Since the end of the 2011 socio-political crisis, Ivory Coast has experienced growing stability and has gradually entered a reconstruction phase. While development efforts have yielded visible infrastructural improvements, the socio-political landscape remains fragile. Recurring violence, particularly around political issues, persists despite mitigation efforts. This violence stems from a deep-seated crisis of trust both between communities and between authorities and the population.
SCORE studies conducted by Interpeace and Indigo Côte d’Ivoire (CI), with the support of SeeD under the PRECIS and PREDIA projects from 2020–2023) have revealed that democratic governance and the socio-political environment remain highly fragile in many regions. Low citizen participation in local governance, persistent tensions over the modalities of appointment of traditional and political leaders, and widespread mistrust toward government authorities have created latent divisions within communities. These conditions foster political manipulation and conflict.
Additionally, the country faces security threats from extremist groups along its northern borders, with recurrent attacks on security forces since 2019. These challenges are compounded by regional political tensions, including the withdrawal of some neighbouring countries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Interpeace has been active in Ivory Coast since 2012, collaborating with its local partner Indigo Côte d'Ivoire. Together, they have implemented nationwide initiatives, including participatory action research, dialogue platforms, and community support programmes to strengthen endogenous conflict prevention and management mechanisms. Their work also focuses on cross-border peacebuilding, infrastructure development, and sustainable natural resource management.
A key priority has been empowering youth and women in violence prevention and peacebuilding. Dedicated initiatives, such as research on youth involvement in violence and their post-conflict resilience in Abidjan, as well as programmes to reintegrate former gang members into their communities, highlight this commitment.
In partnership with Indigo Côte d’Ivoire, we aim to reinforce social cohesion by advancing conflict prevention, transformation, and resilience to violence. This involves engaging local actors, citizens, and authorities in participatory analysis and sustaining community-driven peacebuilding efforts.
Interpeace, active in Côte d’Ivoire since 2012, has worked with Indigo Côte d’Ivoire on supporting local communities to build mechanisms for conflict resolution and social cohesion, particularly in managing natural resources and promoting peace along the border with Burkina Faso. Interpeace and its partners have also supported communities in strengthening EWER mechanisms to prevent electoral violence.
In 2024, Interpeace and its partners engaged 2,122 people, including 560 women and 652 youth, and supported seven local infrastructures that addressed three local conflicts. Interpeace and its partners supported communities in engaging in 24 activities with state actors and five with security actors.