Ivory Coast has announced plans to expel French troops from its territory, making it the sixth African country to end France’s military presence. The withdrawal is scheduled to begin in January 2025, following a “concerted and organised” agreement between the two nations, according to Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara.
The decision marks the end of a long-standing military partnership, with around 1,000 French soldiers set to leave the country. The Port Bouët military base in Abidjan will also be handed over to Ivorian authorities as part of the transition.
This move aligns Ivory Coast with other West African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Senegal, that have recently expelled French forces. The wave of troop withdrawals reflects a growing sentiment across the region to reduce French influence, fueled by anti-French sentiment and the increasing presence of other international players.
France, once a dominant military power in Africa, is now reducing its footprint on the continent. The number of French troops deployed in Africa is expected to decrease from nearly 10,000 to approximately 2,000.
Despite the withdrawal, the French government has expressed its intention to maintain military cooperation with Ivory Coast and other African nations. The French defense ministry emphasized continued collaboration, albeit without permanent troop deployments.
The departure of French forces signals a broader shift in West Africa’s geopolitical landscape, as countries reassess their security partnerships and take greater control over their military affairs.
