ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — In a move emblematic of shifting dynamics between Africa and its former colonial powers, the Ivory Coast has announced the withdrawal of French troops stationed in the country for decades. The process is set to begin this month, with the French Marines Infantry Battalion (BIMA) base in Port-Bouët being handed over to Ivorian forces by early 2025.
The announcement, made by President Alassane Ouattara on Wednesday, signals a significant turning point in the military relationship between Ivory Coast and France. “It is within this framework that we have decided on the withdrawal of French forces in Ivory Coast,” Ouattara said in a statement. The decision aligns with a broader trend sweeping across West Africa, as countries redefine their ties with former colonial powers.
At its height, the French military presence in Ivory Coast reached up to 600 troops, reflecting a long-standing partnership that dates back to the post-independence era. France has often positioned itself as a critical security ally in the region, particularly during periods of political instability and threats from Islamist insurgencies.
Growing Anti-French Sentiment
The decision to scale back French military cooperation comes amid a rising tide of anti-French sentiment in Africa, particularly in the Sahel and West African regions. Over the past several years, countries including Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have called for the removal of French troops, signaling dissatisfaction with the perceived neo-colonial dynamics of these military arrangements.
In Ivory Coast, France’s military presence was once viewed as a stabilizing force, particularly during the country’s 2010–2011 post-election crisis. However, as Ivory Coast solidifies its political stability and economic growth, there has been a growing call for greater national autonomy over security matters.
For France, this development is part of a broader challenge to its historical influence in Africa. Once considered the preeminent power in Francophone Africa, France has faced mounting resistance to its military, political, and economic presence. Analysts suggest that these withdrawals reflect a larger structural transformation as African nations seek to assert their sovereignty and forge new paths in global geopolitics.
A New Geopolitical Landscape
The withdrawal of French forces from Ivory Coast is the latest in a series of moves that signal a waning French military footprint on the continent. These shifts have created openings for other global powers, including China and Russia, which have steadily increased their influence in Africa through economic investments, military partnerships, and political alliances.
Russia, in particular, has sought to expand its role through private military companies such as Wagner Group, which has become active in several African nations. Meanwhile, China continues to solidify its position as a key economic partner through its Belt and Road Initiative, financing infrastructure projects across the continent.
For Ivory Coast, the transition represents both an opportunity and a challenge. While the country seeks to bolster its own military capacity, it must also navigate a complex regional security environment that includes the threat of extremist violence from the Sahel.
Looking Ahead
The withdrawal of French troops from the BIMA base in Port-Bouët marks a significant moment in the evolution of Africa’s relationship with France. For Ivory Coast, it represents a step toward greater control over its security apparatus. For France, it underscores the difficulty of maintaining influence in a region where the balance of power is rapidly shifting.
As this new chapter unfolds, the implications for both African nations and the broader geopolitical landscape will continue to develop. With global powers vying for influence, and African countries increasingly asserting their sovereignty, the continent’s future promises to be defined by its own terms.