had received a lot of displaced people from the town; it is estimated that the population has increased by 30% to 40%. The population in the villages located near the river (in Sakassou district) had access to fishing and was not considered vulnerable; people were able to cope with the displaced influx. No cases of malnutrition have been found in these villages (see table). On the other hand, the population in villages (in Diabo district)which have no access to the river was more vulnerable because of the disruption of the commercialisation of agricultural products. The resident populations also shared their food stocks with the displaced, and this may reduce the availability of seeds for the next planting season. Although the nutrition situation is not alarming as yet (see table), strengthening in food security is needed.
Dabakala, rural areas
These areas have received a limited number of displaced people, but a bad harvest and the disruption of trade have lowered sources of incomes and food consumption. The nutrition situation still seemed, however, to be under-control (see table) but programmes to strengthen food security are needed.
Korhogo
At the time of the assessment, the town counted about 70% of the initial population. There were no problems of food availability in the town and prices of locally produced goods had decreased because of the limitation of the purchasing power of the population.
The rural population, which relied on their own food production, did not seem to be at risk. On the other hand, villages where the main activity was handicrafts seemed particularly at risk because they have lost their outlets.
Although the MUAC measurements did not show particular problems, the high number of children with oedema was of concern (see table), especially in the handicraft villages. These villages require special attention.
Man town and rural areas
At the time of the assessment, the population of Man was 30% to 50% of the initial population, because some people had fled the town. On the other hand, 30% of the resident population were hosting displaced families. The main problem identified in the town was the lack of cash and an increase in unemployment. The nutrition assessment did not show a critical situation (see table).
The rural areas host people from the town. Food stocks have therefore decreased more quickly than usual. In addition, the coffee harvest was only partial and the harvest has been difficult to sell. The nutrition situation in the rural area was worse than in the town (see table).
Results of MUAC assessments, Ivory Coast, January-February 2003 (ACF-F, 01-02/03)
|
Date |
Number of |
MUAC |
MUAC |
MUAC |
MUAC |
Oedema |
|
| Odienne town and 3 villages |
01-2003 |
697 |
0 % |
0.3 % |
0.5 % |
6.3% |
2.9 % |
| Bouake, Diabo district, 3 villages |
01- 2003 |
59 |
0 % |
1.7% |
0% |
8.5 % |
0% |
| Bouake, Sakassou district, 2 villages |
01-2003 |
63 |
0% |
0% |
0% |
0% |
0% |
| Dabakala, rural area, 2 villages |
01-2003 |
163 |
0% |
0.6% |
0.6% |
7.8% |
0% |
| Korhogo, Krhogo town and one handicraft village |
01-2003 |
847 |
0% |
0.1% |
1.8% |
8.7% |
3.2% |
| Man town |
02-2003 |
223 |
0% |
0% |
0% |
3.1% |
0.4% |
| Man rural |
02-2003 |
313 |
0% |
0% |
1.3% |
10.2% |
1.9% |
| Daloa town |
02-2003 |
124 |
0.8% |
1.6% |
0.8% |
4.0% |
2.4% |
| Daloa rural |
02-2003 |
553 |
0.2% |
1.1% |
2.5% |
10.7% |
2.3% |
Daloa town and surroundings
The area included a large number of displaced people, mostly settled in host families. The food has been shared between host and displaced families and food stocks were decreasing more quickly than usual. In addition, insecurity in this area near the frontline hampered people's access to fields. The next agricultural season will probably be lower than usual. The most vulnerable population seemed to be the displaced families who were not hosted by relatives and have no access to fields, and the host families who hosted a large number of IDPs.
The nutrition situation in this area was worse, especially in the rural areas, than in the other areas surveyed. The percentage of oedematous children was of particular concern (see table).
