Vassiriki Traoré, the head of Ivory Coast’s intelligence services, is set to arrive in Bamako on Thursday, 15 October 2026, at the invitation of his Malian counterpart, General Modibo Koné. This three-day working visit marks a decisive turning point in efforts to restore security cooperation between the two neighbours, even as political tensions persist. It could also signal a major shift in the regional fight against terrorism.
Intelligence talks take centre stage
Traoré’s trip comes at the invitation of Modibo Koné, who leads Mali’s National State Security Agency. The discussions are expected to focus on information sharing and strengthening collaboration on security matters between the two countries.
The meeting could prove to be a critical milestone in re-establishing working relations between Abidjan and Bamako, following years of strained political ties that have undermined their cooperation.
Years of tension between two neighbours
Relations between the two West African states have gradually deteriorated since Mali’s military authorities took power in 2020. Disagreements over diplomatic direction, relations with France and several security disputes have widened the rift between the two capitals.
The case of 49 Ivorian soldiers arrested in Bamako in July 2022 further heightened tensions. Malian authorities labelled the soldiers as mercenaries and they were convicted before receiving a pardon. Abidjan maintained that they were deployed as part of a United Nations support mission.
Counter-terrorism at the heart of the stakes
Beyond political differences, the jihadist threat remains a shared challenge for both countries. Mali continues to face attacks from armed terrorist groups, while Ivory Coast remains vigilant about the security situation in its northern regions, close to the Malian border.
In this context, better coordination between intelligence services could help improve attack prevention, border surveillance and the flow of information on the movements of armed groups.
Traoré’s visit to Bamako thus appears as an opportunity to re-examine the possibilities for security cooperation between the two states, despite their political divergences.
The key question now is whether this initiative will open a new phase of dialogue between Abidjan and Bamako and lay the foundations for a more lasting rapprochement.