Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni, during an official visit to the Ivory Coast, met today the Community of Sant'Egidio at its headquarters in Trechville, which is in the heart of Abidjan. Accompanied by the Undersecretary of the Interior, Domenico Manzione, Gentiloni spoke first with the Community leaders. Subsequently, during an assembly, he talked with some representatives of Sant'Egidio that came from the different neighborhoods of the country's economic capital.
Many topics were discussed, starting with the work for peace carried out by the Community and the initiative of interreligious dialogue, which has now become even more valuable throughout West Africa, especially due to the threats of violence and terrorism: "Your community, which was born in Italy but is now present all over the world, is an opportunity for every country in which it is found, such as here in the Ivory Coast. This nation’s greater stability and peace have arrived thanks also to the work that was done by Sant'Egidio during the difficult moments of crisis, which crossed the country from 2002 to 2011."
Furthermore, Gentiloni stressed the value of all the work achieved by Sant'Egidio with the weakest segments of the population, such as street children and those in the large shantytowns, thanks to the Schools of Peace: "This is a presence that has an important impact on the population. It does not only help those most in need, but it even contributes to forming new generations and building the future of the country with heart and passion. It is a necessary dimension when dealing with the problems of those who are the poorest."
