France signs 630 million euro deal with Côte d'Ivoire

France agreed on a major deal for economic aid towards the development of Côte d’Ivoire, despite worries surrounding the ability of Abidjan to end its hostilities surrounding the deadly conflicts of 2010-2011. 

French Ministers of Economy and Development, Pierre Moscovici and Pascal Canfin signed a contract that includes debt-cancellation and development for 630 million euros over the period of 2013 and 2015.

It’s a visit that represents the “new relationship that we want to build between sub-Saharan Africa” that is founded on values such as “social progress, transparency, good governance and equality” said Moscovici.

He added that this deal is “exceptional by virtue of the amount”.

Projects included in the deal range from construction and maintenance of schools, hospitals, courthouses, rural roads, and sanitary services in the capital.

Coming out of the post-electoral crisis of last year, that killed 3000, the Ivorian Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan admitted that the country was “partially in ruins” and was thankful for the renewed help from France.

This development deal was set in motion by former French president Nicolas Sarkozy. Under his direction, France played a decisive role, particularly militarily, back in April 2011 that put an end to Laurent Gbagbo’s presidency paving the way for the current Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara.