In war zones, states are increasingly calling on private security companies to supplement the regular army. These men, called "contractors", are employed both on the front lines and for the protection of personalities or official buildings.

If some learned to wage war in the ranks of the army, the foreign legion or the special forces, others, simple vigilantes or bodyguards, made this choice out of a taste for risk and thrill. Attacks, ambushes, mined roads: in countries at war, the dangers are multiple. However, they do not scare off young candidates, motivated by the promise of adventure, but also by the salary.

On average, a private security agent in a war zone can earn 15,000 euros per month, more than four times the pay of a soldier. Luxury cars, secure villa with swimming pool...

In Ivory Coast, we will follow the daily life of a French businessman, former legionnaire, who set up a private security agency. A lucrative business, but extremely dangerous in an unstable country. Some lost their lives there.

A documentary by Stéphane Malterre