By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
In a significant development for West Africa's geopolitical landscape, Ivory Coast has announced the withdrawal of French troops from its territory, marking another step in the diminishing military presence of the former colonial power in the region. President Alassane Ouattara revealed the decision during his end-of-year address, framing it as part of the modernization of the Ivorian armed forces.
This move comes amid a broader trend of West African nations recalibrating their defense strategies and reasserting sovereignty over their military affairs. Ivory Coast currently hosts the largest contingent of French forces in the region, with approximately 600 troops stationed there, while neighboring Senegal houses about 350 French personnel. Following this announcement, the military infantry battalion at Port Bouét, currently operated by French forces, will be transitioned to Ivorian control.
The announcement aligns with a wave of anti-French sentiment across the Sahel region, where France has faced growing resistance to its military footprint. In recent years, French troops have been expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following political upheavals and rising criticism of France's influence in Africa. Similarly, Senegal declared last month that all French military bases would close by 2025, as President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye seeks to establish greater sovereignty and reduce foreign dependency.
The withdrawal of French forces has sparked significant geopolitical shifts. In countries such as Mali and Burkina Faso, military leaders have turned to Russia for support, deploying mercenaries to combat insurgencies. This pivot reflects a broader reorientation of alliances in the region, with countries exploring alternatives to traditional Western partnerships. France, meanwhile, has reduced its permanent military presence on the continent to fewer than 2,000 troops, retaining a small foothold in Gabon and Djibouti.
For Ivory Coast, the move underscores a commitment to strengthening its domestic defense capabilities. Known for decades as a beacon of stability in West Africa, the nation has faced challenges since an armed rebellion in 2002 split the country and triggered years of intermittent violence. While peace has largely returned, the scars of the conflict remain, necessitating robust and self-reliant military forces to ensure lasting stability.
Despite its tumultuous history, Ivory Coast boasts the world’s largest cocoa bean exports and enjoys a relatively high income level compared to its regional counterparts. The country’s economic resilience has enabled it to navigate periods of unrest and emerge as a key player in West Africa. By taking control of its military infrastructure, Ivory Coast is poised to reinforce its sovereignty and strengthen its position as a leader in the region.
France’s gradual retreat from Africa represents a shift in its long-standing policy of maintaining strong military ties with its former colonies. As countries like Ivory Coast and Senegal assert greater autonomy, the region is entering a new phase of redefined partnerships and evolving geopolitical alignments. The departure of French troops from Ivory Coast signals not only a milestone in the country’s history but also a transformative moment for the broader West African landscape.
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