The food security situation varies between different areas. Whilst nutrition assessment has not showed dramatic situations (category III), most of the population has experienced a decrease in their food security situation. Food security needs to be strengthened in order to avoid deterioration of the nutrition situation.
| Côte d'Ivoire
Des accords de paix ont été signés fin janvier 2003, entre le gouvernement ivoirien et les factions et partis politiques opposants, aboutissant à la création d'un gouvernement réunissant les différentes représentations. Les mouvements de population ont été très importants depuis le début des hostilités. Environ 600 000 à 800 000 personnes seraient déplacées à l'intérieur du pays, 300 000 migrants économiques seraient retournés dans leur pays d'origine et environ 40 000 réfugiés libériens en Côte d'Ivoire auraient trouvé refuge au Libéria et en Guinée, ainsi que 42 000 Ivoiriens. Le secteur de la santé est particulièrement touché dans les zones contrôlées par les opposants, en raison de la fuite des personnels de santé et de la difficulté d'approvisionnement en médicaments. La plupart des évaluations montrent, d'autre part, une dégradation de la sécurité alimentaire des populations, plus ou moins importante selon les zones. Les évaluations nutritionnelles ne montrent pas de résultats alarmants (voir tableau) (catégorie III), mais la sécurité alimentaire des populations doit être soutenue afin d'éviter une poursuite de la dégradation de la situation. |
It is estimated that between the upsurge in violence in Ivory-Coast and March 1st 2003, 18,000 Ivorian and Liberian people have entered the country, as well as 12,000 foreign nationals in transit, adding to the near 100,000 refugees already settled in Guinea (OCHA, 27/03/03). The repatriation of Sierra Leonan refugees resumed, and about 4,000 were repatriated in the first two months of 2003.
For security reasons, refugees will be relocated from the Kouankan camp, situated near the border to the Albaderia camp, situated further inland (OCHA, 27/03/03).
A new wave of Liberian refugee (about 16,000) has been reported to have entered Guinea because of renewed fighting in Liberia (OCHA, 11/04/03).
A food security survey was undertaken in Kountaya and Telikoro refugee camps, Kissidougou, in September and October 2002 (UNHCR, 12/02); the camps host Sierra Leonan refugees as well as new -comers from Liberia. The major sources of income were daily labour; exploitation of natural products; skilled trade; agriculture; business and NGO employment. According to the refugees, the most important needs not met by humanitarian assistance were additional oil and complementary foods (condiments, green vegetables, fish or meat); milling of the bulgur distributed as food ration; fuel for cooking; kerosene to light the shelters; clothing and shoes; shelter maintenance. Cost of food and preparation was 65% of the expenses. Seven wealth groups have been identified (see table). Households which were more self-reliant were those with a member employed by an NGO, paid as a committee member or engaged in business with no credit. Households which were least self-reliant were newly arrived Liberians; women-headed households; households headed by a middle-aged, elderly or handicapped man; and households where worker to dependent ratio was less than 1:2. The survey recommends that improvement of household self-reliance should include promotion of food production; income generation from agriculture; practice of skilled trades, business and NGO employment.
Wealth groups, Kountaya and Telikoro refugee camps, Kissidougou, Guinea, September-October 2002 (UNHCR, 12/02)
| Wealth groups level | Estimated proportion | Major sources of income |
| I | 1%-3% | Higher paid NGO workers Wholesale business people |
| II | 8-12% | Lower paid NGO workers Camp committee members Retailers with little or no credit |
| III | 30-35% | Large-scale gardeners Retailers on credit Select tradesmen |
| IV | 18-20% | Most skilled trades people Group fishermen Basket/mat makers Stronger, better-connected male daily workers |
| V | 5-10% | Petty traders Charcoal makers Bulgur grinders |
| VI | 10-13% | Camp security staff Weaker, poorly-connected male daily workers Lone fishermen Wood cutters Women daily workers |
| VII | 15-18% | Unskilled handicapped, elderly,
youth New Liberian arrivals |
| Guinée
Environ 18 000 Ivoiriens et Libériens sont arrivés en Guinée à la suite des combats en Côte d'Ivoire, de même que 16 000 Libériens fuyant l'insécurité au Libéria. Une évaluation de la sécurité alimentaire des réfugiés sierra-léonais et libériens dans deux camps, a montré que différents groupes socio-économiques coexistent au sein des camps (voir tableau). Les foyers les plus vulnérables sont les nouveaux arrivants et les foyers ne pouvant générer que peu de revenus par le travail. |
Fighting in Liberia has intensified again over the past few months and has spread more widely in northern, eastern and western Liberia. The Liberian United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) troops advanced to within 12 km of Monrovia in February 2003 but were pushed back by the Liberian army (Reuters, 18/02/03). The counties particulary affected are Lofa, Bong, Gran Gedeh, Cape Mount, Bomi, Monserado and Nimba. Fighting has taken place in areas hosting many IDPs, returnees, and refugees, and has led to further displacements of these populations . Degradation of the security situation has caused many people to be cut off from all assistance.
