An educational initiative unfolded at Camp militaire de Zambakro, near Yamoussoukro, Cote d'Ivoire, where the European Union Delegation (EU DEL) and the EU Military Advisor (MILAD) delivered a specialized lecture. This session, arranged at the request of the Ivorian Minister of Defense, was specifically tailored for the 6th course of the CESD (Course d’Etudes Superieures de Defense). The lecture aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of EU Defense and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), with a particular focus on the EU's Strategic Compass and its implications for the Government of Cote d'Ivoire (GoG). Capitaine de Vaisseau DADIE Bazay Valles, Director of CESD, oversaw the event, ensuring its smooth execution and relevance to the participants.

The lecture drew an impressive audience of 25 participants, representing 13 different nations, highlighting the international significance of the CESD program. This diverse group, comprising future leaders of African Armed Forces, engaged in a vivid and insightful exchange, demonstrating their keen interest in the intricacies of EU defense strategies. The session fostered a dynamic environment for learning and discussion, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of the EU's evolving role in global security and its cooperative efforts with African nations.

The focus on the EUSDI and its connection to the CSDP proved particularly relevant. This exchange underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing contemporary security challenges and highlighted the EU Strategig Defence Initiative Golf of Guinea (EUSDI GoG) commitment to fostering strong partnerships with African nations.

EUSDI GoG

At the request of Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin, EUSDI GoG supports Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Benin with the build-up of their security and defence forces to help them respond to security threats in the north of these countries. 

The initiative combines civilian and military expertise and assets to:

• contribute to enhancing Host State resilience in vulnerable areas in their northern regions through capacity building of their security and defence forces;
• provide pre-deployment operational training of Host State security and defence forces;
• support the enhancement in technical areas of Host State security and defence forces;
• promote the rule of law and good governance in Host State  security sectors, focusing on their security and defence forces, and support trust-building between civil society and security and defence forces.

The initiative is supported by a civilian and a military pillar that work side by side combining resources to achieve maximum effect. The initiative has a limited standing footprint on the ground.