Story number 1 for 24 Sep 2002

(Ivory Coast)–Headlining today’s news, rebel and government troops in the Ivory Coast, or Cote D’Ivoire, are clashing as violence has erupted there. Meanwhile, French soldiers rolled into the countryside to protect foreigners, including more than 100 missionary students and staff at CB International’s school just outside of Bouake (boo-AH-kee). CB International’s Rick Allen. “Bouake has been one of the key points, as far as the conflict that’s going on. They have heard shooting. They haven’t received any problems directly. They’re at the campus. They have heard shooting just right outside the wall of the school. The students and parents are somewhat concerned.” According to Allen, there are no immediate plans for an evacuation. “They have been in contact with both the French and the American Embassies there in Cote D’Ivoire. The Embassies have been saying, ‘say there. If and when it’s necessary to evacuate we will let you know and we’ll make arrangements to get you out.”