Ivory Coast to Reclaim Control as French Troops Exit
Ivory Coast has announced the withdrawal of French troops, marking a significant shift in its military and political trajectory. President Alassane Ouattara revealed the decision during his year-end address, emphasizing the modernization of the nation’s armed forces.
“We have decided in a concerted manner to withdraw French forces from the Ivory Coast,” Ouattara stated, as reported by BBC. The French-run infantry battalion in Port Bouét will soon transition to Ivorian control.
This development aligns with a broader West African trend, as nations reassess military ties with France, the region’s former colonial power. Senegal recently declared the closure of French military bases by 2025, following similar actions by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In these cases, military juntas have expelled French troops, often forging closer alliances with Russia.
France, which historically maintained a robust military footprint in Africa, has significantly scaled back its presence. The number of French troops stationed on the continent has dwindled, with only small contingents remaining in Gabon and Djibouti.
These moves reflect growing anti-French sentiment and a rising demand for sovereignty across the region. Senegal’s President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye, elected in 2023, has championed reduced foreign influence and called for a fresh approach to defense and security partnerships.
Ivory Coast, despite its challenges—including a 2002 civil war that split the country—remains the world’s largest cocoa bean exporter and a beacon of economic stability in West Africa. This decision underscores its commitment to greater autonomy and a reimagined role in regional security dynamics.