Donors' response to the Liberian crisis has been very low so far. WFP experienced food pipeline breaks, and reduced cereal and pulse rations by 25% and the oil ration by 20% in February and March 2003 (OCHA, 31/03/03). Notably, the UN inter-agency Consolidated Appeal for 2003 has only been 2% funded to date (OCHA, 25/03/03).
As a result of the civil war which erupted in September 2002 in Ivory Coast, a large number of people from there have sought refuge in Liberia. Latest available figures estimate that 45,000 Liberians have returned and 40,000 Ivorians have entered Liberia (UNHCR, 07/03/02). Liberians have gone back to their homes or have settled in the already existing IDP camps. Many of the Ivorians have remained settled in host communities near the border. There have been few assessments in the area because of the poor security situation.
In addition, it is estimated that 12,000 nationals of third countries, especially nationals of Burkina Faso have entered the country. They have been trapped in Liberia on their way to their own country. UNHCR has no mandate to care for these people, although they are providing food and shelters. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), which has the mandate to assist these people, has issued an appeal for US$ 1.5 m for them (OCHA, 13/03/03).
Population movements in response to fighting are difficult to follow precisely and to quantify because people spread out and seek refuge in different areas. Many people are also probably trapped within the conflict areas.
The attacks in Zwedru and Toe town in Gran Gedeh county, which occurred at the end of March 2003, led to the displacement of an estimated 45,000 people (Ivorian refugees, Liberian returnees from Ivory Coast and third country nationals) who were settled in the area (UNHCR, 04/04/03). Some of them have fled to the southern counties; about 5,000 have arrived in a camp situated in Harper, Maryland county, and some have settled in Sinoe county (UNHCR, 04/04/03).
Fighting in Gbanga and Ganta, Bong county, in early April 2003, also led to the displacement of an estimated 45,000 people (OCHA, 09/04/03). About 16,000 have crossed the border into Guinea, where they are settled in a transit camp and further relocated to Laine Camp (OCHA, 11/04/03). This camp however was originally designed for only 6,000 people and is already hosting 12,000 persons (OCHA, 02/04/03).
In addition, returns of Ivorians, Liberians and third country nationals to western Ivory Coast have been reported although not quantified (UNHCR, 10/04/03) and a new wave of Liberian refugees has also been reported to have entered Sierra Leone.
Three IDP camps situated in Monserado county, near Monrovia, were also attacked at the end of March/beginning of April and more than 40,000 IDPs were obliged to move yet again (OCHA, 11/04/03).
According to a study carried out by ACH-S between July and September 2002 based on interviews of Liberian refugees in Guinea, the living conditions of populations living in insecure areas are very worrying (ACH-S, 10/02). Before reaching Guinea, people were living in the bush, often for several months or years, due to constant attacks on their villages. They were either constantly moving or settling in semi-permanent settings. Before July 2002, people were able to cultivate in the bush or in the nearby farms and to carry out some petty trade activities. However, gathering was the main source of food and bush foods became scarce. With the increased insecurity, agricultural and petty trade activities became less and less easy to undertake, and harassment of the civilian population increased. Before entering Guinea, some people reported eating only three or four meals a week. Nutrition screening of Liberian children entering Guinea showed that they were in a poor condition.
Forced conscription, forced labour, increasing harassment, and payments to be allowed to escape were common. Whilst some people have been able to enter Guinea, it is anticipated that movement restrictions on the civilian population have increased over the past months and that thousands of people in very poor condition may be trapped.
