The geopolitical landscape of West Africa is undergoing a significant reshuffle, and the United States is playing a key hand. Following its departure from Niger, Washington is strategically deepening its military partnership with Côte d'Ivoire, with discussions even pointing towards the potential establishment of a U.S. drone base within the country. This isn't just about moving pieces on a map; it's a response to the growing instability in the Sahel region and the shifting allegiances of nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Côte d'Ivoire, with its increasing collaboration with the U.S., is positioning itself as a vital player in the ongoing efforts to counter a trifecta of threats: the persistent rise of jihadist groups, the ever-present danger of maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and the insidious flow of cross-border smuggling that plagues the Sahel. This burgeoning partnership isn't happening in a vacuum either. It's also framed within a broader U.S. strategy to push back against the increasing influence of global rivals like Russia and China in this strategically important part of the world.
The strengthening alliance was clearly on display on April 24, 2025, when U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley, the Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), made a significant visit to Côte d'Ivoire. His trip coincided with the opening ceremony of Flintlock 2025, AFRICOM’s annual multinational special operations exercise held in Jacqueville. This impressive event brought together over 500 elite troops from a staggering 38 countries, highlighting the international commitment to addressing regional security challenges.
During his time in Côte d'Ivoire, General Langley, alongside U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba, engaged in high-level talks with Ivorian Minister of Defence Téné Birahima Ouattara and Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Lassina Doumbia. The focus of these discussions was crystal clear: how to deepen the bilateral cooperation between the two nations to effectively tackle transnational threats. The meetings also underscored Côte d’Ivoire’s growing importance as a leader in regional security.
But the headline-grabbing element of these talks? The potential establishment of a U.S. drone base within Côte d'Ivoire. These discussions are part of ongoing, high-level consultations aimed at solidifying the defense ties between the U.S. and Côte d'Ivoire. While the specifics of such a base are still under wraps, the very fact that these conversations are happening signals a significant shift in the U.S.'s strategic posture in the region.
The idea of a U.S. drone base in Côte d'Ivoire isn't a brand new one; it's been simmering since 2024 as Washington began looking to strategically reposition its military footprint in West Africa following its withdrawal from Niger. While no final decisions have been etched in stone regarding the construction of a permanent, dedicated base, the wheels are definitely turning. Advanced talks are reportedly underway with Ivorian authorities about expanding U.S. operations, which could include utilizing existing Ivorian military facilities for drone deployments. This approach of leveraging existing infrastructure could prove to be a more pragmatic and efficient way forward.
Last year, Kenneth Eckman, AFRICOM’s West Africa coordinator, was careful to emphasize that Washington hadn't yet committed to building a formal, ground-up base in Côte d'Ivoire. This came in response to a report from the French publication Mondafrique, which claimed a base was being planned near Odienné. Eckman clarified that while a specific location hadn't been finalized, regions closer to the volatile borders with Mali and Burkina Faso were under serious consideration due to the heightened activity of jihadist groups in those areas.
Eckman astutely pointed out that "it seems to me that if we could consider basing closer to that area of operation, our effectiveness would be enhanced." This suggests a strategic rationale for a potential drone presence in Côte d'Ivoire: to have better intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities in a region increasingly threatened by extremist violence. Operating out of existing Ivorian military infrastructure, as Eckman hinted, could be a more feasible and quicker way to achieve this enhanced effectiveness compared to building entirely new facilities.
However, these developments also raise questions. How will neighboring countries react to this increased U.S. presence in Côte d'Ivoire? What are the potential implications for the ongoing fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel? And how will this strategic realignment impact the broader geopolitical dynamics of the region, particularly concerning the influence of Russia and China?
The unfolding partnership between the U.S. and Côte d'Ivoire is certainly a story to watch. It represents a significant shift in how the U.S. is approaching security in West Africa, and Côte d'Ivoire is poised to be at the center of this evolving strategy.
