The Armed Forces of Côte d'Ivoire (FACI) have reached a historic milestone. The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lassina Doumbia , has just been promoted to the rank of General . The first officer to wear the five-star general rank in the country's history, he thus crowns an exceptional career marked by rigor and elite leadership.

An exemplary career in command

A former military school student, General Lassina Doumbia has held the position of Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMGA) since January 1, 2019. Before taking command of all the forces, he forged his reputation within elite units:

1. 2017 - 2018: Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander of Special Forces.
2. 2011 - 2017: Commander of the Special Forces of Ivory Coast.
3. 2009 - 2011: Commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion of Akouédo.

His experience was also demonstrated on the ground during the crises of the 2000s, where he served as commander of tactical groups in the West and Military Prefect of the department of Toulepleu.

A solid academic and military background

Behind the soldier lies a high-level intellectual. A graduate in Law (Master's) from the University of Abidjan in 1988, he has diversified his skills until obtaining an Executive MBA in global risk management in 2016.

His military CV is equally impressive and international:

1. Parachuting: Licensed in Senegal and Ivory Coast.
2. Specialization: Trained in local combat by the US Special Forces (1993).
3. Strategy: Graduate of the General Staff in Morocco and auditor of the Institute of Advanced Studies in National Defence (IHEDN).
4. Expertise: Certified instructor in international law of armed conflict.

The man behind the uniform

Born in Bouaké, where he began his schooling, this father of three embodies the excellence of the Ivorian military career path, from the Bingerville Military Preparatory School to the highest ranks of the military hierarchy. This promotion to the rank of General of the Army is not only a personal distinction, but also a symbol of the growing strength of the Ivorian military institution.