Following the forceful exit from its military base in the Republic of Niger, the U.S. is planning to establish a drone base in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This is perceived more as a part of a broader U.S. strategy to counter the rising influence of Russia and China in the region than uprooting the growing instability in the Sahel.
On April 24, 2025, U.S. Marine Corps General Michael Langley visited Côte d’Ivoire for the opening of Flintlock 2025, AFRICOM’s annual multinational special operations exercise. The event in Jacqueville included over 500 elite troops from 38 countries. General Langley and U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba met with Ivorian Minister of Defense Téné Birahima Ouattara and Chief of Defense Staff Lt. Gen. Lassina Doumbia.
Their discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation to tackle transnational threats and aimed at strengthening U.S.–Ivorian defense ties with the establishment of a U.S. drone base in the country. Since 2024, the U.S. has considered establishing a drone base in Côte d’Ivoire following its withdrawal from Niger. While no final decision has been made, advanced talks continue with Ivorian authorities about expanding U.S. operations and potentially using existing Ivorian military facilities for drone deployments.
Kenneth Eckman, AFRICOM’s West Africa coordinator, stated last year that Washington had not committed to constructing a formal base in Côte d’Ivoire, countering a report by French publication Mondafrique which suggested a base was being planned near Odienné.
Eckman stated that, while a definitive location has not been chosen, areas near the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso are being seriously considered due to the “increased threat from jihadist groups in these regions.”
Eckman suggested that using existing Ivorian military infrastructure could enhance effectiveness more than building new facilities.
“It seems to me that if we could consider basing closer to that area of operation, our effectiveness would be enhanced,” Eckman said.
