Côte d’Ivoire wary of jihadist threat in north 10 years on from major attack
Threat of jihadism continues to lurk along borders with Mali and Burkina Faso
TL;DR
- Côte d'Ivoire remains vigilant against jihadist threats along its northern borders, particularly those shared with Mali and Burkina Faso.
- The country experienced its first major terrorist incident in 2016 when gunmen attacked hotels in Grand Bassam, an event claimed by AQIM.
- Neighboring countries like Mali and Burkina Faso have expelled Western troops and strengthened ties with Russia.
- Jihadist groups, notably JNIM, are increasingly active and employing sophisticated tactics, including armed drones.
- Côte d'Ivoire has doubled police and gendarmerie recruitment in the north and established a counter-terrorism academy.
- Development initiatives are underway in remote border villages to provide alternatives to militant recruitment.
- Despite security measures, the country's dense forests and porous borders remain a concern.