(Ecofin Agency) - The European Union (EU) has greenlit financial support of €15 million ($16.08 million) under the European Peace Facility to bolster the Ivorian armed forces. This plan, made public on April 29, aims to enhance the operational capacities of the Ivorian armed forces to secure border areas and combat non-state armed groups threatening the stability of the country and the sub-region.

The EU will provide surveillance equipment, vehicles, and tactical training. The support comes as West Africa has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks, particularly in the tri-border area (Burkina Faso - Mali - Niger), as well as an expansion towards coastal states in the region. Between 2020 and 2021, the border between Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso faced significant pressure from violent extremist groups, with nearly 20 attacks and incidents documented, according to ISS Africa.

In response to this situation, the Ivorian government has implemented several reforms to strengthen its military and security operations with the support of international partners. According to data from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in the first half of 2023, the region recorded over 1,800 terrorist incidents resulting in more than 4,500 deaths.