Ivory Coast Signals End of French Military Presence

Ivory Coast has announced the withdrawal of French troops by January 2025, marking the end of a decades-long military presence. This move follows a trend in West Africa where nations are distancing themselves from France, with several countries seeking to end French military ties.

Ivory Coast has decided to end the presence of French troops, marking the culmination of a longstanding military relationship. President Alassane Ouattara announced the orderly withdrawal would commence in 2025, in alignment with a broader regional shift away from French military ties.

This decision echoes the sentiment across West African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have similarly demanded a cessation of French military involvement. Consequently, France has been forced out of over 70% of its former African military bases since its colonial rule ended.

These shifts occur amid France's strategic adjustments to reduce its African troop footprint, as its influence wanes. Meanwhile, affected countries are shifting alliances, notably towards Russia, despite deteriorating security conditions marked by rising extremist attacks.

(With inputs from agencies.)