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EMBASSY/CONSULATE ADDRESSES

Diplomatic Representation in the US:
Chief of Mission: Yao Charles KOFFI
Embassy: 2424 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, DC 20007
Telephone: 202-797-0300

US Diplomatic Representation:
Ambassador: Wanda NESBITT
Address:01 B.P. 1712, Abidjan 01, Cote d'Ivoire.
Telephone: [225] 22-49-4000; Telex, 23660
Fax: 22-49-4323


Embassy and Consulate Web Sites for Côte d'Ivoire
U.S. Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire


FOREIGN RELATIONS

Throughout the Cold War, Cote d'Ivoire's foreign policy was generally favorable toward the West. The country became a member of the United Nations in 1960 and participates in most of its specialized agencies. It maintains a wide variety of diplomatic contacts. It sought change in South Africa through dialogue and was the first country accredited to post-apartheid South Africa. In 1986, Cote d'Ivoire announced the reestablishment of diplomatic relations with Israel.

France remains Cote d'Ivoire's single most important foreign partner. President Houphouet-Boigny, who was a minister in the French Government prior to independence, insisted that the connection with France remain strong. Concrete examples of Franco-Ivoirian cooperation are numerous: French is Cote d'Ivoire's official language; Cote d'Ivoire adopted the French legal system; a French marine infantry brigade stationed in Abidjan augmented security; thousands of French expatriates work and live in Cote d'Ivoire; and the CFA franc currency is tied to the euro.

The September 2002 events injected strain into the relationship, as the Ivoirian Government criticized France for its perceived failure to uphold its commitment under the 1961 mutual defense treaty by helping government forces recapture rebel-held areas. Anti-French riots erupted in Abidjan in late January-early February 2003, but bilateral relations subsequently improved amidst ongoing French military and diplomatic efforts to promote a peaceful resolution of the crisis. France sent additional forces--reaching a total of approximately 4,000 troops as of fall 2003--to secure the ceasefire line between regular government and rebel forces. The French contingent was joined by a force provided by various member states of ECOWAS that totaled over 3,000 in the fall of 2003. In 2009, France began a reduction of its troop levels in Cote d’Ivoire, with French Licorne to number around 900 by June of that year. At the height of the political crisis following the 2010 elections, French Licorne numbered over 1,000, but was set to reduce its numbers as the conflict subsided.

The Ivoirian Government has traditionally played a constructive role in Africa. President Houphouet-Boigny was active in the mediation of regional disputes, most notably in Liberia and Angola, and had considerable stature throughout the continent. In 1996-97 Cote d'Ivoire sent a medical unit to participate in regional peacekeeping in Liberia, its first such effort. Expansion of Cote d'Ivoire's involvement in regional peacekeeping efforts was derailed by the December 1999 coup. Cote d'Ivoire hopes to retake its place in promoting regional stability following the resolution of its recent crises. In May 2004, Cote d'Ivoire joined the Community of Sahel and Saharan States (CENSAD).

Cote d'Ivoire belongs to the UN and most of its specialized agencies; the African Union; West African Economic and Monetary Union; ECOWAS; African Mauritian Common Organization; Council of Entente; Communaute Financiere Africaine; Non-aggression and Defense Agreement; Nonaligned Movement; Organization of Islamic Cooperation; African Regional Satellite Organization; InterAfrican Coffee Organizations; International Cocoa Organization; Alliance of Cocoa Producers; African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries; and Association of Coffee Producing Countries. Cote d'Ivoire also belongs to the European Investment Bank and the African Development Bank; it is an associate member of the European Union.

U.S.-IVOIRIAN RELATIONS
U.S.-Ivoirian relations have traditionally been friendly and close. Some strain initially resulted from the Section 608 restrictions on nonhumanitarian aid imposed on Cote d'Ivoire following the December 1999 coup. Because of Ivoirian governmental interference in the 2000 presidential elections, the Section 608 restrictions were not lifted. The U.S. participates in the international effort to assist Cote d'Ivoire in overcoming its current crisis, providing more than a quarter of the funding for the UN peacekeeping mission that helps to maintain the ceasefire. The U.S. has also provided modest economic support fund (ESF) assistance to promote democracy. The U.S. is sympathetic to Cote d'Ivoire's desire for rapid, orderly economic development as well as its moderate stance on international issues. Bilateral U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funding, with the exception of self-help and democracy and human rights funds, has been phased out. The country remains a major beneficiary of U.S. assistance in combating HIV/AIDS, as it is one of 15 focus countries under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). With PEPFAR assistance totaling approximately $120 million in FY 2009, this is by far the largest U.S. assistance program in Cote d'Ivoire. Ivoirian eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was withdrawn in 2005 because of Government of Cote d'Ivoire actions in 2004.

