Ivory Coast has announced the withdrawal of French troops from the country, signaling a further reduction in the military influence of its former colonial power in the region.
In his end-of-year address, President Alassane Ouattara explained that the decision is part of the country’s efforts to modernize its armed forces.
The withdrawal follows a similar move by Senegal, which recently stated that France must close its military bases by the end of 2025. Ivory Coast is home to the largest remaining contingent of French troops in West Africa, with approximately 600 stationed in the country, compared to 350 in Senegal.
President Ouattara confirmed that the French-operated military infantry battalion in Port Bouét would be handed over to Ivorian troops as part of the transition.
This move comes in the wake of France’s pullout from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, following military coups and rising anti-French sentiment. Additionally, Chad, a key ally in the fight against Islamic militants, ended its defense cooperation pact with France in November.
Senegal’s new President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye has also announced plans to end all foreign military presences by 2025, as part of his commitment to sovereignty and reducing dependence on foreign nations.
Meanwhile, Russian influence is growing in the Sahel region, as military leaders in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have turned to Russia for support in combatting jihadist insurgents. Russia has deployed mercenaries to the region following the removal of French troops.
This shift reflects France’s broader efforts to scale down its military presence across Africa and adjust its strategy in response to changing geopolitical dynamics.
The Western African country was hailed as a model of stability. However an armed rebellion in 2002 split the nation in two. Peace deals alternated with renewed violence as the country slowly edged its way towards a political resolution of the conflict.
Despite the instability, Ivory Coast is the world’s largest exporter of cocoa beans, and its citizens enjoy a relatively high level of income compared with other countries in the region.
