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| SGI Around the World |
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[Courtesy, January 2005 SGI Quarterly] |
| Côte d'Ivoire |
| Building Peace in Côte d'Ivoire |
| By André Déazon, SGI-Côte d'Ivoire General Director
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SGI-Côte d'Ivoire (SGI-CI) has existed since October 17, 1983, when the first district was created with 30 members. The organization was officially recognized as a religious organization in October 1999.
When I was appointed leader of SGI in Côte d'Ivoire in 1990, there were around 200 people practicing Nichiren Buddhism in our country. Thirteen years later, at the end of 2003, there were 11,000, grouped in three main areas:
The first is the Land of Victory Area, centered around Yopougon, the largest district of Abidjan, which has around 3,000 members. The director of this area is Mr. Maurice N'guessan who is an import inspector at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and his counterpart for the women members' group is Mrs. Henriette Gnakpa, a social worker.
The Sun of Hope Area covers the rest of Abidjan and Dimbokro, with 4,000 members. It is led by Mr. Bi Gohi Irié, a retired teacher of physical education, and the women's leader is his wife, Mrs. Mathilde Irié, an elementary school teacher.
Finally comes the "Bélier d'Or" Area which is based in Yamoussoukro, the capital, which is situated in the center of the country. This area covers the remainder of the country and also has around 4,000 members. Mr. Diomandé, a teacher at INSET (the Higher National Institute of Technical Education), and Mrs. Massa, a businesswoman, are the leaders of this area.
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| The Forum of Religions of Côte d'Ivoire, January 2004 |
SGI President Daisaku Ikeda declared that Africa is the continent of the 21st century. We are striving with all our might to become a model SGI organization in Africa and carrying out many activities to contribute to society. We have been able to explain through discussion meetings, public seminars and the media, including several television programs, the important role Buddhism can play in establishing peace in Africa and in Côte d'Ivoire in particular. We are determined to make Côte d'Ivoire a country of stability, peace and prosperity where one can encounter proud citizens of the world.
It is true that our country has been experiencing conflict for two years, but thanks to our practice and the encouragement we have received, we are holding firm. We are in regular contact with the members who live in affected areas. They are doing well. In fact, despite many difficulties, our membership has continued to grow. Maybe in this difficult time people are seeking a philosophy and practice which can bring inner stability and strength to their lives. |
| Relief Efforts |
Since the conflict began on September 18 and 19, 2002, the people of Côte d'Ivoire learned of our existence through the determined efforts we made to care for the victims of the civil war.
In October 2002 the SGI gave assistance to the war victims and for the education of war orphans. In November we freely transported thousands of war-displaced people from Yamoussoukro to the destinations of their choice over a 10-day period. During the journeys we gave food to the refugees.
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| From top left, clockwise: A representative of the SGI-CI doctors and nurses' group; Mr. and Mrs. Déazon presenting the Ikeda Prize for culture and education; patients affected by the civil war receive medical care from SGI-CI health workers |
In January 2003, we brought emergency supplies of medicine and food to the Miegou camp at Yamoussoukro and also provided transport to some 70 people from the camp to Abidjan.
In April 2003, when the conflict was at its height, I visited one of the worst-affected cities called Bouaké with other leaders of SGI-Côte d'Ivoire at the request of the members there. We held a sincere chanting session for peace over several hours at the home of Mr. Gnaka Narcisse, and the situation calmed down in the country at that time. The return journey was extremely dangerous as we were suspected of being spies, and threatened.
From June to August 2003, our doctors' group offered medical assistance over a 45-day period to care for victims of the war in the west of the country, one of the worst-affected areas.
In January 2004, we held a special ceremony to give relief goods including clothing to our own members who had been displaced because of the war and to other displaced people.
In the same month, we took part in an interfaith activity, "The Forum of Religions of Côte d'Ivoire." Participants included representatives of Islam, the various Christian denominations, Bahá'í and SGI-Côte d'Ivoire. We discussed ways of working together to bring peace to our country.
In the field of education, a private university, L'Université des Temps Libres in Abidjan, decided to collaborate with us to offer a special training option called "Culture and Education--Creating Value for Peace" in the 2004-2005 academic year. This introduces the pedagogy of Soka Gakkai founder Tsunesaburo Makiguchi.
We have also taken a strong stand against corruption which does so much damage to our country. It is difficult for young graduates to find work because there is a great deal of nepotism. We encourage our members not to participate in corrupt practices or pay bribes in order to get jobs, driving licenses or training opportunities. This is a tough struggle, but through determined effort and prayer, we are hoping to be victorious.
SGI-Côte d'Ivoire has instituted the "Ikeda Prize of SGI-Côte d'Ivoire" for culture and education, and the first ceremony was held on May 2, 2003, at the Palace of Culture at Treichville in Abidjan with an audience of 5,000. The Writers' Association of Côte d'Ivoire was the first recipient of this award which is given to groups who have made significant contributions to the promotion of culture or education toward the goal of peace.
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| SGI-CI leaders' meeting in Abidjan (June 27, 2004) |
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