Côte d’Ivoire: Alassan Ouattara to name 4th Abidjan bridge after ex-rival Laurent Gbagbo

Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassan Ouattara decided Tuesday to name the under construction fourth bridge in capital Abidjan after former leader and rival Laurent Gbagbo as part of reconciliation process.

The decision not public yet will be submitted to the next Cabinet meeting, French media Africa Intelligence reports.

The bridge funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to the tune of $263.7 million, has been under construction since 2018 and aims to reduce urban congestion in the economic capital. It is crucial for the economic and social development of the country, as well as for the mobility of the population.

The move is a major sign of reconciliation between the two political figures.

Both men clashed in 2011 as pro-Ouattara supporters ousted Gbagbo from power that year he spent 11 rocky years as President.

Gbagbo subsequently was sent to The Hague where he was charged with crime against humanity. However, the court acquitted him in 2019 and he returned to Côte d’Ivoire in 2021 as part of a reconciliation deal with the incumbent President.