Yamoussoukro, March 21, 2025 – In light of the crucial role secure elections play in democratic stability, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), through its Programme for Security Policy Dialogue in West Africa (SIPODI), held a mobile seminar on electoral security on March 20–21, 2025, at the Hôtel Hanniel in Yamoussoukro.
This seminar followed the session in Duékoué in February and brought together around 30 officers of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), electoral experts, and human rights specialists. The primary goal was to enhance their capacity to manage electoral threats and foster a peaceful and secure electoral environment ahead of the 2025 elections.
🛡️ Institutional Commitment to Secure Elections
The opening ceremony was attended by local authorities and representatives from the Ministry of the Interior.
Adelis Yapi, SIPODI Program Officer, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to promoting peace and democratic consolidation. Officials expressed appreciation for the consistent support of the FDS by KAS.
🗳️ Security Challenges for the 2025 Elections
Professor Arthur Banga, military historian and security strategist, opened the discussions with an analysis of the electoral security context in Côte d’Ivoire.
Key topics addressed included:
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Role of security forces in election security
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Crowd control and democratic policing
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Human rights and electoral security
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Community policing as a sustainable security approach
Dr. Kama Bérenger, Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Interior, emphasized community policing as a long-term solution to prevent violence and build trust between citizens and security institutions.
Participants also held direct talks with Mr. Brahima Ouattara, Head of Security Operations at the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), on improving coordination in high-stakes electoral zones.
✅ Concrete Recommendations for a Peaceful Vote
The FDS participants developed practical recommendations, including:
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Expanding training initiatives
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Enhancing communication with CEI
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Reinforcing neutrality and professionalism in field operations
📍 Next Stop: April 2025
This seminar is part of a nationwide program to strengthen electoral security capacities of the FDS. The final stop is scheduled for April 2025 in Aboisso, concluding a key initiative in preparation for Côte d’Ivoire’s next elections.