Amanda Dory, Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, will visit Benin and Côte d’Ivoire from December 1-4 to bolster defense partnerships and regional security.
This trip highlights the U.S. Department of Defense’s commitment to addressing shared security concerns, including violent extremism and maritime threats, in Coastal West Africa.
Strengthening U.S. Defense Partnerships in West Africa
The U.S. sees Benin and Côte d’Ivoire as critical partners in a region facing escalating security threats. In Cotonou, Benin, Ms. Dory will meet with key officials, including Defense Minister Fortunet Nouatin and Chief of Defense Staff Major General Fructueux Gbaguidi.
These discussions will aim to deepen military cooperation and improve responses to regional security challenges.
Following her time in Benin, Ms. Dory will travel to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to meet President Alassane Ouattara and Defense Minister Téné Ouattara.
Côte d’Ivoire’s strategic importance in regional stability makes it a vital partner in combating violent extremism and maintaining maritime security.
A Collaborative Approach to Countering Regional Threats
The U.S. Department of Defense has prioritized cooperative defense strategies in West Africa. Ms. Dory’s visit underscores a shared commitment to addressing:
- Violent extremism: West Africa faces increasing threats from extremist groups that destabilize communities and challenge regional governance.
- Maritime security: Coastal areas are vulnerable to piracy and illicit trafficking, which threaten regional trade and security.
To enhance these efforts, the U.S. works closely with African partners on capacity-building initiatives, ensuring local forces are equipped to respond effectively.
U.S. Commitment in Action
This visit is more than symbolic. It involves tangible discussions on defense initiatives, resource allocation, and strategic collaborations.
The Department of Defense aims to leverage its relationships to promote sustainable peace and security in the region.
Below is a table summarizing U.S. defense support efforts in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire:
Country |
Focal Areas |
Notable Meetings |
|---|---|---|
| Benin | Military cooperation, counter-extremism | Defense Minister, Finance Minister |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Regional stability, maritime security | President Ouattara, Defense Minister |
Why This Visit Matters
Ms. Dory’s extensive background in African affairs and defense policy informs her nuanced approach to these engagements.
Her experience as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs (2012-2017) has positioned her as a major figure in shaping U.S. defense strategies in Africa.
This mission reflects the U.S. government’s broader goals:
- Strengthening long-term partnerships with African nations to ensure mutual security.
- Countering external influences from global powers like China and Russia, which are increasingly active in the region.
Future Implications
As the U.S. deepens its engagement in West Africa, the outcomes of Ms. Dory’s trip will likely influence future defense and diplomatic policies. Strengthening partnerships with Benin and Côte d’Ivoire sets a precedent for how the U.S. approaches security challenges in other African regions.
By focusing on collaboration and mutual interests, the U.S. aims to foster stability, promote economic development, and protect the region from emerging threats.
Sources: THX News & US Department of Defense.
