Korhogo: Strategic seminar on civil-military cooperation in counter-terrorism
Against the backdrop of increasing terrorist threats in the region, the SIPODI programme of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung organized a strategic seminar on “Counter-terrorism: civil-military cooperation”, bringing together key civilian and military actors involved in securing Côte d’Ivoire’s northern borders in Korhogo.
Strong institutional commitment at the opening
The opening ceremony featured several administrative and local authorities, including the Second Secretary General of the Korhogo Prefecture, the Deputy Mayor, and the SIPODI Programme Officer representing the Programme Director.
Speakers emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach to addressing security challenges, highlighting the need for close cooperation between defence and security forces, local authorities, and communities.
A key contribution was delivered by Brigadier General Ouattara Zoumana, Commander of the Northern Operational Zone and the 4th Military Region, who provided strategic insights into the security situation and ongoing operational efforts.
Broad participation of civilian and military actors
The seminar brought together a diverse group of participants, including members of civil-military coordination units and numerous representatives of defence and security forces.
Among the institutions represented were:
- the Northern Operational Zone,
- the 4th Military Region,
- the 4th Battalion,
- and the military fire brigade of Korhogo.
This diversity reflects a shared commitment to strengthening coordination and complementarity in addressing complex security challenges.
Expert inputs on key security challenges
Several high-level presentations were delivered during the seminar:
- Dr Eddie Guipié addressed terrorist threats and security challenges in northern Côte d’Ivoire,
- Lieutenant Colonel Sadia Yérémen Alain discussed the foundations and challenges of civil-military cooperation, highlighting successful community-oriented military approaches.
These contributions provided valuable insights into current threat dynamics and the requirements for effective cooperation.
Strategic discussions and knowledge exchange
The sessions were marked by constructive exchanges among participants, enriched by contributions from senior civilian and military officials.
Discussions highlighted both coordination challenges and opportunities to strengthen cooperation through:
- improved communication,
- greater community engagement,
- and structured dialogue mechanisms.
Recommendations for enhanced security coordination
At the conclusion of the seminar, participants formulated key recommendations to improve civil-military cooperation and strengthen counter-terrorism efforts:
- strengthening dialogue frameworks between civilians and the military,
- improving information-sharing systems,
- increasing public awareness of violent extremism risks,
- enhancing awareness within the armed forces regarding civil-military cooperation structures,
- and building trust between security forces and communities.
A collective response to terrorism
This seminar forms part of SIPODI’s broader efforts to promote inclusive security governance based on dialogue, cooperation, and shared responsibility. By strengthening capacities and fostering exchange among stakeholders, the initiative contributes to a sustainable and collective response to terrorism and violent extremism in northern Côte d’Ivoire. It represents the second phase of a civil-military dialogue process initiated in Bouaké in 2025.
