COTE D’IVOIRE has announced the withdrawal of French troops from its territory, marking another significant step in reducing France’s military footprint in West Africa. The decision, framed as a move toward strengthening national sovereignty, was unveiled during President Alassane Ouattara’s end-of-year address on December 31, 2024.
‘We have decided, in a concerted manner, to withdraw French forces from Cote d’Ivoire,’ Ouattara stated, highlighting the modernisation of the nation’s armed forces as the primary driver of the decision.
Regional shift away from France
The announcement aligns with broader trends in West Africa, where former French colonies are increasingly asserting independence in military affairs. Senegal recently confirmed that its French military bases will close by the end of 2025. This follows similar moves by Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad, which have severed or restructured defence agreements with France in recent years.
France’s diminishing presence in the region has been partly attributed to growing anti-French sentiment and a wave of military coups in Sahelian nations. This has forced France to withdraw troops and reassess its military strategy in Africa.
President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye of Senegal, elected in March 2024 on a platform of sovereignty, reinforced this shift, declaring, ‘The end of all foreign military presences in Senegal from 2025 is a priority for national security and independence.’
A new path for Cote d’Ivoire
Cote d’Ivoire, which hosts approximately 600 French troops, has been home to France’s largest remaining military contingent in West Africa. The Port-Bouët infantry battalion, managed by the French army, will soon transition to Ivorian control, marking a symbolic transfer of responsibility to local forces.
While France’s colonial era in West Africa officially ended in the 1960s, its military presence lingered as a stabilising force. French troops were pivotal during Cote d’Ivoire’s civil war from 2002 to 2007, helping to protect civilians and maintain order. However, with the current stability and strengthened Ivorian armed forces, the need for external military support has diminished.
France’s waning influence
France’s retreat from West Africa reflects a broader recalibration of its military and political strategy. Recent estimates suggest fewer than 2,000 French troops remain on the continent, primarily stationed in Djibouti and Gabon. Gabon is now one of the few countries still hosting a small French military presence.
This withdrawal comes at a time when countries like Mali and Burkina Faso have pivoted toward partnerships with Russia. Mercenaries from the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, have stepped in to fill the security vacuum left by departing French forces, providing support to governments battling jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region.
A legacy of instability and growth
Cote d’Ivoire, known for decades as a model of stability and economic success in West Africa, endured a fractious period after a rebellion in 2002 split the nation in two. Fragile peace agreements alternated with violent flare-ups, but the country has gradually worked toward a resolution of its internal conflicts.
Despite its turbulent history, the country remains the world’s largest exporter of cocoa beans and enjoys a relatively high per capita income compared to its neighbours. The withdrawal of French troops signals confidence in the country’s trajectory and the capability of its armed forces to manage national security autonomously.
The road ahead
Political analysts view these developments as part of a broader redefinition of Africa’s post-colonial relationships with European powers. With growing demands for sovereignty and the increasing influence of non-Western actors like Russia and China, West African nations are taking control of their destinies.
For France, the challenge lies in redefining its engagement with Africa. Recent efforts to revive political and economic influence have been met with mixed reactions, underscoring the complexities of navigating a post-colonial landscape.
Cote d’Ivoire’s decision to transition away from French military support represents not just a shift in defence strategy but a statement of sovereignty and self-reliance. As regional leaders push for greater independence, the move reflects a growing determination to forge a future shaped by local priorities and partnerships.
