Ivory Coast has announced that French troops will withdraw from the West African nation, marking a significant reduction in the military influence of the former colonial power in the region. This decision was revealed by President Alassane Ouattara during his end-of-year address, highlighting the modernization of the country’s armed forces as a key factor behind the move.
President Ouattara emphasized that the withdrawal of French forces is a reflection of Ivory Coast’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities. “We have decided in a concerted manner to withdraw French forces from the Ivory Coast,” he stated. The military infantry battalion of Port Bouét, currently run by the French army, will be handed over to Ivorian troops.
Regional Context
Ivory Coast is home to the largest remaining contingent of French troops in West Africa, with approximately 600 military personnel stationed in the country. This move follows similar actions in other West African nations, where France has pulled its soldiers out of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger due to military coups and growing anti-French sentiment.
Senegal, which recently announced that France should close its military bases on its territory, confirmed that the withdrawal would be completed by the end of 2025. Senegalese President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye stated, “I have instructed the minister for the armed forces to propose a new doctrine for co-operation in defence and security, involving, among other consequences, the end of all foreign military presences in Senegal from 2025.”
France has faced unprecedented, bitter criticism from citizens in its former colonies in West and Central Africa in recent years. From Mali to Ivory Coast, thousands of people have taken to the streets in mass protests, demanding that their governments cut ties with Paris for good.
By January 2025, six African countries – Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast – had cut military ties with France.
Shifting Alliances
The withdrawal of French troops from Ivory Coast and other West African nations has led to a shift in regional alliances. Military leaders in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have moved closer to Russia, which has deployed mercenaries across the Sahel to assist in combating jihadist insurgents. This realignment reflects the changing geopolitical landscape in the region.
France’s Evolving Strategy
Political analysts believe that France is making efforts to revive its waning political and military influence in Africa. The former colonial power appears to be devising a new military strategy that involves downscaling its permanent troop presence on the continent. Currently, France has fewer than 2,000 troops in Djibouti and Gabon, with plans to retain a small presence in Gabon.
The reduced presence could be periodically expanded based on the needs of local partners, the three sources said.
Until two years ago, in addition to around 1,600 forces pre-deployed in West Africa and Gabon, France had over 5,000 troops in the Sahel region of Africa as part of the Barkhane anti-jihadist operation.
But it has been gradually pushed out by the juntas that came to power in Mali in 2021, in Burkina Faso in 2022 and Niger in 2023.
All the three countries have now concluded security agreements with Russia, which has been seeking to expand its footprint on the continent.
Chad, ruled by Mahamat Idriss Deby, the son of Idriss Deby Itno who was president for over 30 years, has also asked French soldiers to leave. In December 4, Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby justified his decision to terminate military ties with France, stating that the current defense agreement no longer aligns with Chad’s security requirements.
Meanwhile, the French army plans to set up a Paris-based command dedicated to Africa this summer. The French army is not ruling out “pooling” its bases with Americans or European partners, the chief of staff of France’s armed forces, General Thierry Burkhard has said.
According to Burkhard, the tighter new structure will make it possible to maintain relations with local military authorities, “gather intelligence” and “pursue operational partnerships”, among other tasks.
Instead of combat missions, French soldiers will essentially provide training and capabilities to partner countries, at their request.
