KAS SIPODI West soutient le programme de formation académique de l'AFA

AFA pursues an international approach with students from many countries in Africa

Support of KAS SIPODI West for military academic training in Côte d'Ivoire

As part of its cooperation with the Armed Forces Academy (AFA) of Côte d'Ivoire, the regional programme Security Policy Dialogue West Africa of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) provides essential support for military academic training. This comprehensive partnership includes scholarships and academic assistance, enabling Côte d'Ivoire and its partner countries to train highly qualified officers capable of making strategic and operational decisions that positively impact security and strengthen democracy.

Two military schools within AFA benefit from this support: the War College in Zambakro, also known as the Advanced Defense Studies Course (CESD), led by Captain Dadie Vallès, and the Staff Courses under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel Veh. These institutions benefit from the involvement of experts and researchers from African and European universities as part of the Master’s program in Governance, Defense, and Security, in partnership with Alassane Ouattara University of Bouaké.

Ceremonies and Commitments for 2024

In 2024, several key ceremonies took place. The CESD of AFA organized its traditional epaulet and diploma ceremony for its 5th cohort, consisting of 22 officers from 13 nationalities, including 11 from sub-Saharan Africa, one from Mauritania, and one from France, all graduating with a Master’s in Security and Defense. On this occasion, a magazine titled Adingra, published by CESD with financial support from SIPODI, documented the year’s key events. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking political and military figures, including the Chief of Defense Staff, the Minister of State for Defense, the Minister of Security, and the Minister of Higher Education, who expressed their gratitude to KAS for its unwavering support.

Additionally, the Staff Courses concluded their session on June 26, 2024, in the presence of General Zana, Director of Military Schools and Training Centers of the Ivorian Army, Dr. Tobias Ruettershoff, Director of the SIPODI West, as well as administrative and security authorities from the Lacs region. This event reaffirmed the commitment of partners to strengthening cooperation for tangible results. Dr. Ruettershoff expressed his satisfaction with the partnership with AFA and confirmed KAS’s commitment to continuing its efforts to equip the military elite with the necessary intellectual and strategic skills.

Outlook for 2025

In 2025, KAS, through the SIPODI Program, will continue supporting military training by maintaining the scholarship program for the Master’s in Governance, Defense, and Security in partnership with Alassane Ouattara University of Bouaké. The program also plans to fund seminars within the facilities of the Armed Forces Academy (AFA) in Zambakro (Yamoussoukro) to enhance the strategic and academic capabilities of the region’s armed forces.