The U.S. and Cote d'Ivoire maintain an active cultural exchange program, through which prominent Ivoirian Government officials, civic leaders, media representatives, educators, artists, and scholars visit the U.S. to become better acquainted with the American people and to exchange ideas and views with their American colleagues. This cooperative effort is furthered through visits to Cote d'Ivoire by representatives of U.S. business and educational institutions, experts in various fields, and Fulbright-Hays scholars. A new U.S. Embassy chancery compound opened in July 2005.

A modest security assistance program that provided professional training for Ivoirian military officers in the U.S. has been suspended by the Section 608 restrictions.

THE NATIONAL SECURITY FORCES, MILITARY, AND GENDARMERIE
Since the outbreak of the rebellion in September 2002 that split the country, the military has reorganized. The former system that broke down the country into four military regions no longer exists. The more than 30,000-man Ivoirian Defense and Security Forces (FDS) include the army, navy, air force, gendarmerie, police, and other para-military forces (customs and water and forest police). The Joint Staff is assigned to the Ivorian National Armed Forces (FANCI) headquarters in Abidjan, commanded by a major-general. The 13,000-man FANCI is deployed in a series of six sub-headquarters that are generally arrayed along the ex-Zone of Confidence under the command of the Operations Theater Command based in Yamoussoukro. A large portion is still based in Abidjan.

The gendarmerie has approximately 12,000 men. It is a national police force which is responsible for territorial security, especially in rural areas. In times of national crisis the gendarmerie could be used to reinforce the army. The gendarmerie is commanded by a major-general.

Cote d'Ivoire has a brown-water navy whose mission is coastal surveillance and security for the nation's 340-mile coastline. It has a few patrol craft that operate in limited fashion along the coast and smaller vessels used to control immigration and contraband within the lagoon system. The operational capability of naval vessels has degraded since the war began and the navy is not able to carry out its assigned mission outside of the general area of Abidjan.

The Ivoirian Air Force's mission is to defend the nation's airspace and provide transportation support to the other services. As noted above, in response to an FDS attack on a French base in Bouake in November 2004, French Licorne peacekeeping troops destroyed most of the Air Force on the ground. Currently, the Air Force has two presidential jets, one transport/utility aircraft that is not regularly utilized, one utility helicopter, and one attack helicopter. The government sometimes contracts with civilian helicopter companies to transport government/military personnel in Cote d’Ivoire.

Although the customs, national police, and water and forest police are technically part of the FDS, they continue to conduct their normal functions and follow the instructions of their regular hierarchy. Operationally, police follow the commands of the Minister of Interior, Customs falls under the Ministry of Finance, and Water and Forest Police falls under the Ministry of Environment.

A mutual defense accord signed with France in 1961 provides for the stationing of French forces in Cote d'Ivoire. The 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion is based in Port Bouet adjacent to the Abidjan Airport. Shortly after the beginning of hostilities in September 2002, France established a stabilization force, eventually numbering several thousand, under "Operation Licorne." Previously, France had approximately 500 troops stationed in Cote d'Ivoire. In January 2003, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) placed approximately 1,500 peacekeeping troops from five countries--Senegal (commander), Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Niger--on the ground beside the expanded French force. On April 4, 2004, ECOWAS troops became part of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI), which was authorized under UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1528. The troops maintained the east-west ceasefire line dividing the country until the dismantling of the ex-Zone of Confidence in September 2007, at which time the strength was decreased. The French Licorne troops’ primary mission as of 2008 was as a rapid reaction force for UNOCI. UNOCI and Operation Licorne have coordinated closely to fulfill the terms of UNSCR 1528 and subsequent resolutions. UNSCR 1739 extended the UNOCI and Licorne mandate until June 2007, UNSCR 1765 extended the mandate until January 2008, UNSCR 1795 extended the mandate until July 2008, and UNSCR 1842 extended the mandate until January 31, 2009. On January 27, 2009 UNSCR 1865 extended the mandate of UNOCI and Licorne until July 31, 2009; however, UNOCI troops would be drawn down by 10% and Licorne by a significantly larger margin. UNSCR 1865 reduced the level of authorized military personnel from 8,115 to 7,450. The mandate of UNOCI and French forces supporting it was extended again on July 30, 2009, set to expire on January 31, 2010.

