Côte d’Ivoire signs new defence pact with the United States

Côte d’Ivoire and the US have signed a defence cooperation agreement under the State Partnership Program.

Côte d’Ivoire and the United States have signed a new defence cooperation agreement. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Abidjan under the US State Partnership Program. The agreement involves the Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire and the Pennsylvania National Guard. It was signed by FACI Chief of Staff General Lassina Doumbia and Pennsylvania National Guard Commander Major General John R. Pippy. Côte d’Ivoire’s ambassador to the United States also attended.

The partnership will focus on sharing tactical and cybersecurity expertise, strengthening humanitarian and disaster response, and expanding joint military training. General Doumbia described the agreement as a major step toward modernising the country’s defence capabilities. The agreement reflects both countries’ commitment to building a long-term security partnership based on trust, cooperation and readiness.

Côte d’Ivoire’s defence pact with the US is part of a broader trend in West Africa, where countries are diversifying their security partnerships. Nigeria has traditionally been the US’s key security partner in the region. But the relationship has been strained by Nigeria’s human rights record and security failures. Côte d’Ivoire is filling the gap. The US is hedging its bets. Nigeria should take note.

Winners: Côte d’Ivoire (which gains US military support), the US (which gains a new partner).

Losers: Nigeria (losing strategic influence) and the Nigerian military (facing increased competition).

Bottom Line: Côte d’Ivoire’s defence pact with the US is a signal that Nigeria is no longer America’s only partner in West Africa — and that has strategic consequences.