Cote d'Ivoire steps up efforts to stem terrorism

Cote d'Ivoire authorities have reinforced security measures in the northern regions that neighbour Mali, to guard against any jihadist attack, security sources told Xinhua on Monday.

Chiefs in the northern regions of Korhogo and Odienne have urged the population to collaborate with the defense and security forces by reporting any suspicious individuals.

They have equally announced measures aimed at guaranteeing security, especially combing through forests to dislodge any suspicious individuals and inspect passengers in vehicles.

"We have witnessed a proliferation of new mosques constructed by people with questionable reputation. We want to know who is funding the construction of these mosques and as a result the construction of new mosques has been suspended until further notice," Korhogo chief Daouda Ouattara said, adding that "the country's interests were superior to any other."

"Jihadist threats should be taken serious and I want to assure you that no one is safe. Whether muslims, christians or animists, no one is safe from the terrorist actions of jihadists," his counterpart from Odienne Michel Amani Yao said.

On the other hand, the chief of Kouto department within the same region, Clement Kouame Bi Kalou, set up a departmental security council to prevent any jihadist threats in Cote d'Ivoire's northern border.

Speaking recently, Government Spokesman Bruno Kone said Cote d'Ivoire authorities were working closely with the Malian authorities in the efforts to secure the border zones.

Ansar Dine jihadist group claimed responsibility for recent attacks perpetrated in southern Mali, some 15 km from the Cote d'Ivoire border.

Following the attacks, the terrorist group issued warnings against Mauritania and Cote d'Ivoire.

Cote d'Ivoire and United Nations soldiers helped Malian authorities comb through Fakola, a Malian town targeted by the recent attacks. Security sources told Xinhua three jihadists were killed during the operation. Endi