The following report highlights major news developments in politics, economy, health, and security in Cote d’Ivoire as of 21 October. This edition focuses on former President Laurent Gbagbo’s ongoing prosecution in Cote d’Ivoire, the draft budget for 2022, and a UK-based mining firm seeking to invest in gold exploration. The report includes background information to add context to the news items.
POLITICS
Government Says Former President ‘Still Under Prosecution’
Following a 20 October cabinet meeting, Government Spokesman Amadou Coulibaly told newsmen that former President Laurent Gbagbo is “still under prosecution” in Cote d’Ivoire. Among other charges, Coulibaly listed the violence occurred at the Ivorian national television broadcaster RTI, the bombing of a market in the Abobo ward of Abidjan, killing several women.
Background: During the 2010-2011 election crisis, a deadly clash opposed supporters of President Alassane Ouattara to soldiers loyal to Gbagbo. The government spokesman’s statement followed a 19 October interview with French television France24 during which Gbagbo expressed surprised that the Ivorian justice was still prosecuting him despite the fact the International Criminal Court acquitted him.
ECONOMY
Cote d’Ivoire’s 2022 Budget Amounts to $17,572 Billion
Following its 20 October cabinet meeting, the government announced that the country’s draft budget for 2022 amounts to approximately 17,572 billion. The government spokesman said that the 2022 budget “aims to consolidate and optimize the gains made through the government’s efforts to curb the negative impacts of the COVID-19, but also to improve the national development objectives aimed at substantially improving the living conditions of the population through the national development plan and the government’s second social program.”
Background: The Ivorian Government structured the 2022 budget around 150 programs. The country’s economic growth is expected to reach 6.5 percent in 2021 in comparison with the 2 percent growth in 2020. The agri-food industry, the building and public works sector, and the oil sector are the most dynamic ones in the country.
UK-Based Mining Firm Seeks To Enter Ivorian Mining Sector
Media reported that Red Rock Resources, a UK-based mining firm, announced that it
applied for five mining exploration permits in Cote d’Ivoire. The company made the application through Lac Gold Resources, its local subsidiary. The permits are related to five areas totaling 1,907.07 square kilometers, which were selected based on a detailed study. Red Rock Resources aimed to create a quality West African stand-alone independently financed gold project focused on Cote d’Ivoire.
Background: The Ivorian Government has issued 127 exploration and mining permits since 2016. Gold has benefited from this over the period with the entry into production of new mines and the arrival of new companies.