Anti-terror academy launched near Abidjan

An international academy to fight terrorism has been opened near Abidjan in the Ivory Coast. The International Counterterrorism Academy is funded by France and the EU among others, and is aimed at helping the region fight rising Islamist militancy. Located in a huge coconut grove, 80km from the city, it has been specially designed for military training. More than $27m has been invested in the project, and another $20m more will be needed to make it 100% operational within the next two years. BBC News report that it will train magistrates, customs officers and accountants in the fight against terrorism. The aim is to create networks of professionals who know each other and work together across borders.