...Grand-Bassam, which becomes the colony's first capital.…

...Grand-Bassam, which becomes the colony's first capital. 

The treaties provide for French sovereignty within the posts and for trading privileges in exchange for fees or coutumes paid annually to the local rulers for the use of the land.

The arrangement is not entirely satisfactory to the French because trade is limited and misunderstandings over treaty obligations often arise.

Nevertheless, the French government maintains the treaties, hoping to expand trade.

France also wants to maintain a presence in the region to stem the increasing influence of the British along the Gulf of Guinea coast.