Côte d'Ivoire - August 2024

Since January 2024, large-scale forced evictions have displaced thousands of families in the city of Abidjan. Homes, businesses and schools were demolished in informal settlements over alleged health concerns as the areas built along a lagoon have reportedly suffered deadly floods and water-borne diseases during the rainy season. According to evicted families and local rights groups, the evictions were carried out by authorities without prior notice, consultation or adequate support for those affected. Tens of thousands of Abidjan residents have reportedly been left homeless, with many still awaiting the housing assistance promised by the Ivorian government on 13 March. In a statement, the Ivorian League for Human Rights (LIDHO) described the demolitions as being carried out in “a brutal manner”, as the police were accused of using excessive use of force and tear gas against those evicted. Demolitions in low-income neighborhoods are common in Abidjan, but the recent one is among the most significant in recent years.

Sources: Amnesty International, Associated Press, Jeune Afrique, Linfodrome (1), Linfodrome (2), LIDHO