France Hands Over Last Military Base in Ivory Coast

A Shift in Security Relations as France’s Military Presence Declines in the Region

France has officially withdrawn from its last military base in Ivory Coast, marking a historic shift in the country’s defence and security relations with its former colonial power. The handover ceremony at the Port-Bouet military camp near Abidjan was attended by French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Ivorian Defence Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara, symbolising the end of France’s direct military presence in the country.

Despite the withdrawal, Ivory Coast has confirmed that military cooperation with France will continue, with around 80 French soldiers remaining in the country to train and advise the Ivorian military.

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“The world is changing, and changing fast,” Ouattara stated. “It’s clear that our defence relationship also had to evolve and be based more on future prospects, in the face of the realities of threats and a complex security environment.”

End of an Era: France’s Military Departure from Ivory Coast

The Port-Bouet base, previously home to the 43rd BIMA Marine Infantry Battalion, has now been renamed in honour of Thomas d’Aquin Ouattara, Ivory Coast’s first Chief of Defence Staff. This renaming is a symbolic step in asserting national sovereignty over military affairs.

For decades, France’s military presence in Ivory Coast has played a key role in regional security operations, particularly in countering jihadist insurgencies. However, growing Pan-African sentiments advocating for self-determination have pushed many African nations to reassess their security alliances with France.

France’s Military Decline in West Africa

France has steadily lost its military foothold in Africa, with its troops expelled from multiple nations:

• Mali (2022): French forces withdrew following a military coup, and the junta turned to Russia’s Wagner Group for security.
• Burkina Faso (2023): Paris was ordered to withdraw troops as a military-led government took over.
• Niger (2023): The new junta cut military ties with France, forcing troops to leave.
• Chad (2024): Announced an end to France’s military presence.
• Senegal (2024): A shift in government policy signalled an end to French military ties.

With its troops expelled from more than 70% of African countries where it once had a military presence, France now retains a limited presence only in Djibouti (1,500 troops) and Gabon (350 troops).

West Africa’s New Security Landscape: The Russia Factor

The decline of French military influence in West Africa has been accompanied by the rise of Russian security partnerships, particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso, where the Wagner Group has established operations. These shifts reflect a broader reconfiguration of alliances, as some African nations seek alternatives to French military dependency.

However, analysts warn that security conditions have deteriorated in several Sahelian countries since turning away from France, with an increase in extremist attacks and civilian casualties.

“The Ivorian authorities know very well that there is growing support for sovereignty in the country, so the French military departure was necessary before it became a mainstream demand,” said Ivorian political analyst Geoffroy Kouao.

A New Military Strategy for France in Africa?

With growing anti-French sentiment across West Africa, France is working to reshape its military strategy on the continent. Lecornu acknowledged this shift, stating:

“The presence of France is changing, but not disappearing.”

He described the base handover as a “historic moment” for both nations, underscoring that France remains committed to training, intelligence-sharing, and counterterrorism efforts in West Africa.

What’s Next for Ivory Coast?

With France no longer operating a military base in the country, Ivory Coast is expected to:

🔹 Strengthen its independent military capabilities through enhanced training and modernisation.
🔹 Reassess regional security partnerships, particularly with ECOWAS and the G5 Sahel coalition.
🔹 Maintain diplomatic and economic ties with France, ensuring the withdrawal does not affect trade or investment.

Despite the withdrawal, Paris will remain a key partner in military training, intelligence-sharing, and counterterrorism operations in the region.

West Africa Reclaiming Sovereignty

France’s withdrawal from Ivory Coast is part of a broader movement in West Africa, where nations are reasserting control over their military and governance. While some countries are turning to Russia and China, others are seeking greater autonomy in defence affairs.

As the French military presence in Africa continues to shrink, the question remains:

🔹 Will West African nations successfully build their own security frameworks?
🔹 Can regional forces effectively counter terrorism without foreign military assistance?
🔹 How will the growing Russian influence reshape Africa’s geopolitical landscape?

One thing is certain: Africa’s security paradigm is evolving, and France’s withdrawal from Ivory Coast is a defining moment in this transformation.