Côte d'Ivoire wants to establish an Institute of Strategic and Defence Studies in the West African sub-region. As a prelude to the project, a workshop of reflection was some 60 participants was organised in Yamoussoukro on Thursday, 18 June 2015. The initiative was made possible thanks to logistic assistance provided by the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) with technical support from the French Cooperation.



According to Yao Kouassi, a technical adviser to the Ministry of Defence, participants from West and Central Africa, composed of generals, diplomats, representatives of public and private organisations and civil society will discuss and try to find solutions to the defence and security problems facing several African countries.



Mr. Kouassi said that the participants will also discuss the new threats which adversely affect the stability of countries on the Continent. These threats include the djihadist movements that have sprung up in some countries, the Islamist sect, Boko Haram plaguing Nigeria and its neighbours and the Ebola virus which has killed thousands in the three West African countries affected by it....



''The recommendations which will be made at the end of this workshop, will serve as a compass on how the Institute of Strategic and Defence Studies should be set up and how it will work as a training institution for post-university students working with governments and senior military officers,'', he added.



One of the participants, Colonel Morou Seidou Maiga from Nigeria welcomed the initiative which he said will boost stability in Africa. ''From now on, Africans will resolve their own security problems with a regional vision and by setting up such a pertinent institution. The project is a very good idea,'' he said.

Ahmadou Aliou Sow from Guinea Conakry expressed the hope that the Institute will play a key role in meeting the defence and security objectives of West African States.