The United States is deepening its military partnership with Côte d’Ivoire, including plans for a drone base, as part of a broader strategy to recalibrate its presence in West Africa following its withdrawal from Niger.
- The United States is increasing its military cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire to reestablish its strategic presence in West Africa.
- The collaboration also counters growing influence from other global powers like Russia and China in the region.
- U.S. discussions have begun with Côte d’Ivoire regarding the potential establishment of a drone base to strengthen military ties.
In response to growing instability in the Sahel and shifting geopolitical dynamics in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the U.S. is moving to solidify its ties in West Africa with a drone base in Abidjan.
With its growing collaboration with the U.S., Côte d’Ivoire is poised to play an increasingly vital role in countering jihadist threats, maritime piracy, and cross-border smuggling across the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea.
This partnership also forms part of a broader U.S. strategy to counter the rising influence of Russia and China in the region.
On April 24, 2025, U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited Côte d’Ivoire to attend the opening ceremony of Flintlock 2025, the command’s annual multinational special operations exercise.
Held in Jacqueville, the event brought together more than 500 elite troops from 38 countries.
During his visit, General Langley and U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba held meetings with Ivorian Minister of Defence Téné Birahima Ouattara and Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Lassina Doumbia.
The discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation to address transnational threats and emphasized Côte d’Ivoire’s growing role as a regional security leader.
Talks also included the potential establishment of a U.S. drone base in the country, part of ongoing high-level consultations aimed at strengthening U.S.–Ivorian defense ties.
Drone base location debate
U.S. interest in establishing a drone base in Côte d’Ivoire has been under discussion since 2024, as Washington looks to reposition its military presence in West Africa following its withdrawal from Niger.
While no final decision has been made on constructing a permanent base, advanced talks are ongoing with Ivorian authorities about expanding U.S. operations, including the potential use of existing Ivorian military facilities for drone deployments.
Last year, Kenneth Eckman, AFRICOM’s West Africa coordinator, emphasized that Washington had not yet committed to building a formal base in Côte d’Ivoire.
He refuted a report by French publication Mondafrique that claimed a base was being planned near Odienné.
According to Eckman, although a specific location had not been selected, regions near the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso were under serious consideration due to the heightened threat posed by jihadist groups in those areas.
“It seems to me that if we could consider basing closer to that area of operation, our effectiveness would be enhanced,” Eckman said, suggesting that operating out of existing Ivorian military infrastructure could be more feasible than constructing new facilities.
Olamilekan Okebiorun
