Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has confirmed the withdrawal of French troops from the country by January 2025, marking another shift in France’s military presence in Africa.
In his end-of-year address, Ouattara declared that the French marine infantry battalion stationed in Port-Bouet, Abidjan, would be handed over to Ivory Coast’s armed forces. He emphasized the modernization of the country’s military as a key factor enabling this transition.
“We can be proud of our army, whose modernization is now effective. It is in this context that we have decided on the concerted and organized withdrawal of French forces,” Ouattara stated.
This development follows France’s ongoing reorganization of its military ties in Africa, amid rising anti-French sentiment and changes in leadership across the region. Over the past year, French troops have been expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Similarly, Senegal and Chad recently announced the withdrawal of French soldiers from their territories.
Despite these changes, Ivory Coast remains a significant ally of France, with French troops having assisted in combating jihadist activities across the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions.
Ouattara also promised a peaceful and transparent presidential election in October 2025, though he has not disclosed whether he will seek a fourth term in office.
