A person in blue gloves adjusts a microscope, representing the improvement of forensic skills to combat gender-based violence in Côte d'Ivoire. © GIZ

Supporting the police in Côte d'Ivoire

Programme to Build and Strengthen the Police Structures in Selected Partner Countries in Africa – Ivory Coast country component

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  • Client

    German Federal Foreign Office

  • Political sponsors

    More

  • Runtime

    2023 to 2026

  • Products and expertise

    Security, reconstruction and peace

A group of police officers and individuals dressed in civilian clothes engage in a lively discussion during a workshop, focusing on documents on a table in a conference room.
GIZ/CIV

Context

Despite political unrest in 2017 and 2020, Côte d'Ivoire's economy is now one of the fastest growing in Africa. The government works to ensure all members of society benefit from these positive developments and to create a secure environment. An important measure is to increase police efficiency and to promote the population's trust in the security services.

Furthermore, combating sexual and gender-based violence remains crucial, as it is a major problem in many parts of the country. To successfully bring these cases to court, police forensic units must provide scientific evidence. However, the current system lacks efficient processes and clear responsibilities for integrating forensic proof into the criminal justice chain. Moreover, the forensic competences within the police and the public prosecutor's office are not sufficiently established.

Objective

In Côte d'Ivoire, sexual and gender-based violence as well as transnational organised crime have decreased due to the police authorities enhancing their institutional and personnel capabilities, adhering to the principles of the rule of law, and promoting citizen participation.

A member of the 'Police Scientifique' examines a sample under a microscope in a forensic laboratory.© GIZ/CIV

Approach

Since 2009, the police programme has been supporting police reform processes in Africa, working together with 27 national and regional partners, including the African Union (AU) and the African Police Organisation (AFRIPOL).

In Côte d'Ivoire, the programme continues to support the police laboratory’s efforts to implement a Quality Management System, particularly the ISO 17025 accreditation. This ensures reliable, evidence-based results that meet international standards.

Moreover, the programme assists the national police to develop and implement a community policing approach to address sexual and gender-based violence. Important aspects of this strategy include:

  • Enhancing skills within the police force
  • Promoting community trust and proactive prevention strategies
  • Ensuring the protection and support of victims.
A group of individuals, including police officers and community members, hold a banner advocating the prevention and punishment of gender-based violence.
GIZ/CIV

Last update: June 2024

Additional information