After tensions, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali move closer on counterterrorism

Ivorian intelligence coordinator Vassiriki Traoré visited Bamako from October 15 to 17, 2026, at the invitation of Mali’s National State Security Agency director, General Modibo Koné. The two sides discussed counterterrorism and stronger intelligence cooperation. The visit follows years of mistrust, which deepened after Mali’s August 2020 coup. The countries share a border and economic ties, with landlocked Mali relying on Ivorian transport routes for trade.