Côte d’Ivoire and the United States have launched a second cycle of planning for their military cooperation, aimed at setting security priorities for the next five years and strengthening the partnership between the two countries.

The talks were opened this week by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Junaid Munir and Côte d’Ivoire’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Lassina Doumbia.

The new planning cycle is expected to identify key areas of cooperation and strengthen the capabilities of the two countries to respond to current and emerging security challenges. The discussions will also establish a joint roadmap for the next five years.

For Washington and Abidjan, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Côte d’Ivoire’s defence capabilities and improving coordination on security issues.

The launch comes as Côte d’Ivoire seeks to reinforce its defence capabilities and deepen security partnerships amid persistent cross-border threats and instability in parts of West Africa.

Through the five-year planning process, the two countries aim to further structure their military partnership and establish common priorities to strengthen security in Côte d’Ivoire and contribute to stability across the region.