France withdraws troops from Côte d’Ivoire

France has begun withdrawing troops from Côte d’Ivoire, leaving its only base after decades of military presence in the country.

Le Monde reported on this.

On Thursday, February 20, France solemnly transferred to Côte d’Ivoire its only military base, Port Boué, located near the former capital, Abidjan. The military facility had long been the base of the French 43rd Marine Battalion.

The defense ministers of both countries signed a document confirming the facility’s return and held an official ceremony to raise the Ivorian flag on the base’s parade ground.

“This act marks a new era in the friendship and strategic cooperation between our two countries,” Ivorian Defense Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara pointed out.

His French counterpart, Sébastien Lecornu, noted that as “the world is changing… it is obvious that our military relations must change.” He emphasized that the move is part of France’s desire to “restructure its presence in Africa.”

Currently, the French military contingent numbers at least 600 soldiers. The withdrawal will take place gradually through 2025, but about 100 French soldiers are expected to remain for training and support missions.

The connection between the two armies dates back to 1961 when a military agreement was signed after Côte d’Ivoire’s independence, while the French presence in the country dates back to the colonial era.

French policy in Africa

The curtailment of military ties comes at a time when France is making efforts to revive its political and military influence on the continent. The country has developed a new military strategy to drastically reduce its permanent presence in Africa.

In recent years, French troops have left such African countries as Chad, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. France’s military presence still remains in Djibouti and Gabon.

At the same time, China continues its expansion on the continent, signing contracts to supply its equipment to African countries, particularly Côte d’Ivoire. A year ago, the country received a batch of 105-mm wheeled assault vehicles VN-22B manufactured by NORINCO.

In 2024, the United States also withdrew its troops from Niger, leaving only a small number of forces there to guard its embassy and perform administrative duties.