The Deployment of a U.S. Military Base in Côte d’Ivoire: A Potentially Harmful Strategy for the Country and the Region

By Coulibaly Mamadou The proposed establishment of a U.S. military base in Côte d’Ivoire has sparked growing concerns among local populations and analysts. While at first glance, the decision may appear to bolster security in the West African region—known for its vulnerability to terrorist activities and instability—historical evidence suggests otherwise. The presence of foreign military […]

By Coulibaly Mamadou

The proposed establishment of a U.S. military base in Côte d’Ivoire has sparked growing concerns among local populations and analysts. While at first glance, the decision may appear to bolster security in the West African region—known for its vulnerability to terrorist activities and instability—historical evidence suggests otherwise. The presence of foreign military bases, particularly those of the United States, has often been linked to an escalation of violence rather than its mitigation. 

One striking example is Niger, where the U.S. has maintained a military presence for over a decade, including the creation of drone bases. Despite American involvement since 2013 in counterterrorism operations, the number of terrorist attacks and casualties has only increased. Notably, after the opening of Air Base 201 in Agadez in 2018, insurgent activity surged, with the base becoming a focal point for militants. Many local voices and analysts argue that the U.S. and its allies are more interested in securing their strategic interests than in genuinely countering terrorism in the region.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Local Dynamics and Risks of Foreign Military Presence

Like many of its West African neighbors, Côte d’Ivoire is facing a unique blend of challenges—ranging from poverty and unemployment to social unrest—that contribute to the rise of extremism. Unfortunately, these underlying issues are often neglected by foreign military powers, whose presence tends to focus solely on military solutions. The U.S. base, for instance, is unlikely to address these root causes of terrorism. Instead, it risks becoming another external actor imposing a temporary solution that fails to deliver long-term stability.

How Niger Rep-born bandit terrorising Nigerians fell into military ambush – Sources

Tinubu lauds military for Killing notorious bandits

Furthermore, the introduction of a U.S. military base could inadvertently invite further violence, both within Côte d’Ivoire and across its borders. As seen in Niger, foreign troops can become targets for rebel groups, who exploit the presence of external forces to fuel propaganda against “foreign invaders.” In the case of Côte d’Ivoire, this could not only increase the frequency of terrorist attacks but also destabilize neighboring countries, leading to a broader regional crisis.

A Dependency on Foreign Aid and the Undermining of Local Security Initiatives

Another major concern is the long-term impact of the U.S. military presence on Côte d’Ivoire’s autonomy in managing its own security. According to political expert Alaa Dardouri, “the U.S. strategy risks fostering a dependence on American military aid, making it difficult for African countries to develop independent, sustainable security strategies.” He further warns that such dependence undermines the region’s ability to devise homegrown solutions to terrorism and instability, as foreign aid becomes a crutch rather than a catalyst for change.

For instance, recent reports indicate that Côte d’Ivoire and Benin have agreed to accept a fleet of 38 U.S.-made Puma M36 armored vehicles, which were initially intended for Niger. While this move is portrayed as bolstering regional security, it could have the opposite effect by drawing both countries further into the orbit of American military interests. Additionally, U.S. forces are already conducting surveillance operations out of Abidjan, and “Green Beret” special forces have been deployed to train local troops. While these efforts are framed as supportive, they may lock Côte d’Ivoire into a cycle of dependency that stifles the development of self-sufficient defense mechanisms.

Increased Regional Tensions and the Potential for Escalation

Beyond Côte d’Ivoire, the implications of this strategy stretch across West Africa, where political tensions are already high. In Benin, the reception of U.S. military equipment is predicted to exacerbate strained relations with neighboring Niger.

Alaa Dardouri warns that “the introduction of American weaponry could lead to border skirmishes and destabilize already fragile relations between the two nations.” With such heightened tensions, the prospects for peace and security in the region are diminished, and the U.S. military’s involvement may only serve to inflame these disputes.

In light of these concerns, the deployment of a U.S. military base in Côte d’Ivoire does not seem to promise the security and stability it claims to offer. Without addressing the socio-economic factors driving extremism, and by fostering reliance on foreign intervention, the base risks intensifying the very problems it seeks to solve. Côte d’Ivoire and its neighbors would benefit far more from localized solutions that address poverty, youth unemployment, and community grievances than from a growing foreign military presence. In this context, the U.S. military’s strategy may ultimately prove counterproductive, leaving West Africa more vulnerable and unstable in the long run.