Ivory Coast-Guinea: Ouattara and Doumbouya expand security cooperation

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara and Guinea’s Mamadi Doumbouya agreed on Sunday, September 13, in Abidjan to strengthen and diversify cooperation between their two countries, focusing on security, economic exchanges, and political coordination.

During a meeting at the presidential residence in Cocody, Doumbouya framed this visit as part of the ongoing rapprochement between Abidjan and Conakry. According to a report from the Ivorian presidency, the two heads of state identified their priorities as economic, commercial, political, security, and training sectors.

The Guinean president specifically advocated for closer cooperation in intelligence to address common security challenges. He also highlighted the fight against illegal and clandestine gold mining as a strategic issue for both countries.

On the economic front, Doumbouya noted that the current level of trade does not yet reflect the agricultural and mining potential of Ivory Coast and Guinea. He called for stronger South-South cooperation and African responses to the continent’s challenges.

This meeting comes two days after the Guinean head of state arrived in Abidjan for a state visit. Doumbouya also expressed gratitude to Ouattara for his support of the electoral process that led to his election as president of Guinea.

Finally, the Guinean president invited Ivory Coast to participate as the guest country alongside Rwanda in the celebrations for Guinea’s national holiday scheduled for October.