Cote d'Ivoire: U.S.-Côte d'Ivoire Security Cooperation - Stability As the Foundation for Shared Prosperity

What the report says

The U.S. Embassy in Abidjan issued a press release on 10 August 2026 highlighting expanded security cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire, saying the partnership is intended to support counterterrorism, border protection and regional stability. The embassy framed the relationship as part of both countries’ broader strategic and economic interests, arguing that improved security helps create conditions for trade, investment and safer operating environments for businesses and citizens.

According to the release, the cooperation includes a five-year bilateral defense action plan, a State Partnership Program link with the Pennsylvania National Guard, and continuing training and equipment support for Ivorian forces. The embassy said U.S. assistance helped train more than 3,000 Ivorian soldiers in 2025 and provided vehicles, ambulances, armored vehicles and protective gear. It also pointed to support for border patrols, counter-IED work, civil-military coordination and efforts to curb cybercrime and violent extremism.

The statement also emphasized maritime and regional security. It said Côte d’Ivoire is hosting the FLINTLOCK special operations exercise for a second straight year and that the United States has backed an African counterterrorism training center in Côte d’Ivoire with more than $8 million in support. In a broader West African context, the release presents Côte d’Ivoire as an increasingly important security partner as threats linked to the Sahel, piracy, trafficking and illegal fishing continue to affect the Gulf of Guinea region.