Message from US Embassy in Cote d'Ivoire Things are not good in that Country

We received this message from the Embassy. The country had their elections and the opposing candidate won. But the President is saying that he won and will not step down. The existing military has closed all the borders and is not letting anyone in or out of the country. Please keep this country and the missionaries serving there in your prayers.

December 4, 2010

U.S. citizens are also advised that Abidjan International Airport, land and maritime borders in Cote d’Ivoire remain closed, and that the Government of Cote d’Ivoire has shut down major media outlets and SMS (text) messaging capability. The Embassy advises that U.S. citizens to restrict their movements and to shelter in place or in a safe haven until such time as it is safe to move around or depart the country. The Embassy advises U.S. citizens outside of the country to defer travel to Cote d’Ivoire.

On November 28, Cote d’Ivoire held round two of its Presidential election. During the elections, the government implemented and enforced a curfew. Several people were killed in election-related violence and tensions are currently high as the country grapples with post-election contradictions. Certification of the results of the election by the Independent Electoral Commission, the Constitutional Council and the United Nations Special Representative are in conflict. There is increased possibility of conflict between supporters or troops loyal to the incumbent and those loyal to the opposition candidate, as both candidates were sworn in as president in separate ceremonies on December 4.

Get Embassy updates by checking the Consular pages on the U.S. Embassy Abidjan website at http://abidjan.usembassy.gov/travelregist.html . You can also get global updates at the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs website where you can find the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information.

A Couple Pictures

Elder Halvorsen, Elder Legere, and Elder Cloward at the Mission Home for the regroupment.
Elder Halvorsen and Elder Legere at the Mission Home.

Another Update from the Gublers

This morning we woke to our complex/gate guardian sweetly singing. Sometimes the night guardian will sing and dance a little. It is always pleasant and almost a lullabye. We knew it would be a good day then! Yes, we had our meeting and all was good. We were able to fix chicken enchiladas, african style. I am slowly learning what to substitute, i.e.pita bread instead of flour tortillas and plain/no sugar yogurt instead of sour cream.

We asked a couple of the missionaries, separately, how they were doing w/the 'regroupment' and staying in. They replied that they had a chance to write their testimonies and study the scriptures more and were having fun getting to know each other and playing some games too. It is rewarding to see them have a positive attitude and make it be a good thing.

The 'regroupment' plan is still in effect until the results come out and we know things are calm enough. The mission President wanted us all back in our apartments by noon, hoping the results would come out early this afternoon. But still no results. This afternoon, however, it was nice to hear people out and about and children playing and people laughing. But tonite, all is quiet again. All missionaries are safe and doing well. We will let you know as things progress.

Much love,
Elder and Soeur Gubler