Ivory Coast Ends French Military Presence as African Pushback Grows

The decision reflects growing regional calls for sovereignty and marks another step in France's declining influence in Africa.

Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara announced the withdrawal of French troops, citing the modernization and effectiveness of the Ivorian military.
The 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion in Abidjan, with about 600 French soldiers, will be handed over to Ivorian forces starting January 2025.
Ivory Coast joins six other African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, in severing military ties with France since 2021.
France has faced increasing anti-colonial sentiment across West and Central Africa, with some countries turning to alternative allies like Russia and the Wagner Group.
In response, France is shifting its military strategy in Africa to focus on temporary deployments and training partnerships, maintaining limited troop presence in Djibouti and Gabon.