I hope for lasting peace so we can go home
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Béatrice Gnala Lou has been an SOS mother at the SOS Children’s Village Abobo-Gare in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for about twelve years. In February 2011, when heavy fighting and insecurity in Abidjan rose to a threatening level, she was evacuated, along with all the other SOS mothers, the children and youths and taken to the SOS Children's Village Aboisso, some 110 km away.
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In this interview, SOS mother Béatrice talks about the evacuation, the difficult moments she went through and her hopes and expectations for her country.
Can you describe the situation at the SOS Children's Village in Abobo just before the evacuation?
On the eve of our evacuation, the whole family gathered in the hallway of the house to be safe from the shooting that was going on outside. It was terrifying and none of us could sleep. The youngest of ‘my’ children, aged four, was constantly asking me to tell the shooters to stop so that he could sleep.
How much did you know about troop movements and fighting in your country?
I heard there were commando groups hiding in our municipality. They attacked the defence and security forces and committed atrocities against the civil population. Many people were killed in the fights, several villages were burned to the ground. Several children were orphaned in this way.
How did you feel when you heard about all the violence?
I am still very frightened. I have no news, neither from my parents, nor from my student son who lives in Yopougon with his father.
When did you first hear of the planned evacuation?
The child education staff I belong to started discussing a possible evacuation about one month before. When the fights became more and more intense, the crisis committee chaired by the national director convened and took the decision.
How did you feel about leaving your village?
It was difficult because you always feel safer at home. But facing the heavy fighting, we preferred to leave for Aboisso to protect the children against the collateral effects of the war.
Can you describe - from your own perspective - how the evacuation took place?
The evacuation was done in urgency. We had to cram many children in a small minibus. We were very anxious. One convoy even drove past an armed gang. My colleagues and the children were nervous because there was no way of knowing what to expect en route. We saw whole crowds flee the areas being fought over with whatever they could carry, depending on their means of transportation.
How was the situation in Aboisso when you arrived?
The situation in Aboisso was calm. Our colleagues had prepared everything and were waiting for us. We found a little serenity. Each SOS family from the SOS Children's Village is now sharing a family house with an SOS family from Abobo-Gare with two children sharing a bed. The same goes for the youth houses, some of the youngsters are sleeping on mattresses in the living rooms.
How does SOS Children’s Village Aboisso manage to provide food and shelter for so many additional people?
Those responsible at SOS Children's Villages Côte d'Ivoire stocked up on food and raised funds for internally displaced people. But the banks are closed and we can’t withdraw any money. Right now, we’re pooling the budgets of two families to buy food. We do the cooking using charcoal or firewood, because of the lack of gas. Pupils from the high schools are being taught by five youth educators, and the SOS mothers assist those from the primary schools.
Do you feel safe here?
Yes, compared to Abobo, I feel safe. But we are a bit afraid knowing that the village in Aboisso doesn't have a fence and that the Republican Forces of Côte d'Ivoire are present in the city.
What are your expectations for the next weeks?
I hope for definite peace so that things return to normal and we can go home. I hope school resumes quickly so that the children don’t miss a full year, and that the banks reopen so that our salaries are paid. Finally, I hope that God is protecting my parents and that my children are healthy and safe.
On the eve of our evacuation, the whole family gathered in the hallway of the house to be safe from the shooting that was going on outside. It was terrifying and none of us could sleep. The youngest of ‘my’ children, aged four, was constantly asking me to tell the shooters to stop so that he could sleep.
How much did you know about troop movements and fighting in your country?
I heard there were commando groups hiding in our municipality. They attacked the defence and security forces and committed atrocities against the civil population. Many people were killed in the fights, several villages were burned to the ground. Several children were orphaned in this way.
How did you feel when you heard about all the violence?
I am still very frightened. I have no news, neither from my parents, nor from my student son who lives in Yopougon with his father.
When did you first hear of the planned evacuation?
The child education staff I belong to started discussing a possible evacuation about one month before. When the fights became more and more intense, the crisis committee chaired by the national director convened and took the decision.
How did you feel about leaving your village?
It was difficult because you always feel safer at home. But facing the heavy fighting, we preferred to leave for Aboisso to protect the children against the collateral effects of the war.
Can you describe - from your own perspective - how the evacuation took place?
The evacuation was done in urgency. We had to cram many children in a small minibus. We were very anxious. One convoy even drove past an armed gang. My colleagues and the children were nervous because there was no way of knowing what to expect en route. We saw whole crowds flee the areas being fought over with whatever they could carry, depending on their means of transportation.
How was the situation in Aboisso when you arrived?
The situation in Aboisso was calm. Our colleagues had prepared everything and were waiting for us. We found a little serenity. Each SOS family from the SOS Children's Village is now sharing a family house with an SOS family from Abobo-Gare with two children sharing a bed. The same goes for the youth houses, some of the youngsters are sleeping on mattresses in the living rooms.
How does SOS Children’s Village Aboisso manage to provide food and shelter for so many additional people?
Those responsible at SOS Children's Villages Côte d'Ivoire stocked up on food and raised funds for internally displaced people. But the banks are closed and we can’t withdraw any money. Right now, we’re pooling the budgets of two families to buy food. We do the cooking using charcoal or firewood, because of the lack of gas. Pupils from the high schools are being taught by five youth educators, and the SOS mothers assist those from the primary schools.
Do you feel safe here?
Yes, compared to Abobo, I feel safe. But we are a bit afraid knowing that the village in Aboisso doesn't have a fence and that the Republican Forces of Côte d'Ivoire are present in the city.
What are your expectations for the next weeks?
I hope for definite peace so that things return to normal and we can go home. I hope school resumes quickly so that the children don’t miss a full year, and that the banks reopen so that our salaries are paid. Finally, I hope that God is protecting my parents and that my children are healthy and safe.