"Favourable health and economic developments" since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic mean it is now safe to lift this restriction, say the country's council of ministers.

Another reason why land borders have reopened on Thursday is to crack down on illegal crossings and redirect travellers to official border posts instead.

RFI quotes Ivorian authorities as saying there was a "recent influx" of 8,700 refugees fleeing violence in Burkina Faso, who should be identified and processed through reception sites.