Timbuktu Institute – Week 4 – March 2026

Against a regional backdrop marked by the persistent jihadist threat and the realignment of security alliances in West Africa, the country is stepping up its efforts to adapt its defence and security framework. Between strengthening its internal capabilities, consolidating its military partnerships and strategically managing communication regarding the terrorist threat, Abidjan is deploying a multi-dimensional approach. This dynamic demonstrates a clear commitment to combining operational foresight, regional cooperation and national resilience in the face of growing security pressure, particularly along the country’s northern borders.

Strategic police seminar in Yamoussoukro: towards greater community engagement and proactive response to security challenges

From 23 to 26 March 2026, senior officers, central directors and heads of department of the national police gathered in Yamoussoukro for a strategic seminar. The Minister of the Interior and Security, Vagondo Diomandé, called for “increased vigilance and a police force that is closer to the people”. The event aims to assess performance in 2025, analyse crime statistics and identify high-risk areas. This strategic meeting demonstrates the Ivorian government’s commitment to adapting its security framework in the face of the persistent terrorist threat in the north of the country, with a focus on community policing as a pillar of local intelligence.

Abidjan–Cotonou–Paris military cooperation: towards a coastal security architecture in the face of terrorist pressure

In the same vein, the Chiefs of Staff of the Beninese (General Gbaguidi), Ivorian (General Lassina Doumbia) and French (General Fabien Mandon) armed forces met in Cotonou. This tripartite meeting, following an initial gathering held in Abidjan in July 2025, aims to strengthen defence partnerships and coordinate responses to the spread of jihadism. The Abidjan-Cotonou-Paris axis constitutes an informal security architecture addressing security challenges following France’s withdrawal from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. Côte d’Ivoire, which shares a border of around 600 km with Burkina Faso, is thus establishing itself as a pillar of the coastal countries’ security response. The emergence of this axis reflects the gradual formation of a pragmatic coalition, in response to the disorganisation of the regional security framework following France’s withdrawal from the central Sahel.

The jihadist threat in the north remains a major challenge. Abidjan’s hybrid strategies have so far prevented the long-term establishment of armed groups on Ivorian territory. However, the worsening situation in neighbouring Burkina Faso and the increase in border attacks suggest growing pressure that will be difficult to sustain in the long term. In this context, Côte d’Ivoire, drawing on its military capabilities and geostrategic position, is establishing itself as a linchpin in the strategy to contain the terrorist threat in the Gulf of Guinea.

Grand-Bassam, ten years on: remembrance, security alert and a controlled communication strategy in Côte d’Ivoire

Meanwhile, on 25 March 2026, Côte d’Ivoire commemorated the tenth anniversary of the Grand-Bassam attack, which left 19 people dead and was claimed by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Téné Birahima Ouattara, gave an interview to Jeune Afrique, in which he “breaks the silence” on the true state of the security threat. He confirms that the terrorist risk remains “growing” on the country’s northern borders. This official statement aims to prepare public opinion for a sustained security effort, whilst reassuring economic partners and investors of the state’s ability to contain the threat without compromising the country’s attractiveness.