Ivory Coast Announces Withdrawal of French Troops Amidst Changing Military Landscape

As tensions rise regarding foreign military presence in West Africa, Ivory Coast confirms the withdrawal of French troops, marking a significant shift in its defense strategy and relationship with former colonial powers.

In a significant shift towards military independence, Ivory Coast has announced the withdrawal of French troops from its territory in an effort to modernize its armed forces. This declaration came during President Alassane Ouattara’s end-of-year address, emphasizing a strategic move away from the historical military influence of France, which once dominated the region.

The decision follows similar actions taken by neighboring Senegal, which stated that all foreign military personnel would be required to leave by the close of 2025 as part of a redefined defense doctrine aimed at enhancing national sovereignty. Currently, around 600 French military personnel are stationed in Ivory Coast, making it home to the largest contingent of French troops in West Africa.

The relationship between France and West African nations has been strained recently, compounded by the withdrawal of French forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger amid rising anti-French sentiment due to military coups and accusations of neo-colonialism. In November, Chad, a crucial ally in combatting Islamic militancy, also ended its defense cooperation agreement with France.

President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye of Senegal, who assumed leadership earlier this year, echoed calls for increased sovereignty, appointing a minister to devise a new security strategy that excludes foreign military influences in Senegal by 2025. However, France intends to maintain a minor military presence in Gabon, reflecting ongoing complexities in its relations in the region.

Historically, despite experiencing prolonged periods of civil strife post-independence in the early 2000s, Ivory Coast has been regarded as a resilient economy within West Africa, remaining the top global exporter of cocoa beans. As the nation strives to stabilize and modernize its military framework, the dynamics surrounding foreign military presence will be crucial to its future stability and growth.