Bible Selection follows coup attempt in Côte d’Ivoire

ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — The Bible Society of Côte d’Ivoire is responding to the renewed feeling of national solidarity in Côte d’Ivoire following September’s attempted coup by producing a Selection entitled Secours en Temps d’Epreuve (‘Help in Testing Times’).

The armed uprising on September 19 by forces opposed to the government was totally unexpected, according to the Bible Society. Ordinary people were greatly shocked by the violence, in which at least 270 people died and more than 300 were injured.

General Secretary Jean Kouassi Kouame indicated, however, that the situation is now becoming calmer. “We believe that the nightmare is coming to an end,” he said.

The Bible Society of Côte d’Ivoire is also responsible for Bible work in Senegal, and this Selection has been offered to the Bible Society Representative there for use in responding to the sinking of the ferry Le Joola on September 26 off the coast of The Gambia. It is thought that almost 1,000 people drowned. Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade has called for prayer, saying that “at times like this, the nation must be united to cope with the grief.” (WR 372/26 - 11.02) e-215, October 2, 2002