Ivory Coast Declares Withdrawal of French Troops in a Shift Towards Military Sovereignty

In a strategic move towards military independence, Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara has confirmed the withdrawal of French troops stationed in the country, signaling an end to colonial-era military ties as neighboring Senegal follows suit with a similar resolution.

Following a significant reduction of French military presence in West Africa, Ivory Coast has officially announced the withdrawal of the remaining French troops in the nation. This decision indicates a pivotal shift towards strengthening the country's own armed forces, as articulated by President Alassane Ouattara during his recent end-of-year address. The move is perceived as a testament to Ivory Coast's commitment to modernizing its military and asserting its sovereignty.

Currently, there are approximately 600 French military personnel stationed in Ivory Coast, which hosts the largest contingent of French troops in the West African region. Meanwhile, Senegal has also voiced similar intentions, confirming that all French military bases on its territory would close by the end of 2025.

This development follows a broader trend in West Africa, where France has faced increased anti-French sentiment and has pulled its troops from other countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following political upheaval. Additionally, Chad terminated its defense cooperation agreement with France last month, further reflecting the shifting dynamics of military partnerships in the region.

Senegalese President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye underscored the imperative for a new defense cooperation doctrine aimed at restoring national sovereignty, highlighting a growing determination among West African nations to minimize foreign military influences.

Despite past stability and economic prosperity, marked by its status as the world's leading exporter of cocoa, the nation has experienced waves of civil unrest since the armed rebellion in 2002. The withdrawal of French troops may not only reshape the military landscape but could also have significant implications for the region's geopolitical balance as countries grapple with their legacies of colonialism and strive for greater autonomy in defense strategies.