Bouna (Ivory Coast), Feb 18 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Gathered under the spreading baobab tree in Danoa town square, farmers and herders in a remote corner of Ivory Coast are finally talking about a dispute that has poisoned relations and destroyed lives.
Nearly three years ago, the northeast region of Bouna plunged into violence between crop growers and nomadic cattle raisers from the Fulani community, leaving 33 people dead and prompting 2,500 to flee their homes.
The scenario is tragically familiar in many parts of Africa, where sedentary farmers and herders share water and land — and tensions at times of stress may swiftly spiral into ethnic violence.
Thousands have died in clashes in Chad, the Central African Republic, Mali and Nigeria in recent years.
But in Bouna, a pilot project — part of a scheme to protect the coveted Comoe National Park — has nurtured hopes of a dialogue that will head off future bloodshed.
“After what happened, I was frightened. Everyone was frightened,” said Awa Ouattara, who heads a women’s group of smallholders.
“I hope the plan will work. When everyone is in agreement, it’s better for all of us.” — NNN-AGENCIES