Africa: major decisions on housing and justice in Morocco, the Central African Republic and Côte d’Ivoire
In Morocco, the Central African Republic and Côte d’Ivoire, several recent announcements show difficult situations for residents and for people linked to the justice system. In Casablanca, working-class neighborhoods are affected by a major urban project. In the Central African Republic, a new trial is due to open in June. In Côte d’Ivoire, a woman held for more than seven years is finally due to be tried.
In Casablanca, the Casablanca-Settat region is carrying out a vast urban redevelopment operation. The project plans for the creation of a “royal avenue” between the city center and the great Hassan II Mosque. But this transformation is worrying residents of several working-class neighborhoods that have been demolished or are under threat of destruction. These people fear losing their homes and their bearings in the city.
In the Central African Republic, the Special Criminal Court announced the opening in June of its sixth trial. This highly anticipated case concerns former president François Bozizé. The announcement was made on April 21. This upcoming trial represents a new step for this court, which is responsible for judging serious crimes committed in the country.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the case of Affoué Félicité Kouamé is also drawing attention. Accused of fraud, she has been in pretrial detention at the Abidjan penitentiary center for more than seven years. Her case is finally due to be examined by the courts. This long wait before a judgment raises questions about how the judicial system functions.
These three situations, in different contexts, show important issues in Africa: the right to housing, the organization of major urban projects and respect for judicial procedures. They directly affect the lives of many people and should continue to be closely followed in the coming weeks.