Bouake | Cote d-Ivoire

Bouaké (also spelled Bwake) is the second-largest city in Ivory Coast, with a population of over 740,000 people according to the 2021 census. It serves as the seat for three levels of government: the Vallée du Bandama District, the Gbêkê Region, and the Bouaké Department.

Location:

• Bouaké is situated in the central part of Ivory Coast.
• It's approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Lake Kossou, the country's largest lake.
• The city lies about 350 kilometers (220 miles) north of Abidjan on the Abidjan-Niger Railway.
• It is also about 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of Yamoussoukro, the political capital of Ivory Coast.

History:

• The area where Bouaké is located was settled in the 1800s by the Assabou and Baoulé people, related to the Akan. The initial village was named Gbèkèkro, after the Baoulé leader Gossan Kwa Gbeke.
• The name "Bouaké" is believed to originate from two Baoulé words: "Boua" (sheep) and "Ké" (dry), possibly referring to a place where Jula people dried sheepskins.
• Bouaké was established as a French military post in 1899.
• It became an administrative center in 1914.
• The city played a significant and often turbulent role in the Ivorian political landscape, particularly during the Ivorian Civil War (2002-2011) when it served as the headquarters of the rebel group Forces Nouvelles (New Forces, FN).
• Even after the official end of the conflict, Bouaké experienced periods of unrest.
• More recently, Bouaké has been focusing on rebuilding and re-establishing its economic and social dynamism.

Economy:

• Historically, Bouaké was the second economic hub of Ivory Coast before the 2002 rebellion.
• Its central location has made it a crucial trade hub, connecting Ivory Coast with neighboring countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It's a significant transit point for goods and laborers.
• Bouaké has an important wholesale market for regional food products, which forms a central part of its economy.
• Cotton, tobacco, sisal, and rice are processed in the city. The nearby Gonfreville Establishment is the oldest and largest textile mill in the country.
• The city is a collection point for agricultural products like rice, yams, and livestock raised by the Baoulé people.
• Efforts are underway to re-establish and diversify the economy, with new companies, particularly in the cashew nut sector, setting up operations.
• The return of banking services and the reopening of the Central Bank of West African States (CBWAS) branch are seen as positive indicators of economic recovery.
• The city has strong economic potential, attracting financial institutions and generating significant daily financial flows.

Transportation:

• Bouaké is a major transportation hub, situated at the intersection of important international road axes connecting Abidjan with Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana, southern Guinea, and Liberia.
• The Abidjan-Niger Railway passes through Bouaké, with the Railway Station Bouaké operated by Sitarail.
• The city has the Bouaké Airport located northwest of the city.
• Roads connecting Bouaké include the A3 and A8.
• Urban transport is largely covered by informal means such as motorcycle taxis ("moto-taxis") and minibuses ("Gbakas") following the bankruptcy of the public transport company in 2011. There are plans to re-establish a public bus service.

Culture and Society:

• Bouaké is a culturally rich city with a diverse population, including a significant Malian community, leading to it being called the "second Malian town."
• The city is home to a university and a UNESCO Chair on Bioethics.
• The Grand Mosque of Bouaké is a historic landmark, dating back to the late 19th century.
• The Bouaké Carnaval is an annual cultural event celebrating local crafts and cuisine.

Challenges:

• Bouaké has faced significant challenges due to political instability and the civil war, which deeply scarred the city.
• The road network, particularly secondary and tertiary roads, requires improvement.
• Urban mobility faces issues due to the lack of a structured public transport system.

Despite its past challenges, Bouaké is showing signs of recovery and is recognized for its economic potential and strategic importance in the region.