Janice R. Andrews
Côte d’Ivoire has announced the planned withdrawal of French forces, marking a significant shift in the country’s ties with its former colonial ruler.
In a speech delivered at the end of the year, President Alassane Ouattara confirmed that the French military presence will begin to diminish this month. “We have decided to proceed with the coordinated and structured withdrawal of French forces,” Ouattara said, highlighting the modernization of Côte d’Ivoire’s military. The French-operated infantry battalion in Port Bouét will be transferred to Ivorian control.
For decades, French forces have had a presence in Côte d’Ivoire, with approximately 600 personnel stationed there at the time of the announcement. This decision aligns Côte d’Ivoire with other West African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have also reduced or severed military ties with France. Experts suggest this reflects a broader shift in West Africa’s relationship with Paris.
Amid this trend, France is revising its military strategy in Africa as its influence wanes. The country is now reducing its permanent military footprint, leaving only small contingents in Djibouti and Gabon. Since the 1960s, France has withdrawn from over 70% of African nations where it once had troops.
This shift has wider geopolitical consequences. In countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, military leaders have turned to Russia, with Russian mercenaries increasingly active in the region. These mercenaries have been accused of human rights violations, further destabilizing the already fragile security situation.
Despite the exit of French forces, West Africa continues to face rising extremist violence and civilian casualties. Côte d’Ivoire’s move signifies a pivotal moment in reshaping military alliances and geopolitical influence in the region. How France adapts to these changes will determine its future role in Africa.
