Ivory Coast to See French Troop Withdrawal by 2025
President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast has made a significant announcement, stating that French troops will be withdrawing from the country, marking the end of a longstanding military presence that dates back decades. This decision puts Ivory Coast in line with other francophone states in West Africa that have requested the departure of former colonial power’s military forces.
President Ouattara has confirmed that the process of withdrawal will commence in January 2025. Currently, there are approximately 600 French troops stationed in Ivory Coast. In his televised address, President Ouattara emphasized the coordinated and organized nature of the withdrawal, which is set to begin this month.
One specific detail highlighted by President Ouattara is the transfer of the military infantry battalion of Port Bouét, currently under the operation of the French army, to Ivorian troops. This shift signifies a significant step towards greater autonomy and self-reliance in terms of national security for Ivory Coast.
The decision made by President Ouattara mirrors similar actions taken by other leaders in West Africa, where calls for the departure of French troops have been growing. Since 2022, several West African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and most recently Chad, have seen the expulsion of French military presence.
This reduction in military ties comes at a time when France is reevaluating its political and military strategies in Africa. A new approach is being implemented to reduce the permanent troop presence on the continent while maintaining strategic partnerships. In response to the withdrawal of French troops, military alliances with other nations, such as Russia, have been strengthened by leaders in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
The upcoming withdrawal of French troops from Ivory Coast marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of West Africa. It signals a move towards greater independence and self-governance for the region, while also paving the way for new alliances and partnerships in the realm of national security.
