The government of Côte d'Ivoire has taken a significant step towards enhancing security and resilience in its western regions with the signing of the DAHI-Sentinelle project convention. The project, which will run from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2030, aims to support good governance, security, and local resilience in the regions of San Pedro, Nawa, Tonkpi, and Cavally, as well as in western border areas.
The DAHI-Sentinelle project is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Côte d'Ivoire's Ministry of Interior and Security, and is financially supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The project has been allocated $8.2 million in funding, with approximately $1.3 million set to be disbursed in 2026. This funding will be used to enhance security, support economic resilience, and develop citizen mediation in targeted areas.
The project is aligned with Côte d'Ivoire's National Development Plan (PND) 2026-2030, which prioritizes peace and security, human capital development, and good governance. According to Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Interior and Security, Vagondo Diomandé, the project is expected to create an environment conducive to the sustainable development of cocoa production and improve economic prospects for local populations.
The DAHI-Sentinelle project has three main components: proximity security, economic resilience, and citizen mediation. The project aims to strengthen cooperation between security agencies, establish civil-military cells, and improve port and border security capacities. A control center will be set up in San Pedro to enhance the collection of information on vulnerability situations in the Greater West region.
As part of the project, at least 500 young mediators will be trained and deployed, with the goal of establishing a national network of over 1,000 young people. Additionally, around 1,000 young people and women will be supported in finding employment and integrating into the economy. An application will also be developed to enable communities to report incidents or fragility points, thereby enhancing their participation in prevention mechanisms.
The project's importance was underscored by the Netherlands' Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Jeroen Kelderhuis, who highlighted the significance of stability in Côte d'Ivoire for economic relations between the two countries, particularly with regard to imports of Ivoirian cocoa and cashew nuts.
The DAHI-Sentinelle project steering committee, which brings together various government ministries, technical partners, and regional councils, will oversee the project's implementation. The committee is supported by a technical committee and a management team with focal points in the different regions of intervention.
Key points
- The DAHI-Sentinelle project will be implemented in western Côte d'Ivoire, targeting regions where cocoa production plays a significant role in the local economy and society.
- The project aims to train and deploy at least 500 young mediators and support around 1,000 young people and women in finding employment.
- The project has been allocated $8.2 million in funding, with approximately $1.3 million set to be disbursed in 2026.
