The National Security Council (CNS), meeting this Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Presidential Palace under the authority of Head of State Alassane Ouattara , presented a new assessment of the migration situation in Côte d'Ivoire. The figures show a significant increase in the number of asylum seekers arriving on Ivorian soil.

A sharp increase in migratory pressure

In just a few months, the number of refugees in Côte d'Ivoire has risen from 80,000 (projected for the end of 2025) to over 115,000 today. These populations come mainly from four neighboring countries:

1. Burkina Faso
2. Mali
3. Guinea
4. Ghana

Humanitarian response and biometric registration

Faced with this influx, the executive secretary of the CNS, Fidèle Sarrassoro , was tasked with overseeing two priority areas:

1. Rigorous identification : Continued biometric registration of each asylum seeker.
2. Humanitarian aid : Support for refugees but also for Ivorian host communities , with the support of the international community.

The Council also reiterated its commitment to promoting sustainable solutions, particularly through voluntary return programs, similar to the model already implemented with Ghanaian nationals.

Increased vigilance at the northern borders

Beyond the humanitarian aspect, security remains an absolute priority. The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces has been instructed to immediately reinforce surveillance measures along the northern borders . The objective is to guarantee the integrity of the territory while managing the flow of people fleeing areas of instability.

Note: This increase of nearly 44% in just a few weeks underlines the urgent need for close coordination between defense forces and humanitarian agencies.