ECOWAS conducts joint monitoring mission for the construction of the Cavalla river border bridge between Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia

As part of its continuous oversight of regional infrastructure projects, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission carried out a joint monitoring mission from 5 to 7 November 2025 for the construction of the 288-metre Cavalla River Bridge, designed to link Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia.

This initiative falls within the Road Development and Transport Facilitation Programme of the Mano River Union and aligns with the orientations of ECOWAS Vision 2050. The Cavalla River currently serves as a critical crossing point for thousands of commuters, traders, and local residents who rely on an old ferry and small canoes, often under unsafe conditions.

The mission was led by Mr. Chris Appiah, Director of Transport at the ECOWAS Commission, accompanied by Mr. Ashoke Maliki, Head of the Road and Railways Unit, and Ms. Mahan Fathmah, Political Adviser representing Her Excellency Mrs. Fanta Cissé, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire. Also participating was Dr. Kazilé Timothée Kouadio, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad, who reaffirmed the Ivorian Government’s institutional support for the project.

To establish strong local cooperation, the delegation met with local administrative authorities in the project area. In San Pedro, they were received by Mr. Traoré Djibril, Deputy Prefect and Secretary-General of the Prefecture. The mission then proceeded to Tabou for a working session with Mrs. Kalidja Kouamé, Prefect of the Department, who reiterated the commitment of Ivorian local authorities. On the Liberian side, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Superintendent Henry Cole Jr. of Maryland County, underscoring both countries’ shared determination to ensure the project’s success.

The technical inspection began on the Liberian side, where the delegation, accompanied by the construction company SCEGC, observed the active mobilization of teams and the notable progress achieved to date. The mission continued to Prollo, on the Ivorian side, where the bridge’s footing and piles are being constructed. The delegation, escorted by the Ivorian gendarmerie, met with Mr. Djouhui Émile, the village chief, and traditional authorities to discuss community concerns, particularly regarding population resettlement and pending site arrangements.

A separate working session was held with Mr. Li Jianbing, Project Manager for SCEGC, and AIM Consult, the firm responsible for supervision. The discussions allowed for a detailed review of progress, challenges, and the measures needed to accelerate implementation. Key issues highlighted included the incomplete resettlement of affected residents in Prollo, procedural and logistical delays affecting the movement of construction equipment, customs clearance of strategic materials, and the delivery of essential equipment from Ghana. In response, the representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs assured that the Ivorian Government would take the necessary steps to address these constraints, support local communities, and expedite progress on the Ivorian side.

Stretching 288 metres and built in prestressed reinforced concrete, the Cavalla River Border Bridge represents a strategic investment in cross-border connectivity and regional development. According to Mr. Chris Appiah, Director of Transport at the ECOWAS Commission, the bridge “represents a gateway to economic transformation between Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia.”

Through this joint monitoring mission, the ECOWAS Commission reaffirms its strong commitment to supporting both countries until the successful completion of this landmark infrastructure, which will strengthen regional integration, trade facilitation, and mobility across the Community area.