A modest security assistance program that provides professional training for Ivorian military officers in the U.S. has been suspended as a result of sanctions under Section 608 of the Foreign Assistance Act. Ivoirian officers continue to participate in African and regional seminars funded by the U.S. Government, such as Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) and ECOWAS programs.

Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--Wanda Nesbitt
Deputy Chief of Mission--Cynthia Akuetteh
Management Counselor--Marcia Norman
Political/Economic Counselor--Silvia Eiriz
Economic Officer--Ervin Massinga
Consular Affairs Officer--Robby Thomas
Defense Attache--COL Patrick Doyle
Public Affairs Officer--Sharon White

The U.S. Embassy is located at Riveria Golf, Cocody, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire (tel. 225. 22-49-4000, fax. 22-49-4323); mailing address is 01 B.P. 1712, Abidjan 01, Cote d'Ivoire.




TRAVEL ADVISORIES

To obtain the latest Travel Advisory Information for the Ivory Coast check the U.S. State Department Consular Information Sheet.


TRAVEL TIPS

Driving U.S Driving Permit accepted
Currency (XOF) Africaine Franc
Electrical 220 Volts
Telephones Country Code 225, City Code Abidjan 2+5/7D



Clothing: Summer clothing is appropriate year round. Umbrellas and light raincoats are useful during the rainy season.

Customs: Visas are required for entry to Cote d'Ivoire and neighboring West African countries. Airport visas are not available. If no Ivorian representation exists in the country where the visa is sought, it may be applied for at a French embassy or consulate.

Health: The incidence of disease in Cote d'Ivoire is higher than in the United States. Health risks can be minimized by proper immunizations, food preparation, and strict sanitary practices. Tapwater is not potable. Malaria prophylaxis is a must and should be taken before and during a visit to Cote d'Ivoire.

Telecommunications: Local phone service is adequate. International calls can be dialed directly to the United States and many other countries. It is sometimes easier to make an international call than to reach local or in-country numbers. Cote d'Ivoire is 5 hours ahead of eastern standard time.

Transportation: Air Afrique has two flights per week direct from New York to Abidjan. European carriers provide once-weekly flights as follows: British Air, London/Abidjan; Iberia, Madrid/Abidjan; Swiss Air, Zurich/Geneva/Abidjan; Sabena, Brussels/Abidjan. In addition, Air Afrique and UTA provide daily service from Paris to Abidjan. Air Ivoire serves the country's principle cities, and small planes are available for charter. Air fares are expensive. Daily railroad passenger service is available between Abidjan and Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Most Abidjan roads are paved. An excellent network of roads links virtually all major towns. All unpaved roads are dusty during the dry season and slippery during the rainy season. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential for trips into the more isolated areas. Third-party liability insurance is mandatory. Metered taxis, whose fares are relatively low, and rental cars, which are expensive, are available.


CUSTOMS/DUTIES

Currency....Should Be Declared On Arrival

Tobacco....200 Cigarettes or 100 Cigarillos or 25 Cigars or 250 grams of Tobacco

Liquor.......1 Bottle of Wine; 1 Bottle of Spirits

Perfume....0.5 Litre of Eau de Toilette and 0.25 Litres of Perfume

Cameras....1 still / 1 movie

Film............Reasonable for Personal Use

Agriculture items...Refer Psgr To Consulate

Gifts............Reasonable Amount

Prohibited items:
Sporting guns may only be imported under licence. Duty must be paid on video cameras, which may be imported for personal use only. A deposit must be paid on entry and is refundable on departure. Limits are placed on certain other personal effects; contact the Consulate prior to departure.



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