General of the Army Lassina Doumbia, Chief of Staff of the Ivorian Armed Forces (CEMGA), carried out a 48-hour field visit from Wednesday, April 8 to Thursday, April 9, 2026, to several military units in Daloa and Yamoussoukro.
This tour is part of a proximity-driven approach aimed at engaging directly with troops, assessing their working conditions, listening to their concerns, and encouraging them to maintain a high level of commitment in the service of peace and security. It also provided an opportunity for the CEMGA to present his insignia as General of the Army, a distinction awarded by the President of the Republic, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, in recognition of the significant progress achieved under his leadership, reflecting the collective efforts of all personnel.
Daloa: First Stop Focused on Modernization
In Daloa, the first stage of the tour, General Doumbia, accompanied by his close collaborators, visited the headquarters of the 2nd Military Region. In the presence of the regional commander, Colonel-Major Fofie Kouakou Martin, he toured several newly built or renovated facilities, including a shelter, a police post, a dining hall, and high-capacity dormitories, highlighting ongoing modernization efforts.
The visit continued at the 2nd Infantry Battalion and later at the air base, where the CEMGA, alongside Major General Cherif Ousmane, Chief of Staff of the Army, held discussions with officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel. He commended their professionalism, dedication, and daily efforts.
Yamoussoukro: Operational Readiness on Display
On Thursday, April 9, the delegation moved to Yamoussoukro, where several military entities hosted the Chief of Staff, including the 5th Company of the Military Fire Brigade (GSPM), the Special Forces base, and Group 2 of the Republican Guard.
At the Special Forces base, the CEMGA attended operational demonstrations, including a collective obstacle course and a boxing match, showcasing the units’ high level of preparedness and combat readiness.
Strengthening Cohesion and Operational Efficiency
During each visit, General Doumbia praised the commitment of personnel and encouraged them to remain steadfast in their duties to effectively respond to any situation. He also took note of operational challenges and provided guidance aimed at enhancing unit performance.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of exemplary conduct and maintaining the trust and confidence of the population, which remain fundamental to the mission of the Ivorian Armed Forces.
These exchanges, marked by fraternity and cohesion, helped strengthen trust between the high command and the troops.
This visit marks the beginning of a broader tour across various units of the Ivorian Armed Forces, reflecting the Chief of Staff’s commitment to maintaining close ties with personnel and improving their working conditions and operational readiness in order to enhance mission effectiveness.