The Armed Forces of Côte d’Ivoire (FACI), in partnership with the French and Gabonese armed forces, have launched the multinational military exercise GEX 2026, known as “FANGHA”, aimed at strengthening military cooperation and improving the ability of the three countries to conduct joint operations.
The official launch ceremony took place on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Hôtel des Armées in Abidjan. However, the Ivorian phase of the exercise had already begun on November 7 and is scheduled to run until November 14.
A total of 2,131 military personnel are taking part in the exercise, including 1,181 from Côte d’Ivoire, 850 from France and 100 from Gabon. Benin, Guinea, Liberia and Senegal are also involved as observer countries.
The exercise is being conducted across several locations in Côte d’Ivoire, including Abidjan, Jacqueville, Bouaké and Yamoussoukro. It involves land, air and naval operations, with a range of military equipment deployed. According to reported figures, the participating forces have mobilised 93 light vehicles, 36 heavy-duty vehicles, nine armoured vehicles, 84 motorcycles, six aircraft and seven light boats.
The French amphibious helicopter carrier is also part of the deployment. Amphibious operations were conducted along the coast of Jacqueville on November 9 and 10, while combined air and land manoeuvres are taking place in the Bouaké area.
The main objective of FANGHA is to strengthen interoperability between the three armed forces, enabling them to coordinate their command structures, procedures and operations more effectively. The training also seeks to improve information sharing, operational coordination and the ability to respond to common security threats.
Speaking at the launch, Ivorian Chief of Defence Staff General Lassina Doumbia highlighted the importance of cooperation in addressing challenges such as terrorism, cross-border organised crime and information manipulation.
He was joined by French Major General Valentin Seiler, commander of the French Armed Forces' Africa Command, and Gabonese Brigadier General Landry Mbondo, representing the General Staff of the Gabonese Armed Forces.
The multinational exercise will continue in Gabon with a second phase known as “WAIYA”, a name presented as meaning “Help me, and I will help you”. This next stage is intended to extend the joint training and cooperation between the participating forces. Reports have cited different dates for this phase, so its precise schedule remains to be confirmed.
Through GEX 2026, Côte d’Ivoire, France and Gabon are seeking to strengthen their military partnership and develop their capacity to respond collectively to evolving security challenges in the region.