French troops are set to begin withdrawing from Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) in January 2025, according to an announcement from the Ivorian government. This move signals another step in the gradual reduction of France’s military presence in West Africa.
During his end-of-year address on Tuesday, President Alassane Ouattara explained that the decision aligns with the modernization of Ivory Coast’s armed forces.
“We have agreed on a coordinated and organized withdrawal of French forces,” Ouattara stated, noting that the Port Bouet military base will transition to Ivorian control in January 2025. France has maintained a military presence in the country since its independence in 1960, with up to 600 troops stationed there.
This decision reflects a broader trend among West African nations reassessing their military relationships with former colonial powers. Recent years have seen France expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following military coups. Chad ended its defense cooperation with France in November, and Senegal announced plans to close all French military bases on its territory by the end of 2025.
France’s military presence in Africa has long been a subject of debate. Critics argue that it reinforces neocolonial dynamics, while supporters highlight its role in countering terrorism and maintaining stability. However, leaders in several African nations have expressed dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of foreign troops in addressing security challenges, leading to a search for alternative partnerships, including with Russia.
When Ivory Coast first announced the withdrawal in December, the Russian Foreign Ministry commented that the departure of French forces shows they are “no longer needed.” It noted that this reflects growing criticism in Francophone West Africa toward the extensive presence of foreign troops.
In response to these developments, Paris is revising its approach in Africa. France plans to scale back permanent troop deployments, focusing instead on targeted operations. It will, however, retain approximately 1,500 soldiers in Djibouti and a small contingent of about 350 troops in Gabon
