The aim of this meeting was to introduce the Code’s objectives and structure, as well as to demonstrate the relevance of the HCoC to representatives of the Ivory Coast within global, regional, and sub-regional dynamics. This event, organised by the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) with the support of the EU Delegation to Ivory Coast and under the leadership of Ivory Coast’s ComNat-ALPC, provided an opportunity to conduct a constructive dialogue on the Code.

The first panel provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the Code’s ambitions, objectives and functioning. The Code is a politically binding instrument, which includes a set of transparency and confidence-building measures (CBMs) on ballistic missiles. It was underlined that even though ballistic proliferation issues appear to be somewhat disconnected from the security priorities of the Ivory Coast, which is more directly concerned by issues related to Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW), proliferation issues are global and lead to worldwide geopolitical risks. Moreover, while states in the region may be unlikely to acquire ballistic missiles, non-state actors may in the futurebe able to procure such systems. The HCoC therefore constitutes a small yet key tool to reinforce international security; and Ivory Coast, which supported the Code within the United Nations General Assembly could consider subscribing to it.

The second panel aimed to shed light on Ivory Coast’s policies and priorities in the field of non-proliferation and disarmament. Ivory Coast’s historical proactive position in this field through adherence to international treaties, norms and policies, was highlighted, emphasising the promotion of multilateralism and complete disarmament as fundamental principles and objectives of the Ivorian diplomacy. Furthermore, the usefulness of soft and pragmatic norms has been expressed. It was noted that they provide forums for discussion on relevant issues and constitute confidence-building measures to mitigate instabilities arising from the possession of ballistic missiles.

The third and last panel brought together regional experts and linked issues related to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) to other regional priorities. As such, the panel focused on UN and ECOWAS initiatives and policies within the region, but also offered a different set of incentives for joining HCoC by linking such instruments to the much broader legal and political framework for peace, development, and human security in Western Africa and on the continent as a whole.