Exhumed bodies of victims of Ivory Coast’s post-election violence ready for collection

An estimated 3,000 people are said to have been killed during the Ivorian political crisis.

The Ivorian government said on Wednesday that 40 exhumed bodies of victims of the country’s post-election violence were ready for collection and final burial by their families.

Justice Minister Gnenema Coulibaly, who made this known at a symbolic hand-over in honour of the victims in Abidjan, said that the 22 bodies had already been identified by their families.

The Ivorian government, with the support of some interventionist and human rights groups, flagged-off the exhumation exercise on April 4.

Mr. Coulibaly said that the essence of the exercise was to bring justice to the souls of “those Ivoirians who died during the crisis”.

“This gathering is to express our sincere honour and respect to our citizens who lost their lives during the political crisis.

“I sincerely present to the families of the victims, the sincere condolences of the Government and the people of Cote d’Ivoire,” he said.

A representative of the families and relatives of victims of the post-election crisis, Diaby Siaka, called on the government to assist the families with funds to ensure befitting burials for the victims.

“It is good that some bodies have been exhumed and are ready for collection; these heroes of the crisis must be given dignified burial.

“The souls of our fellow citizens and relatives who died due to the crisis will only find justice when they are finally buried,” he said.