Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – Her Excellency Berenice Owen-Jones, along with other ambassadors and senior government officials, recently embarked on a visit to Côte d’Ivoire where they attended the International Counterterrorism Academy (AILCT) and witnessed a demonstration of the military training exercises conducted there. The purpose of these exercises is to enhance counterterrorism capabilities in the region.
The AILCT, which has garnered support from an increasing number of countries, including Australia, Côte d’Ivoire, France, the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Spain, serves as a vital platform for collaborative efforts in combating terrorism. These nations have contributed funds to ensure the effective functioning and development of the academy.
During the visit, Her Excellency Berenice Owen-Jones expressed her appreciation for the comprehensive training provided by the AILCT. She underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing the global threat of terrorism and emphasized the commitment of the participating countries to bolstering counterterrorism efforts in the region.

The training exercises showcased at the academy demonstrated the practical skills and techniques employed by security forces to respond effectively to acts of terrorism. The exercises encompassed various scenarios, enabling participants to enhance their preparedness, coordination, and response capabilities in the face of evolving security challenges.
The visit to the AILCT served as an opportunity for diplomatic representatives and government officials to witness firsthand the collaborative efforts in place to address terrorism. By promoting knowledge sharing and capacity building, the academy plays a crucial role in strengthening regional security and fostering international cooperation.
The governments of Australia, Côte d’Ivoire, France, the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Spain remain committed to supporting initiatives such as the AILCT to enhance the capabilities of security forces in countering terrorism. Their collective efforts contribute to a safer and more secure environment, not only within the region but also globally.
As the visit concluded, Her Excellency Berenice Owen-Jones expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome extended by Côte d’Ivoire and praised the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the AILCT personnel. She reiterated the commitment of her country, along with other participating nations, to continuing their support for initiatives that reinforce counterterrorism measures in the region.
The visit to the International Counterterrorism Academy in Côte d’Ivoire served as a testament to the determination of nations to collaborate and combat the threats posed by terrorism. It reinforced the shared vision of creating a safer and more secure world through international cooperation and enhanced counterterrorism capabilities.
