Washington adjusts its presence in Cote d’Ivoire and Benin

[ad_1]

Contents

Côte d’Ivoire and Benin: New Pillars of U.S. Strategy Strengthening security cooperation Ivory Coast infrastructure serves cooperation Solid field experience The context of political restructuring in Africa

Washington is redoubling its efforts to redeploy troops in West Africa, focusing on Ivory Coast and Benin, after withdrawing from Niger. Faced with the growing terrorist threat in the Sahel region, the US aims to secure a strategic position to curb the expansion of armed groups southwards.

Formalization US troops withdraw from Niger In fact, last April marked a decisive turning point. Gen. Kenneth P. Ekman, Africom’s director of strategy, confirmed that the full withdrawal would be accomplished by the September 15 deadline. The loss of Air Base 201 in Agadez, a key location for drone operations and regional surveillance, was a major strategic setback.

Côte d’Ivoire and Benin: New Pillars of U.S. Strategy

Maintaining its intelligence capabilities West AfricaWashington plans to redeploy resources in coastal states Ivory Coast and benignThese countries have significant geographical advantages. Côte d’Ivoire borders unstable countries such as Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali. As for Benin, it borders Niger and Burkina Faso.

Strengthening security cooperation

Relations between Washington and Abidjan are already strong. President Alassane Ouattara Antony Blinken expressed gratitude for the US assistance in the fight against terrorism. In addition, Benin recently welcomed a delegation from the African Community, a sign of an expanding partnership aimed at countering violent extremism and promoting economic development.

Ivory Coast infrastructure serves cooperation

In his speech in Abidjan, General Ekman highlighted the growing risks facing countries such as Côte d’Ivoire. He also confirmed the US desire to work closely with the Ivorian armed forces. Washington plans to use the existing infrastructure in Côte d’Ivoire for this cooperation, rather than building new bases. The areas of application will include intelligence, reconnaissance, training and medical capabilities.

Solid field experience

this USA They can rely on their past experience in Côte d’Ivoire, especially Exercise Flintlock, which involved hundreds of American experts and the Ivorian armed forces in a simulated fight against jihadism. In addition, U.S. security agencies worked with Paris to manage terrorism risks during the Africa Cup of Nations.

The context of political restructuring in Africa

The redeployment comes as France is reviewing its military presence in Africa. Emmanuel Macron Announced a significant reduction in French troops stationed in Côte d’Ivoire. The number of troops will increase from more than 900 soldiers to around 100. This reorganization paves the way for greater cooperation between the United States and Côte d’Ivoire. Thus, it strengthens regional security in the face of terrorist threats.