A Bottom-Up Look at the Crisis in Abidjan: Ethnicity, Governance, and Democracy

This paper examines public opinion in Abidjan just before the crisis of September 2002 based on a survey conducted in the city in May and June 2002, and covering economic, social, and political issues. First, the paper analyzes the degree and type of frustrations expressed by Abidjan residents in order to determine whether or not tensions were mounting at the time of the survey. Second, it compares data from Abidjan with data from other cities in the region, where the same survey was conducted. Lastly, it examines the role that ethnic and religious identity played in the crisis.