Revamping Côte d'Ivoire's Justice System with AFD Support
published on 04 November 2021
Since 2012, the Government of Côte d’Ivoire has been engaged in an overhaul of its judicial system – an ambitious program supported by AFD Group. The goal is to strengthen the rule of law, and the first building blocks have just been put in place.
From the living conditions of detainees to the training of judges and infrastructure, the criminal justice system in Côte d’Ivoire is undergoing an overhaul. AFD is providing €85 million in financing for this restructuration via the Justice component of the Debt Reduction-Development Contract (C2D) signed between France and Côte d’Ivoire. This makes the C2D Justice in Côte d’Ivoire project AFD’s largest program in this sector.
National Institute of Judicial Training a strong symbol
The strategic focus and objectives of this partnership are clear: to build the capacities of actors in the judicial system through training and improved infrastructure, promote and improve human rights and bring justice closer to citizens.
Under this extensive program, the National Institute of Legal Training (INFJ) has been built in Yamoussoukro. This emblematic building comprises an administration block, 2 amphitheaters, 22 lecture halls, a courtroom and an infirmary. This architectural gem has been designed to receive and train Côte d’Ivoire’s best legal trainees. It is the result of a strong synergy between French and AFD Group expertise and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to normalize and strengthen its judicial system.
Broad-based and long-term plan
The Ivorian Prime Minister, Patrick Achi, pointed out that the adoption of a comprehensive reform plan has modernized the judicial system, the cornerstone of the economic and social development of the country. “The implementation of this plan with support from France via AFD has helped promote a more independent, more impartial judiciary and has facilitated equal access to justice services for all,” says the Head of Government.
The Ambassador of France to Côte d'Ivoire, Jean-Christophe Belliard, attended the new INFJ building’s inauguration last July. He reiterated France’s commitment to continue its partnership with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. A third C2D Justice has been confirmed. “Other infrastructure construction projects are underway,” says Emmanuel Debroise, Director of AFD’s Abidjan office, “They include the Courts of Appeal in Daloa and Korhogo, the prison in Guiglo and the Observation Center for Minors in Abidjan.”
