News

The inauguration ceremony of the new headquarters of the Ferkessédougou gendarmerie company and the Ouangolodougou territorial brigade took place this Monday, June 2, 2025 in the presence of the Ambassador of the European Union, the Ambassador of Belgium, the Ambassador of Spain, the representative of the Minister of State for Defense, the administrative authorities of Tchologo and the Executive Director of Coginta.

Carried out as part of the project to support the fight against terrorism in northern Côte d'Ivoire (SECUNORD 2), funded by the European Union and implemented by Coginta, these constructions are part of a comprehensive approach to security and stability in the border areas with Mali and Burkina Faso. Strengthening the territorial network of internal security forces is a growing priority for coastal states. Arising from an operational concept in the depth of the territories, this territorial network, combined with a strengthening of local security governance, aims to provide a concrete response to the aspirations of the populations.

As the European Union Ambassador stated in her inaugural speech, "this immersion is the foundation of any security system. Indeed, the gendarmerie – and particularly its territorial component – ​​is the internal security force in direct contact with the populations of rural areas threatened by armed groups in the Sahel. Its primary role is to guarantee local security on a daily basis and thus constitute the first line of defense against incursions by terrorist groups."

Through his representative, the Minister of Defense welcomed the fact that "today the Tchologo gendarmerie units are better equipped to meet the needs of the population and that the co-production of security has become a reality, thanks to a renewed relationship of trust between the gendarmerie and the local population. This is an important turning point in the dynamics of preventing security threats, particularly in a sensitive regional context."

During this ceremony, the Family Trust and Protection Center, located on the premises of the Ferkessédougou company, was also inaugurated. This specialized unit's mission is to provide territorial brigades with expertise in managing domestic violence and protecting vulnerable people, particularly women and young people.

The festivities concluded with a visit to the construction site of the new headquarters of the Civil-Military Cell (CCM) in Ouangolodougou. Under the authority of the prefects, the CCMs play a central role in strengthening the bond of trust between the security forces and the population, and actively contribute to preventing conflicts and promoting peace and social cohesion, in constant contact with traditional and religious authorities, economic operators, and grassroots community organizations.