Ivory Coast (MNN) ― The West African country of Côte d'Ivoire continues to face a political stand-off concerning the results of a November presidential election.
U.S. State Department personnel have already evacuated due to the deteriorating security situation and growing anti-Western sentiment.
The European Union was giving Former President Laurent Gbagbo until December 26 to concede defeat or face sanctions.
Gbagbo has yet to yield power to the declared winner, former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara.
Gbagbo and Ouattara both claim to have won, but the African Union, the United Nations, and other international observers have given Ouattara their endorsements and demanded the incumbent step down.
Already there are reports of protests, escalating violence, and the concern that it's heading to full-scale civil war. As a result, the UN Security Council extended its peacekeeping mission of the 8,650-strong force until June 30, 2011.
However, Wycliffe Bible Translators says many language development and translation personnel working in the area have left.
Pray for a peaceful resolution to the political crisis, especially for one that would not threaten the stability of this region. Ask God to protect those working on translation projects in Côte d'Ivoire. Pray that their work will not remain interrupted for much longer.
