Ivorians Flee to Neighbouring States due to Rising Tensions

Today, the UN Refugee Agency expressed its concern about the escape of many Ivorians due to the rising tensions during the election period.

Over 3,200 Ivorian refugees headed to Liberia, Ghana and Togo. Most of them are women and children from Côte d’Ivoire’s west and southwest regions.

About 2,600 refugees have arrived in Liberia through several entry points along the common border.

With that, local communities are hosting the new arrivals and sharing their limited resources and shelter.

UNHCR is working hard with Liberian to deploy additional staff and boost its aid response to ensure that refugees are treated well.

Ghana received over 600 Ivorian refugees, more than half came from Niable, an Ivorian town which is located on Ghanaian border.

The refugees expressed their intention to stay close to the border to quickly return after the violence subsides.

UNHCR dispatched additional tents and assessed the needs of new arrivals.

UNHCR praised the governments of Liberia, Ghana, and Togo for accepting refugees despite the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

UNHCR urged politicians to halt violence, hate speech and to resolve any disputes peacefully.