Links between violent extremism and illicit activities in Côte d’Ivoire

This report examines how extremists infiltrate local economies to fund, recruit and replenish themselves.

Along with attacks in north-eastern Côte d’Ivoire since 2020, violent extremist groups have infiltrated the livestock and illegal artisanal gold mining economies to generate funds, mobilise human resources and obtain means of subsistence. Responses to the terrorism threat must integrate this dimension and strive to deprive these groups of the resources they need to function.

About the author

This report was written by William Assanvo, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Regional Office for West Africa, the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin. It was produced under the supervision of Lori-Anne Théroux-Bénoni, Director of the ISS Regional Office for West Africa, the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin. The following people also contributed to this report: Jeannine Ella Abatan, Michaël Matongbada, Fofana Moussa and Ouizan Bi Koloko Wilfried.

Amelia Broodryk/ISS