The EU currently has 12 civilian missions under the Civilian Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) all over the world.

As part of the EU CSDP mission EUSDI GoG, I have been deployed to Côte d'Ivoire to support the capacity-building efforts of the Ivorian gendarmerie. Now, one month into my mission, I am leading my third session of tactical first aid training.

For me, this experience has evolved beyond just giving instruction—it has become an opportunity to learn, adapt and collaborate in a dynamic and challenging environment.

It has become an opportunity to learn, adapt, and collaborate in a dynamic and challenging environment

A key priority of this mission is to ensure that the knowledge and skills taught are not only understood but also sustained. To achieve this, I have actively integrated the first Ivorian instructors I trained into the courses I conduct.

Local perspectives

Their involvement enhances the learning experience by incorporating local perspectives and ensures that tactical first aid knowledge remains within the gendarmerie long after this mission ends.

Sharing teaching responsibilities fosters a strong sense of ownership and collaboration. One of the new instructors described the training as an eye-opening experience.

“At first, we felt lost, facing new and complex concepts,” he said, “But thanks to the instructor’s approach and realistic exercises, we gained confidence and autonomy in applying life-saving techniques.”

We gained confidence and autonomy in applying life-saving techniques

Training in Côte d'Ivoire comes with its own set of challenges. The tropical climate, with its intense heat and humidity, makes even routine exercises physically demanding. Despite these conditions, the motivation of the gendarmerie personnel remains high. Their determination to learn and improve their medical response capabilities is inspiring and reinforces the importance of this training.

Fostering trust

Beyond training, this mission is about fostering trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to preparedness. The gendarmerie personnel have embraced the training with enthusiasm, recognising its direct impact on their operational readiness. As one instructor said, “This program has significantly improved our ability to respond in emergencies. We hope for more sessions in the future to continue strengthening our skills.”