CÔTE D’IVOIRE : FIGHTING INSECURITY /ANTHONY BLINKEN ANNOUNCES A STRENGTHENING OF AMERICAN-IVOIRIAN COOPERATION
While on a tour of the African continent, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was received by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara on Tuesday. The discussions between the two leaders covered the situation in the Gaza Strip and the security situation in the West African sub-region, particularly the issue of terrorism. Blinken commended Côte d’Ivoire for its approach to addressing this challenge.
During a joint press conference, President Ouattara called for a return to peace in the Gaza Strip, where the Israeli military has been conducting an incursion since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
« Internationally, we deplore the current crises, both in Ukraine with Russia’s invasion and in Gaza. We hope that peace returns very quickly to allow Palestinians to have a territory, as requested by the United Nations and the entire world », expressed Alassane Ouattara.
Regarding the issue of insecurity in the region, the U.S. Secretary of State praised Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to contain the scourge, despite being bordering Mali and Burkina Faso, where the security situation remains challenging.
« I must applaud Côte d’Ivoire’s approach: working with communities, listening to them, ensuring that security forces understand their needs and concerns», stated the U.S. Secretary of State during the press conference in Abidjan. «I think this can serve as a very strong model for other countries », he added.
Indeed, the Ivorian approach has involved combining security measures with economic development. U.S. support has been instrumental in curbing the expansion of terrorism in Côte d’Ivoire.
Washington, in turn, promises to strengthen security cooperation with Abidjan, particularly in troop training. Blinken announced funding of $45 million, which will be added to a $300 million program aimed at assisting West African countries in combating insecurity.
Antony Blinken continued his African tour on Tuesday with a visit to Nigeria, another important U.S. partner, where he was received by President Bola Tinubu.
