L’influence De La Contrebande Sur Le Developpement De La Ville Frontaliere De Niable Au Centre-Est De La Cote d’Ivoire

Abstract

In the border town of Niablé, smuggling is omnipresent. The operation of this activity is based on the one hand, on social cultural relationship between neigh boring populations, and on the other hand on monetary disparities between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Without denying the truth fullness of such an activity, smugglers, organized in a highly hierarchical system operate according to a strict behavioral code where one’s given word and mutual confidence are the sole modus operandi. It permits them to bring goods of diverse natures (oil products, food, pharmaceuticals, second-hand clothes drinks, etc.) in Niablé. Thus, this activity seems to be a real opportunity for these smugglers, longing for the improvement of their welfare. Besides, the smuggling allows its actors to contribute to the town’s blossoming. Such a perception of smuggling gives an idea of the animation going on in this border town. In a word, though we want it or not smuggling participates in the socio-spatial change of the town even if sometimes, it stands as an obstacle to its development. Through this contribution, we are willing to show the operation of smuggling and its influence on the town of Niablé.