ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — On Tuesday, the Ivorian government made an announcement regarding the withdrawal of French troops from the country, marking the end of a military presence that has lasted for decades. This decision reflects a broader trend among several African nations to reduce military connections with their former colonial power, France.
President Alassane Ouattara stated that the process of withdrawal will commence in January 2025. Currently, there are about 600 French soldiers stationed in Ivory Coast. “We have decided on the concerted and organized withdrawal of French forces in Ivory Coast,” he declared, confirming that the military infantry battalion located in Port Bouét, which is operated by the French army, will be transferred to the control of Ivorian forces.
This announcement echoes similar sentiments expressed by other West African leaders who have recently requested the departure of French military personnel. Analysts view this wave of requests as indicative of a significant shift in the region’s political and military dynamics concerning France.
In recent years, France has faced setbacks in various West African nations, including Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where French troops have been expelled after long-term deployments. Following military coups, countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have also demanded the removal of French forces, joining Senegal and Chad, which were once considered reliable allies of France in the region.
As part of an effort to regain its diminishing political and military influence in Africa, France is developing a new strategy aimed at significantly reducing the number of its permanent military personnel on the continent. Currently, French troops have been expelled from over 70% of the African nations where they were present since the end of colonial rule. The remaining troops are situated mainly in Djibouti, numbering about 1,500, and Gabon, with a presence of 350.
These developments are viewed as part of a larger realignment in West Africa, where there is a noticeable increase in anti-French sentiment, particularly in countries that have recently experienced coups. Following the expulsion of French forces, the military regimes in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have begun to forge closer ties with Russia, which has deployed mercenaries in the Sahel region, despite allegations of abuses against civilians.
Nevertheless, the situation in these countries has become more precarious, with a marked rise in extremist activities and rising civilian fatalities due to both rebel groups and government operations. The complex interplay of military relations in West Africa continues to evolve as nations navigate their security challenges and diplomatic alignments.
