(Ecofin Agency) - Terrorism in the Sahel is spreading to countries on the Gulf of Guinea, including Côte d'Ivoire, which has already suffered several attacks on its northern borders. Although measures have been taken to deal with the problem, the government is still seeking additional resources to curb the threat.

The Ivorian government says it needs $1 billion to strengthen security in its border areas. The information was made public via a press release following a meeting yesterday between Ivorian Prime Minister Patrick Achi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

According to the note, the fund will be used to finance development projects, improve access to drinking water and electrify villages. It will also be used to empower women, fund vocational training, and provide cash transfers to vulnerable households with a target of 500,000 households. Part of the resources will also support military operations in needed areas.

"We have initiated actions to strengthen the training of our military to deal with the growing threat. We have also strengthened our equipment and we have especially invested in basic social infrastructure, as well as in youth integration projects to improve the living conditions of the people on the northern borders and fight terrorism,” said Patrick Achi, who stressed that more efforts are needed to achieve the goal. The PM said an increase in U.S. aid in this area was expected, in addition to the $19.5 million granted via the development agency USAID in March 2021.

As a reminder, the Ivorian authorities have set up an International Academy for the Fight against Terrorism (AILCT) to strengthen the training of the military. They have also acquired two new aircraft for border surveillance as well as several new pieces of equipment. The 2022 defense budget increased by 7% compared to 2021, and recruitment of at least 3,000 soldiers is planned for the year.

In addition to the military investment, several actions are also being taken at the social level. Last November 19, the Minister of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration and Civic Service, Mamadou Touré, who was touring the northern part of the country, announced the creation of a $3.4 million fund for young people living in areas under terrorism threat. The fund is intended to finance the projects of 3,000 young women and men between the ages of 18 and 40.

Jean-Marc Gogbeu, intern