Mass Demolitions in Ivory Coast Leave Thousands Homeless

Abidjan, Ivory Coast — Authorities in Ivory Coast's largest city, Abidjan, have recently intensified demolitions of homes in impoverished neighborhoods, citing public health concerns. This action has resulted in thousands of residents being left without shelter, sparking significant outcry from affected communities and rights groups.

The demolitions, which began in late January, have particularly targeted the underdeveloped areas of Gesco and Sebroko districts. These regions are prone to deadly flooding during the rainy season due to their location along a lagoon in this port city, which is home to 6.3 million people and is Ivory Coast's economic hub.

Since 2005, more than 300 people have lost their lives to floods in these areas, with the government stating that the stagnant waters become breeding grounds for water-borne diseases and other health hazards. Despite these stated concerns, many evicted families and human rights organizations argue that the demolitions have been carried out without adequate notice or compensation.

The latest wave of demolitions has been described as one of the largest in years, affecting hundreds of thousands of residents. The Ivorian League for Human Rights has criticized the approach as "brutal," highlighting the dire consequences for many already vulnerable families and urging the authorities to cease the demolitions.

Amid the destruction, some residents, like Youssouf Coulibaly, a youth leader from Boribana, express deep personal loss. "It's our whole history. I was born here. My parents have been here for 40 years. So Boribana is like our village," he shared, recounting the shock of children returning from school to find their homes gone.

In response to the growing dissent, President Alassane Ouattara has urged local authorities to demonstrate solidarity and work towards preserving social cohesion. The government has also started to offer some support to those displaced. On April 8, it was announced that affected households would receive about $405 to aid their relocation.

Despite these efforts, many believe that the compensation is insufficient against the backdrop of escalating housing costs. Belmonde Dogo, the minister in charge of poverty alleviation efforts, assured that all displaced individuals would receive the necessary support for relocation. Additionally, city officials have disclosed plans to lease plots of land to those evicted for up to 25 years at approximately $16 a month.

The Yopougon municipality, mostly consisting of working-class residents, has also announced plans to assist those affected by the demolitions. As the situation develops, the balance between public health concerns and the rights of the city's poorest residents remains a contentious issue in Ivory Coast's fast-growing economic hub.