C么te d'Ivoire hosts FLINTLOCK 2026 to enhance regional security and economic opportunities
via Abidjan.net10 min read
C么te d'Ivoire is hosting FLINTLOCK 2026, the largest special forces exercise in Africa, for the second consecutive year, starting April 14. This exercise brings together over 1,000 personnel from more than 30 countries, showcasing C么te d'Ivoire's commitment to regional security. The Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in C么te d'Ivoire, Junaid Munir, highlighted that security is crucial for peaceful living, business growth, and youth development. FLINTLOCK prepares partner forces to effectively respond to common threats, benefiting both C么te d'Ivoire and the United States by strengthening Ivorian capabilities and disrupting terrorist networks. A more secure C么te d'Ivoire contributes to the stability of its neighbors and the entire region. Security and economic opportunities are intertwined, with C么te d'Ivoire's stability driving economic growth, attracting investment, and expanding opportunities in various sectors. US companies are investing in energy, infrastructure, and technology across C么te d'Ivoire, creating jobs and fostering shared prosperity. The country's ability to host such a large-scale military exercise is attributed to its modern infrastructure, professional forces, and effective international coordination. The new special forces base in Jacqueville, featuring a US-funded 300-meter shooting range, enhances the country's training capabilities. C么te d'Ivoire has strengthened its special forces and become a leader in regional security cooperation, protecting its bor
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Vice President Ti茅moko Meyliet Kon茅 met with Master Artisan Chocolatier Cheffe Viviane Kouam茅 on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Presidential Palace. Kouam茅, the first woman to achieve the title of Master Chocolatier in West Africa, expressed her honor and happiness at presenting her work, career, and global accolades to the Vice President. She received the Excellence Award for Best Artisan in C么te d'Ivoire in 2024. Kouam茅 aims to expand her production to cover both national and international markets, and to further represent C么te d'Ivoire at international exhibitions with her range of local-flavored chocolate products, including atti茅k茅 chocolate. She encouraged fellow chocolatiers and pastry chefs to promote their professions. Vice President Kon茅 congratulated her on her work in cocoa transformation, the promotion of cocoa-derived products, and her commitment to showcasing C么te d'Ivoire's capabilities, aligning with President Alassane Ouattara's industrialization goals. The Minister, Chief of Staff to the Vice President, Emmanuel Ahoutou Koffi, also attended the meeting.
Must ReadSpain has secured its place in the 2026 World Cup final after defeating France 2-0 in a semi-final match held on Tuesday at the Dallas stadium. The Spanish team demonstrated a strong performance and offensive efficiency. The first goal came in the 22nd minute from a penalty, converted by Mikel Oyarzabal after a foul on Lamine Yamal. Despite French attempts to equalize, Spain's defense held firm. In the second half, Pedro Porro extended Spain's lead to 2-0 in the 58th minute. France was unable to close the gap before the final whistle. Spain will now face the winner of the match between Argentina and England in the final, while France will play for third place on Saturday.
The West African Economic and Monetary Union UEMOA has announced a call for applications for its excellence scholarship program. This initiative aims to select ten students from each member state to pursue higher education within the Union. The scholarships will support studies at the Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate, or postdoctoral specialization levels in human health, at accredited higher education institutions located within UEMOA territory. This program, titled "UEMOA Excellence Scholarship Program for Training and Research," is part of the UEMOA Commission's 2025-2030 strategic plan, "Impact 2030." The scholarships are not cumulative with other grants and cannot be deferred; online training is not eligible. Eligibility criteria vary by academic level. For Bachelor's level, applicants must be 21 years old maximum by December 31, 2026, hold a Baccalaureate obtained in 2026 with a minimum average of 14/20. Master's candidates must be 24 years old maximum by December 31, 2026, hold a Bac+3 degree Bachelor's with a minimum average of 14/20. Doctoral candidates must be 28 years old maximum by December 31, 2026, hold a Bac+5 degree Master's, Engineer, DESS with a minimum average of 14/20. For human health specialization, applicants must be 35 years old maximum by December 31, 2026, hold a Doctorate or PhD in medicine or pharmacy, and have a minimum average of 14/20. The application deadline is August 30, 2026, and interested candidates can apply online via the UEMOA website ht