Ivory Coast announced on Tuesday that it will end the decadeslong presence of French troops in the country, marking the latest in a series of African nations to reduce military ties with their former colonial power.
President Alassane Ouattara said the withdrawal would begin in January 2025, with French forces handing over control of the Port Bouët military base to Ivorian troops. Up to 600 French soldiers have been stationed in Ivory Coast as part of a long-standing defense partnership.
“We have decided on the concerted and organized withdrawal of French forces in Ivory Coast,” Ouattara said in a statement.
The move comes amid a wave of similar decisions across West Africa, where nations have increasingly distanced themselves from France’s military presence. Recent years have seen French troops expelled from countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, often following coups and rising anti-French sentiment.
France’s military presence in Africa, once extensive, has been scaled back significantly. More than 70% of the countries where France previously had troops have asked them to leave since the end of colonial rule. French forces now remain in Djibouti, with 1,500 soldiers, and Gabon, with 350 troops.
Paris has been working to adapt to its diminishing role on the continent by devising a new military strategy aimed at reducing its permanent troop presence. However, these changes have not stemmed the tide of withdrawals.
In some cases, the departure of French forces has led to shifts in alliances. Military-led governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have fostered closer ties with Russia, which has deployed mercenaries through the Wagner Group to the region. These forces have been accused of human rights abuses, including violence against civilians.
Despite these changes, security challenges persist. Extremist attacks and civilian casualties have increased in many areas where French troops have been replaced by local or Russian-aligned forces.
Analysts say the downscaling of French military influence in Africa reflects a broader transformation in the region’s relationship with Paris. Growing local sentiment against France, fueled by political instability and dissatisfaction with economic and security conditions, has driven many nations to reevaluate their ties with the former colonial power.
While France continues efforts to rebuild its influence through revised strategies and diplomatic outreach, the shifting dynamics highlight a new chapter in Africa’s post-colonial era.
