The cabinet of Ivory Coast has resigned following the dumping of toxic sludge in the city of Abidjan. A Panamanian-registered vessel, Probo Koala, had dumped over 500 tonnes of liquid toxic sludge into 14 open-air rubbish tips around Abidjan. Experts say, Marpol, the international convention on maritime pollution strictly prohibits the discharge of such slops into the sea.
Till reports last received, seven people had died and at least 26,000 fallen ill after breathing the noxious, toxic fumes, says the health ministry. Though the waste composition remains unclear, experts sent in by the French and Swiss governments say it is a mixture of oil residue and caustic soda used to flush out the tanks of the Probo Koala. It is feared that the poison may have contaminated the country's water and entered the food chain.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.