Côte d’Ivoire’s Vice President and Minister of Defense, Téné Birahima Ouattara, has been named Defense Minister of the Decade in the ECOWAS region by the Foundation of NGOs of the ECOWAS Region (FORCE) and the Forum of NGOs of the Council of the Entente (FONCE). The award is scheduled to be officially presented on June 21, 2026, in Abidjan.

According to the organizers, the distinction recognizes the reforms implemented since his appointment as Minister of Defense in 2021, particularly in the areas of military modernization, strengthening operational capabilities, and addressing security threats in a region facing persistent terrorism and instability.

FORCE and FONCE noted that these efforts have contributed to strengthening Côte d’Ivoire’s stability and enhancing its role in regional security cooperation. The organizations also highlighted the progress made by the Ivorian Armed Forces in terms of professionalism, equipment modernization, and credibility on the African stage.

The organizers emphasized that this recognition goes beyond national achievements and reflects contributions to peace, collective security, and cooperation among ECOWAS member states.

The award ceremony will take place in Abidjan and is expected to bring together representatives of civil society organizations, West African delegations, and several prominent figures from across the sub-region.