Ivory Coast has announced that French troops will leave the country by January 2025, ending a decades-long military presence.
President Alassane Ouattara confirmed the decision during an end-of-year address, citing the modernization of Ivory Coast’s armed forces as the reason for the withdrawal.
Around 600 French soldiers are currently stationed in Ivory Coast, making it France’s largest remaining military contingent in West Africa. The decision aligns with similar moves by other West African nations, including Senegal, which plans to close French bases by 2025, and Chad, which ended its defense agreement with France in November.
According to Ouattara, the military infantry battalion at Port Bouét, currently operated by the French army, would be transferred to Ivorian forces.
A former French colony, Ivory Coast has historically maintained close ties with France. Its decision reflects a larger regional trend of reducing ties with France. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have already expelled French troops, with some nations moving closer to Russia for military support.
