In response to the evolving security threat in West Africa, the Konrad Adenauer Foundation organized an intensive training session on May 4th and 5th, 2026 , at the National School for Active Duty Non-Commissioned Officers (ENSOA) in Bouaké. This initiative aims to equip future leaders of the Ivorian army with the theoretical and practical tools necessary to effectively counter terrorism.

1. Understanding the threat to better anticipate it

The objective of this two-day seminar was clear: to transform the perception of non-commissioned officer cadets regarding the phenomenon of terrorism. The training combined theory in an amphitheater with simulation exercises to develop analytical and decision-making skills.

The lessons were delivered by two experts from Alassane Ouattara University:

1. Dr Koffi N'Dri Jean : Specialist in political science and expert in defense issues.
2. Dr Parfait N'Goran : Associate lecturer-researcher at the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics.

2. A surgical analysis of terrorism

Dr. Koffi N'Dri Jean analyzed the complex mechanisms of terrorism in the Sahel-West African region. His presentation highlighted several critical points:

1. The pillars of the threat: Ideologies, funding channels and recruitment methods.
2. Radicalisation: Understanding the social and political factors that lead to extremism.
3. The impacts: Beyond the security aspect, terrorism weakens the economy and sows collective psychosis.

The expert's recommendation: For an effective fight, it is imperative to strengthen cross-border cooperation (particularly with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger) and to improve the employability of young people to dry up the sources of recruitment.

3. Towards a multidimensional response

For his part, Dr. Parfait N'Goran emphasized the need for a response that is not solely military. According to him, the strategy must be based on four pillars:

1. In-depth knowledge of the terrain.
2. Operational intelligence , the effectiveness of which depends on trust between the military and civilians.
3. Civil-military cooperation to stabilize sensitive areas.
4. Prevention , by fighting against the root causes of radicalization.

4. A strategic vision for ENSOA

For Lieutenant-Colonel Yannick Djama , commander of the ENSOA, this training is a crucial step in the students' academic curriculum. It broadens their general knowledge while preparing them for the realities of the field.

By welcoming the partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the school command reaffirms its commitment to integrating contemporary security issues into the heart of non-commissioned officer training, thereby ensuring a more responsive and better-informed army.