Counter terror academy inaugurated in Ivory Coast

Authorities in Ivory Coast inaugurated the International Academy for the Fight against Terrorism in Jacqueville on Thursday.

The institution, created by a joint effort between the West African country and France is expected to train national counter terrorism officials and troops, as well as magistrates, and other members of the security forces.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Patrick Achi and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

"In the face of the dark and predatory threat to the project of our West African society, we have chosen to respond with boldness, courage and committed cooperation in our mission," Achi said.

Le Drian added that the institution will also work as "a training and healing centre of intervention units and a strategic research institute."

The announcement of the building of the Academy was made in 2017 by the president of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, and France's Emmanuel Macron, in the context of the African Union- European Union summit that took place in Abidjan.

The region is facing an increase in violence and attacks allegedly made by terrorist groups.

Last week gunmen killed at least 130 people in Solhan, a village in northern Burkina Faso, in what's considered the deadliest attack recorded in the country since it was overrun by jihadists linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State about five years ago.

Despite the presence of more than 5,000 French troops in the Sahel, jihadist violence is increasing.