Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara has confirmed that French forces stationed in the country will start withdrawing in January 2025, marking a significant shift in military relations between African nations and France. This move is part of a broader trend in which several African countries are reevaluating and redefining their ties with their former colonial power.
In a national address on Tuesday, President Ouattara revealed that the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion (BIMA) base in Port-Bouët, Abidjan, will be handed over to Côte d’Ivoire’s armed forces. He expressed pride in the modernization of the country’s military, stating, “We can be proud of our army, whose modernization is now effective.”
The withdrawal will see around 1,000 French soldiers, who have been involved in counterterrorism operations in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea, leaving Côte d’Ivoire. This marks a major milestone in the country’s path towards greater control over its security operations, with President Ouattara emphasizing that the decision is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the nation’s defense capabilities.
This move follows similar actions by Senegal and Chad, which recently announced the departure of French forces from their territories. France also returned a military base to Chad on December 26, 2024. These developments come after a series of forced withdrawals in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where governments critical of France’s military presence have come to power.
The decision to end French military operations in Côte d’Ivoire reflects a wider trend across Africa, as nations seek greater autonomy and redefine their relationships with former colonial powers. As French military presence in Africa continues to decline, many African leaders are focusing on strengthening their own military institutions to ensure security and stability.
In his speech, President Ouattara also addressed the upcoming presidential elections in October 2025, reassuring citizens of his commitment to a peaceful, transparent, and democratic process. “The upcoming elections will be peaceful, transparent, and democratic,” he said, outlining his vision for a stable political future.
Côte d’Ivoire’s decision represents a new chapter in regional security and a shift towards greater self-reliance, with the nation ready to take the lead in safeguarding its sovereignty.
