Ivory Coast has officially requested the withdrawal of French troops, marking the latest move in a growing trend of African nations reducing their military ties with former colonial powers.
Related || 2025: Senegal to end Foreign Military presence
President Alassane Ouattara announced in an end-of-year address that the withdrawal will begin in January 2025. France currently has up to 600 troops stationed in Ivory Coast, and the French-run military infantry battalion at Port Bouet will be handed over to Ivorian troops as part of the transition.
This decision follows similar actions by other West African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and Chad, which have also asked for the withdrawal of French forces.
The move is seen as part of a broader structural transformation in the region’s engagement with Paris, reflecting shifting geopolitical dynamics and growing public discontent with France’s involvement.
Get instant and latest news updates via Our WhatsApp Community, X/Twitter or Google News online channel.
