This Is How Ivorians Are Fighting Back Against The Worst Terror Attack In Their History
As jihadis expand reach by gunning after soft targets in West Africa, ordinary people are responding by refusing to be cowed.
Ivory Coast was shocked on Sunday by the country's first ever jihadi attack, which left 22 dead after gunmen stormed the sleepy beachside town of Grand Bassam. But far from frightening most, the attack has triggered a mood of defiance and solidarity.
#Memepaspeur — or “Not Scared One Bit” — is being used as a slogan to propel the country back to its feet.
"To our victims, rest in peace. To our brothers, together we will always be stronger because whatever happens, we are not scared one bit," posted Sacha Light, the artist behind a drawing of cheering boys decked in the national colors, which is being widely shared on social media. "Our beaches will remain places of joy...stronger than ever, we will radiate the love, joie de vivre and pride which makes us unique."
Most of the deaths occurred at the Etoile de Sud hotel, where people were tucking into lunches of grilled seafood the town is famous for. The youngest victim was 16-years-old, the oldest 78.
The attack, claimed by Al-Qaeda's north African branch, is the latest in a string of soft targets besieged as the sect attempts to remain in the limelight. Ivorians are countering back by posting images of everyday life in Bassam in all its splendor.
The assault also comes as rival militants ISIS have spread to Libya, and began using it as a base to lure recruits from West Africa, ramping up competition between the two sects. In striking Ivory Coast’s palm-lined beaches, AQMI are also hoping to show their own reach beyond their traditional bases in the Sahel and Sahara desert.
Ivory Coast has no history of religious extremism, so the militants are instead attempting to tap into old grievances against France, the ex-colonial power which maintains close links to the current government.
The brunt of attacks by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have been absorbed by neighboring Mali, which headquarters Operation Barkhane, France's counter-insurgency operation across the Sahel. In 2013, French forces stationed in Mali also led a drive against Islamists who ran rampage over large tracts of the Sahel and Sahara.
But Ivory Coast, known for its chic fashion and food, had been considered a safe haven for French expatriates.
AQIM said that it would continue offensives against countries joining in the French-led operations, according to a translated statement on the SITE Intelligence website.
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