Ivory Coast announced on Wednesday that French troops, stationed in the country for decades, will begin withdrawing this month, marking a significant shift in the region’s military dynamics. The move reflects a broader trend across Africa, where former colonial powers are reducing their military presence.
Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara confirmed that the withdrawal would start promptly, with the handover of the French Marines Infantry Battalion (BIMA) base in Port-Bouët to Ivorian forces scheduled for January 2025.
“It is within this framework that we have decided on the withdrawal of French forces in Ivory Coast,” Ouattara said, noting that the 43rd BIMA base would be returned to the Ivorian military by early 2025.
At its height, France stationed up to 600 troops in Ivory Coast, reflecting a longstanding military partnership between the two nations. However, this move is part of a broader trend across West Africa, where several countries have requested the removal of French troops. These calls for withdrawal come amid a changing political landscape in Africa, as many nations seek to redefine their relationships with former colonial powers.
The decision to reduce military cooperation with France follows a rising wave of anti-French sentiment across parts of Africa, especially in the Sahel and West Africa. In recent years, countries like Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso have expelled French troops stationed in the region for decades.
Analysts view these developments as part of a wider shift in Africa’s engagement with France. While France has been a key military ally, particularly in the fight against Islamist insurgencies, the growing push for greater autonomy across the continent is changing the nature of these relationships.
For France, the withdrawal represents a significant setback. Once a dominant military force in West Africa, France has spent years trying to maintain and even strengthen its influence in the region. However, these recent developments indicate that its military presence is shrinking as African nations assert more control over their security affairs.
The pullout of French troops from Ivory Coast, along with similar actions in other countries, signals a new chapter in France’s involvement in Africa. It remains to be seen how this shift will affect the broader geopolitical landscape, and what role other international powers, such as China and Russia, may play in filling the vacuum left by France.