The government of Ivory Coast announced on Tuesday its decision to begin the withdrawal of French troops from its territory, signaling the end of a military presence that has lasted decades. The move underscores a broader shift across West Africa, where countries are reevaluating their military and political ties with their former colonial power, France.
President Alassane Ouattara stated that the withdrawal process would commence in January. “We have decided on a coordinated and organized withdrawal of French forces from Ivory Coast,” he said during an address. The military infantry battalion in Port Bouet, currently operated by French forces near the economic capital Abidjan, will be handed over to Ivorian troops as part of the transition. France, which has maintained up to 600 soldiers in the country, will formally end its presence after decades of close military cooperation.
A Regional Realignment
Ivory Coast’s decision aligns with similar actions taken by other West African nations. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — all of which experienced recent military coups — have expelled French troops, citing sovereignty concerns and dissatisfaction with France’s counterterrorism strategies in the region. Senegal and Chad, once considered pillars of France’s military presence in Africa, have also requested troop withdrawals.
Chad, long regarded as France’s most loyal partner in Africa, reflects a significant shift in Paris’s influence on the continent. Analysts describe these developments as part of a structural transformation, with West African nations seeking greater autonomy in their security and foreign relations.
France’s Waning Influence
The withdrawal of troops from Ivory Coast adds to the list of countries reducing their military cooperation with France. Over the past decade, France has been expelled from more than 70% of the African nations where it once maintained a military presence. Efforts to revive its influence through a new strategy — including reducing its permanent troop footprint and increasing partnerships with local forces — have yielded limited success.
As of now, French troops are stationed in only two African countries: Djibouti, with 1,500 soldiers, and Gabon, where 350 troops remain.
Growing Russian Influence
In the vacuum left by France, Russia has expanded its influence, particularly through the deployment of Wagner Group mercenaries in countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These forces have faced accusations of human rights abuses, further complicating the fragile security situation in the Sahel.
While Moscow’s presence has been welcomed by some regional leaders, the security landscape has deteriorated. Armed groups have increased their attacks, leading to a rise in civilian casualties. Governments, too, have been accused of heavy-handed tactics, exacerbating tensions in areas already grappling with extremist violence.
A Turning Point for West Africa
Ivory Coast’s decision to end French military operations marks a significant moment in West Africa’s geopolitical evolution. The region is not only redefining its relationship with France but also navigating new alliances and facing mounting security challenges.
As countries in the Sahel and beyond attempt to regain control over their territories and combat insurgencies, the role of international powers, from France to Russia, continues to shape the region’s future. For Ivory Coast and its neighbors, these shifts may pave the way for a new era of sovereignty — though the path forward remains fraught with uncertainty.