EU Strengthens Partnership with Côte d’Ivoire in the Gulf of Guinea

15.09.2025 EU Gulf of Guinea Security and Defence Initiative - Press and Information Team

The European Union (EU) and Côte d’Ivoire have taken another important step in their long-term security cooperation through a high-level training session held on 9 September at the Hôtel des Armées in Abidjan. This initiative, jointly organized by the Ivorian Armed Forces (FACI) General Staff and the EU, focused on strengthening strategic communication and countering disinformation — a growing challenge in today’s complex security landscape.

More than twenty senior officers, communication specialists, and information security experts from the FACI participated in the intensive session. The training addressed the increasingly critical role of information as a battleground, highlighting how strategic communication and resilience against disinformation are essential to preserving national stability and public trust.

Speaking on behalf of General Lassina Doumbia, Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Dem Aly Justin emphasized the political significance of the initiative:

“This training reflects the determination of the Ivorian Armed Forces to strengthen their capacity to face information-related threats. It is part of our broader commitment to safeguarding national stability and security in a complex regional and international environment.”

The EU side echoed this message of shared responsibility. Dutch Navy Captain André Van der Kamp, head of the Project Cell of EU’s Security and Defence Initiative for the Gulf of Guinea (EUSDI GoG), hailed the constructive exchanges and reaffirmed Europe’s lasting engagement:

“This training has not only equipped participants with new tools but has also deepened our mutual understanding. It is proof of the EU’s determination to stand alongside Côte d’Ivoire in building long-term resilience. We are not just delivering support; we are developing a partnership of equals, with further, more advanced sessions planned for next year.”

The session marks another milestone in the EU’s enduring security engagement in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG). Far from being a short-term intervention, the cooperation reflects a shared vision: strengthening the sovereignty of partner nations while jointly addressing the challenges posed by disinformation and other emerging threats.

By investing in capacity-building and fostering equal dialogue, the EU–Côte d’Ivoire partnership is laying the foundations for sustainable security — in Côte d’Ivoire, across the Gulf of Guinea, and for the stability of the wider region.