The Forces Armées de Côte d'Ivoire (FACI) has taken a significant step in strengthening its strategic capabilities with the launch of a professional license program in strategy, defense, and international relations. The program was officially launched on October 27, 2026, at the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB) in Abidjan-Cocody. The ceremony was attended by Général d'Armée Lassina Doumbia, Chef d'État-Major Général des Armées (CEMGA).
The program aims to equip military officers with the necessary tools to understand their environment, decipher contemporary dynamics, anticipate disruptions, and be proactive. This initiative is a result of the partnership between the État-Major Général des Armées and the Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny. It is part of the FACI's efforts to consolidate its expertise through university training. The program will help the military to better address contemporary security challenges.
Général d'Armée Lassina Doumbia emphasized the need for the military to strengthen its analysis and anticipation capabilities in the face of contemporary security challenges, including terrorism, organized transborder crime, disinformation, and technological evolution on the battlefield. He stated that the goal is to have a well-trained army that is in phase with its environment and has prospective competencies to reduce uncertainties.
The program is expected to produce officers who can analyze defense and security dynamics, anticipate threats, and inform strategic decision-making for the stability and development of Côte d'Ivoire. The FACI is consolidating its cooperation with the academic world and aims to develop national expertise on contemporary strategic issues. This program is a significant step in the FACI's efforts to modernize and professionalize its training.
The launch of the program is also a reflection of the FACI's commitment to developing a defense that is intelligent, modern, and sovereign. The program will help to build a cadre of officers who can think critically and strategically about defense and security issues. The FACI is investing in the development of its human capital to ensure that it can effectively address contemporary security challenges.
The program has been designed to meet the specific needs of the FACI and the security sector in Côte d'Ivoire. It will provide officers with a deep understanding of strategy, defense, and international relations. The program will also equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to analyze complex security issues and develop effective solutions.
The FACI has expressed its commitment to continuing its partnership with the academic world to develop the skills and knowledge of its officers. The launch of the professional license program in strategy, defense, and international relations is a significant milestone in the FACI's efforts to modernize and professionalize its training. The program will help to build a more effective and efficient military that can address the security needs of Côte d'Ivoire.
Key points
- The FACI has launched a professional license program in strategy, defense, and international relations to enhance its strategic capabilities.
- The program aims to equip military officers with the necessary tools to understand their environment and anticipate disruptions.
- The program is part of the FACI's efforts to consolidate its expertise through university training and modernize its military capabilities.
