EU Relations with Ivory Coast

Tensions that were running very high following the death of President 'Houphouet Boigny (in 1993) resulted in a fierce struggle for power and the pillaging of the country's resources. This resulted in millions of people being excluded from the country's political and economic life on the grounds of "non-Ivorianness". Since 1992, a civil war has been raging in the Côte d'Ivoire with the country divided in two: forces loyal to President Gbagbo in the South, and Guillaume Soro's "New Forces" in the North. The country has seen a sharp fall in its social and governance indicators. Its infrastructure, which is also vital to the rest of the region, is not being maintained. Since March 2007 the two sides have been engaged in direct dialogue with a view to disarmament, reunification, national identification and, finally, the holding of free, open and fair elections. The country is in need of deep-seated reforms of the governance sector to restore a balance to state powers (the executive dominates at present), institute proper decentralisation and renew the participation of all citizens and all ethnic groups in the country's political and economic life. There is a vital need for reform of the justice system and security forces to ensure transparent management of the country's economic resources (cocoa, oil, timber) that are at present the subject of rivalry between politicians and the military. The country must embark on a major campaign to repair social and t ransport infrastructures that are also of great importance to the rest of the region.

Key issues in EU-Ivory Coast relations

In light of these conditions, two focal areas have been identified to support economic and social development during the 10^th EDF. The first is consolidation of the peace and good governance. Resolving the crisis must be seen as an opportunity to lay the foundations for renewed political stability and accelerated economic growth by improving governance, the functioning of the justice system and the security sector, and reinforcing the decentralisation process.

The second focal sector concerns social cohesion and the renewal of social and economic infrastructure. The rebuilding of social cohesion and the fight against poverty must be achieved by placing the emphasis on restoring social sectors, especially in the Centre, North and West (CNW) zones, where health, water and sanitation infrastructures require urgent attention. There is also a need to restore economic infrastructure, in particular a number of strategic road links, in line with the regional indicative programme.

10^th EDF (European Development Fund 2008-2013).
€ 218 M has been allocated for:

• good governance and resolving the crisis and
• social and regional infrastructures.

• support for improved competitiveness in the agriculture sector;
• support for regional integration;
• support for technical cooperation; support for non-state actors

Latest update: 17-03-2008
Responsible Desk Officers