Toxic Waste Scandal in Ivory Coast
President Laurent Gbagbo names new ministers after dumping disaster
Seven people have died because of a toxic waste crisis in Abidjan. The catastrophe, unfortunately, mirrors the domestic affairs of the nation.
Ivory Coast's president, Laurent Gbagbo, was forced to name new ministers to his cabinet during a toxic waste scandal that finds seven dead, thousands ill and hundreds outraged, protesting the delayed response of their government. Among the most culpable officials were his Environment and Transport ministers. In late August, the Probo Koala, a ship chartered by the Dutch company, Trafigura Beheer BV, dealt the waste to Compagnie Tommy, an Ivorian firm who allegedly mishandled the dumping of the lethal 'slop.' The Dutch business claims that they warned Compagnie Tommy about the need to dispose of the waste properly but reports confirm that the 400 tons of toxic waste were irresponsibly dumped in 10 sites around Abidjan, Ivory Coast's main city. According to The Sunday Times of London, some of this was also unloaded into ditches in residential areas.
Approximately 30,000 people have flocked to hospitals, enduring daylong waits to be treated for nausea, vomiting, nosebleeds and migraines caused by the foul-smelling sludge. Noxious fumes still linger above some parts of Abidjan. Residents have taken to wearing paper face masks in an effort to protect themselves from the harmful stench that some have described as the smell rotten eggs, but is really the hydrogen sulphide in the waste.
Demonstrators expressed their rage by burning tires and setting up blockades that led to the dumpsites. The former Transport minister, recognized by protestors, was hauled from his car and beaten before his vehicle was set on fire. Mobs also burnt down the home of the director of Abidjan port, who has also been implicated in the affair.
This harrowing incident only further complicates a political crisis that has overcome the country, still recuperating from their 2002-2003 civil war. Since then, they have managed to cling to a fragile peace process that will hopefully last until elections, which were initially scheduled for October but have once again been postponed. Until voting finally happens, some of the 'Get Well Soon' cards should be sent to Mr. Gbagbo, who can accept them on behalf of the nation's political body.
