Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire – April 10, 2025 – The United States and Côte d'Ivoire have marked a significant step forward in strengthening their defense partnership with the official handover of 12 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Ivorian Armed Forces (FACI).

The ceremony took place at the Armed Forces Headquarters in Abidjan. This handover follows a comprehensive five-week training program, which included courses for operators and advanced maintenance technicians, as well as the construction of a maintenance facility in Abidjan. The training equipped Ivorian personnel with essential skills for the operation and maintenance of the vehicles, ensuring their readiness to deploy them effectively in support of national security objectives.

In her remarks, U.S. Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Jessica Davis Ba, emphasized:
"The United States is committed to supporting the capacity of our partner – Côte d'Ivoire – in defending its borders and countering the terrorist threat. These 12 Armored Personnel Carriers are a critical element of the U.S. investment in strengthening the country’s defense for security, peace, and prosperity."

The training and equipment delivery go beyond enhancing Côte d'Ivoire’s security capabilities; they also deepen the broader partnership between the two nations. As the Ambassador highlighted, the commitment to training and equipping Ivorian forces reflects the mutual benefits of this cooperation:
"Our countries rely on well-trained and responsive military personnel — that means you — to safeguard national security and build lasting peace."

This $7.5 million U.S. investment boosts Côte d'Ivoire’s ability to secure its borders and combat terrorism while also promoting American interests in regional stability. The armored vehicles will ensure the safe transport of troops and equipment in the country’s Northern Operational Zone.