IVORIAN CRISIS DAMPENS AFDB'S RETURN TO ABIDJAN

The ongoing political crisis in Cote d'Ivoire has dampened the chances of the return of the African Development Bank headquarters to Abidjan.

The headquarters of the AfDB, originally situated in Abidjan, was transferred to Tunisia at the height of the Ivorian crisis in 2002, with a promise to return after a resolution.

To set the pace for its return, the AfDB held its 2010 annual conference in Abidjan in May, where the bank's President, Mr. Donald Kaberuka, said that the institution would return to Cote d'Ivoire after the elections.

In a statement issued on Monday, the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank said the situation in Cote d'Ivoire raised more 'concern'' and stirred 'frustration.''

The statement added, 'The African Development Bank and the World Bank, longstanding multilateral development partners of Cote d'Ivoire, view with great concern and frustration the events unfolding in Cote d'Ivoire in the aftermath of the long-awaited elections.

'The election was supposed to usher in peace, stability and a basis for improved governance and inclusive growth that reflects participation of all of Cote d'Ivoire.'