Ivory Coast has confirmed the withdrawal of French troops from its territory, marking a further decline in the influence of the former colonial power in West Africa. The announcement was
made by President Alassane Ouattara during his year-end address, citing the modernization of the nation’s armed forces as the reason behind the decision.
Currently, Ivory Coast hosts the largest contingent of French troops in West Africa, comprising approximately 600 personnel. President Ouattara revealed that the military base at Port Bouët, managed by French forces, will be handed over to Ivorian troops as part of the transition.
This move aligns with a broader trend across the region, as other West African nations also redefine their military relationships with France. Senegal recently announced plans to close all French military bases by 2025, a decision confirmed by Senegalese President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye. He instructed his armed forces to develop a new defense and security doctrine that eliminates foreign military presence, signaling a shift toward greater national sovereignty.
France’s military presence in Africa has been steadily diminishing in recent years. Troops have already been withdrawn from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following military coups and increasing anti-French sentiment in those nations. Chad also terminated its defense cooperation agreement with France in late 2023, further straining French influence in the region.
President Faye, who was elected on a platform promising sovereignty and reduced dependency on foreign powers, emphasized the importance of these changes. Meanwhile, France plans to maintain only a small military presence in Gabon and Djibouti, with fewer than 2,000 troops in these locations combined.
The withdrawal comes as some West African countries pivot toward alternative alliances, notably with Russia. Nations like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have strengthened ties with Moscow, which has deployed mercenaries across the Sahel to assist in countering jihadist insurgencies.
Observers suggest that France’s strategy reflects a recalibration of its military and political engagement in Africa. The shift may signal an effort to adapt to changing dynamics on the continent, with a focus on reducing permanent troop deployments while pursuing other avenues of influence.
Ivory Coast, known for its robust economy and status as the world’s largest cocoa exporter, has faced its own share of political and military challenges. Once celebrated for its stability and harmony, the country was divided by a civil conflict in 2002. Years of unrest ensued, though gradual peace-building efforts have since allowed the nation to regain a measure of stability.
As Ivory Coast and other West African countries reshape their military partnerships, the region stands at a crossroads, balancing sovereignty with the need for effective security measures amid ongoing challenges. Photo by Zenman, Wikimedia commons.