Explosive Knowledge: EUSDI GoG boosts Ivorian Defense Against improvised explosives.

Far from home, under the demanding African sun, soldiers of Spain's 16th Canary Islands Brigade carried out a mission that transcended military training-it was an act of solidarity and trust. Deployed as a Mobile Training Team in Côte d'Ivoire, they worked side by side with Ivorian soldiers, sharing not only tactics but also the hope of a safer tomorrow.

Their task was urgent and vital: to help the Armed Forces of Côte d'Ivoire to confront one of the greatest threats to stability in the region-the deadly scourge of improvised explosive devices. Over days of intense instruction and practical drills, Spanish trainers passed on their knowledge, equipping their Ivorian counterparts with the skills needed to detect, neutralize, and respond to these invisible dangers. For many of the participants, this training was not just about procedures-it was about protecting their communities, their families, and their homeland.

This course represents more than technical learning. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen the resilience of Côte d'Ivoire's Defense and Security Forces, especially in the fragile northern regions. There, where instability and fear often cast long shadows, the ability to respond to threats can mean the difference between despair and hope. Behind this initiative stands a powerful alliance. EUSDI GoG, works hand in hand with Ivorian authorities and seeks to share expertise and experience to better build safety and stability.

For Spain, this mission carries special meaning. As part of EUSDI GoG, Spain reaffirms its unwavering commitment to West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea-a region whose peace is deeply intertwined with Europe's own security. By supporting Côte d'Ivoire and its neighbors, Spain joins France, Belgium, Portugal, and other European partners in a shared effort: to help these nations stand strong against the threat of terrorism and to safeguard the promise of a more peaceful future.

The Gulf of Guinea is more than a strategic point on the map. It is a crossroads of cultures, a place of resilience and vitality. And it is here, through cooperation, trust, and shared sacrifice, that the European Union is helping to sow the seeds of stability-so that communities may thrive in peace, free from the shadows of fear.