The government has adopted accompanying measures for residents of precarious neighborhoods recently displaced during a large-scale eviction operation carried out by the Autonomous District of Abidjan.
These operations have stirred emotions in the media due to the lack of preparation among inhabitants, who found themselves without shelter and schools overnight. Authorities assert their aim to “save lives” before the rainy season, identifying about thirty precarious neighborhoods in Abidjan regularly exposed to flooding or landslides.
These measures aim to deter displaced individuals from relocating to other risky sites. Five measures have been adopted. Amadou Coulibaly, the government spokesperson, notably mentions support for property owners with land titles to acquire fully-owned plots: “Sites have been identified, particularly around Songon,
with 36 hectares where approximately 3,000 plots ranging from 75 m² to 100 m² will be made available to those displaced. We also discussed a leasehold with a rent of 10,000 CFA francs per month. This lease will last for a period of 20 to 25 years, but nationals will eventually gain full ownership of this leasehold.”
A special program for unemployed individuals has been announced. Each affected household will receive 250,000 CFA francs, approximately 380€. The government spokesperson emphasizes that there will be no “double compensation” for individuals already benefiting from aid.
This support will be managed by the “precarious neighborhood development cell,” which will also plan future eviction operations. No specific date has been announced at present.