All the populations, i.e. residents, displaced, returnees, refugees and third-country nationals, settled in the areas affected by fighting are considered at high risk (category II). The humanitarian community and donors should ensure that funding is made available and that adequate humanitarian assistance is provided, as far as security conditions allow.
| Liberia
Les combats se sont intensifiés au Libéria entre l'armée gouvernementale et l'opposition armée. Les zones abritant les populations ayant fui les combats en Côte d'Ivoire ont été particulièrement touchées, entraînant de nouveaux déplacements. D'autre part, des camps de déplacés ont aussi été attaqués. De nombreuses personnes se sont déplacées vers le sud du pays qui reste plus calme. D'autres ont fui vers la Sierra Leone ou la Guinée. En raison de l'insécurité, de nombreuses personnes sont coupées de toute aide humanitaire. Une étude réalisée en Guinée, auprès de réfugiés en provenance du Liberia, a montré que les conditions de vie des populations piégées par les combats sont très précaires. |
Despite on-going conflict in neighbouring countries, the situation in Sierra Leone continues to improve with an economic growth of six percents and low inflation (WB, 26/02/03). However, the country has still to recover from a 10 year war. The World Bank has approved US$ 40 m in grants for reconstructing the health sector, rehabilitating basic education and boosting social action programmes (WB, 26/02/03).
A survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Food Security and the FAO concluded that 70% of the estimated seed requirements were distributed before the 2002 agricultural season. The main constraints affecting agricultural production were long distances to collect inputs; lack of knowledge of agricultural practice and lack of seeds (OCHA, 28/02/03).
The security situation is still tense at the border with Liberia with reported incursions of the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD).
A nutrition survey was carried out in Bombali Sebora chiefdom, Bombali district, in November 2002 (ACF-F, 11/02). This area was one of the hardest hit during the war; nearly all the population had returned at the time of the survey. The survey showed a prevalence of acute malnutrition of 8.0%, which included 0.5% severe malnutrition. No oedema was recorded. The malnutrition rate is average and a little bit higher than the prevalence of malnutrition which was found during a survey conducted in the whole district except Bombali Sebora chiefdom in February 2002, where the prevalence of malnutrition was 4.9%. The number of admissions to the supplementary feeding centre which covers the chiefdom remained stable over 2002. The measles vaccination coverage was 39% proved by card and 73% according to cards and mothers' statements. Several humanitarian assistance programmes are being implemented in the district, including health, nutrition and agricultural programmes.
A new wave of Liberian refugees has been reported to have entered Sierra Leone because of renewed fighting and the relaxation of border controls by the armed forces in Liberia. As of 23 February 2003, about 9,000 Liberian and a few Sierra Leonese have entered the country since the beginning of the year (WFP, 28/02/03), adding to about 35,000 who had already taken refuge in Sierra Leone. UNHCR has opened a new refugee camp in Kenema district (OCHA, 03/04/03). Some of the refugees prefer to stay in villages near the border, in areas humanitarian agencies have difficulties to access. Resources will be shared between the resident population and the refugees, which may lead to food insecurity for both populations. RNIS has not received any recent nutrition information on the new refugee population; the nutrition situation of the previously refugee population seems stable. The repatriation plan of Sierra Leonese refugees from Guinea has resumed since the beginning of the year; 4,500 Sierra Leonese have been repatriated in January and February 2003 (OCHA, 12/03/03).
Whilst the situation of the population of Sierra Leone is improving, refugees from Liberia are still seeking refuge in the country. Their nutrition situation is considered at risk (category II).
From the ACF survey in Bombali:
| Sierra Leone
La situation continue de s'améliorer en Sierra Leone, avec une croissance économique de 6%, bien que le pays soit encore loin d'avoir effacé les dégâts de dix ans de guerre civile. Une enquête nutritionnelle dans le district de Bombali a montré une situation nutritionnelle moyenne. Une nouvelle vague de réfugiés est arrivée en provenance du Libéria. Les réfugiés se sont installés dans des villages près de la frontière avec le Libéria où ils sont difficiles à atteindre en raison des mauvaises conditions des routes et de la sécurité volatile. Le partage des ressources entre la population résidente et réfugiée risque de conduire ces populations à une insécurité alimentaire. |
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