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Exchange with H.E. Mr. Abou Dosso, Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to the Kingdom of Belgium

Ivorian leadership in West Africa: consolidating regional stability and strategic partnerships

The Africa Political Outlook steering committee recently benefited from an enriching exchange to delve deeper into the geopolitical dynamics between Côte d'Ivoire and its regional partners, highlighting how the Ivorian diplomatic approach can help shape lasting transformations in West African security balances.

An in-depth vision of the Côte d'Ivoire-West Africa partnership

In in-depth discussions with His Excellency Mr. Abou Dosso, Ambassador of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire to the Kingdom of Belgium, we explored the transformative potential of Côte d'Ivoire-West Africa relations at this critical juncture in the continent's political development. Côte d'Ivoire's increasingly proactive diplomatic approach represents a significant shift in the way West African states engage with their regional partners, moving beyond traditional economic ties to establish comprehensive partnerships that prioritize peace, security and sustainable prosperity.

Adebissi Djogan, Viwanou Gnassounou with ambassador Abou Dosso

The conversation highlighted Côte d'Ivoire's growing role as a key mediator in regional tensions, particularly in the Sahelian zone alongside Mali and Burkina Faso. Working alongside Ambassador Dosso, we presented our report on the 2025 edition of the Africa Political Outlook.
Recent diplomatic initiatives demonstrate the effectiveness of the Ivorian mediation model. Reconciliation efforts in Abidjan and the subsequent signing of cooperation agreements between various regional players represent significant milestones in regional peacebuilding efforts. These achievements illustrate how innovative international mediation frameworks can succeed where conventional diplomatic channels have struggled to make lasting progress.

As West Africa navigates this pivotal moment in its governmental evolution, Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to the region extends far beyond economic interests. The Ivorian state's diplomatic investments in conflict resolution, institutional capacity building and sustainable development partnerships position it as a crucial ally in West Africa's quest for lasting stability and prosperity.

The success of Côte d'Ivoire's mediation efforts in the Sahel region offers a model for similar interventions across the continent, suggesting that small-state diplomacy, when deployed strategically, can have an outsized impact in resolving complex regional conflicts.

This analysis stems from discussions at the Africa Political Outlook Summit, where policy-makers, diplomats and regional experts gathered to examine the evolving landscape of West African governance and international partnerships.

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