Timbuktu Institute - Week 4 - February 2026

Between the reshaping of the political landscape in Toumodi, the consolidation of its historic partnership with France, and the deepening of security cooperation with the United States in the north of the country, Côte d'Ivoire is confirming its dual trajectory: political stability at home and a pro-Western strategic anchoring abroad. These dynamics reflect the desire to preserve Côte d'Ivoire's central role in a regional environment marked by instability in the Sahel and competition between international influences.

Toumodi: the PDCI confirms its electoral resilience against the RHDP

The partial resumption of the 2025 legislative elections, held in February 2026, confirmed the resilience of the Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire in Toumodi. Tidiane Thiam's party won 56.11% of the vote, ahead of the RHDP candidate. This victory confirms the party's territorial roots in Toumodi and its ability to mobilise voters in a political context marked by structured competition between dominant blocs. Despite the absence of their leader on the ground, political leaders are managing to achieve results. According to Soumaïla Bredoumy, the party's spokesperson, ‘the president will return when the conditions, which we consider favourable, are in place’. As a reminder, the political landscape is still dominated by the Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP), in a context of controlled pluralism.

Paris–Abidjan: consolidation of a strategic partnership and affirmation of a hub of stability

From 14 to 25 February 2026, President Alassane Ouattara made a strategic visit to Paris to consolidate investment and security cooperation between the two friendly countries. France remains a major economic partner in the energy, infrastructure and telecommunications sectors. This trip thus strengthens Côte d'Ivoire's position as a ‘pro-Western’ pole of stability in the Sahel region. During his stay, President Ouattara met with representatives of the French government, financial institutions and business leaders to strengthen economic cooperation and attract strategic investments. Discussions focused on regional security, sustainable development and Côte d'Ivoire's priorities in terms of industrialisation, local processing of raw materials and improving the business climate.

Northern Côte d'Ivoire: a structural security partnership with Washington

At the same time, enhanced cooperation with the United States in the northern operational zone aims to contain the risks of jihadist infiltration from Burkina Faso. This approach is based on training, equipment provision and operational capacity building. Côte d'Ivoire is adopting a strategy that combines military prevention and local development. According to Junaid Munir, chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy, "our partnership is based on our common interests and a simple principle: lasting stability opens up opportunities. Together, we are building a safer environment that supports economic growth and a more prosperous future for both our countries." This is therefore a strategic US approach that links security and development, in which stability is seen as a prerequisite for economic opportunities. This approach thus places the partnership within a logic of mutual interests and the projection of lasting US influence.