The Centre for Community Law (CFComLaw) is pleased to announce that it now has a presence in Côte d’Ivoire, following the appointment of Colonel Jonas KATY BI Kouassi as the Centre’s Ambassador in the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.

The appointment marks a significant step in the Centre’s work of making ECOWAS law accessible, actionable, and beneficial to the people of West Africa. It extends the Centre’s reach beyond Nigeria and strengthens its engagement with communities, institutions, security sectors, and civil society across the sub-region.

The announcement comes at a time when the Centre’s advocacy on human rights and accountability under ECOWAS law is drawing renewed attention. A presence in Côte d’Ivoire will help the Centre carry its work on the rule of law, institutional accountability, criminal justice, and security sector reform into another ECOWAS Member State.

About the Ambassador

Colonel Jonas KATY BI Kouassi brings to the Centre a distinguished record in security, defense, natural disaster management, judicial training, and international human rights advocacy.

Current position

• Inspector of the National Gendarmerie of Côte d’Ivoire.

Academic and Professional Background

• Alumnus of the National School for the Judiciary in Paris, France (Specialized in Justice and Human Rights);
• Alumnus of the International Institute of Higher Studies in Criminal Sciences in Syracuse, Italy;
• Graduate of the War College and holder of multiple Master’s degrees;
• Member of the European Union’s CT JUST project on counter-terrorism;
• Member of the Committee on Armed Forces and Security Agencies of the African Bar Association (AFBA); and
• Affiliate of the African Security Sector Network (ASSN), the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (ACSS), the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), and the Abidjan Institute for Strategic Studies.

The Ambassador’s Role

As Ambassador, Colonel KATY BI will represent the Centre in Côte d’Ivoire, promote awareness of ECOWAS law and the Centre’s programmes, and support engagement with government institutions, security agencies, civil society, and academic partners.

The Centre welcomes Colonel KATY BI and looks forward to a productive partnership in advancing the rule of law, human rights, and community-centred legal education in Côte d’Ivoire and across West Africa.

CENTRE FOR COMMUNITY LAW