Ivory Coast Reclaims French Military Base in Symbolic Transition

The handover of the Port-Bouët base signals a shift in Franco-African military relations, with a focus on training and collaboration.

Ivory Coast officially took control of the Port-Bouët military base from France in a ceremony attended by both nations' defense ministers.
The base, now renamed after General Thomas-d'Aquin-Ouattara, marks the end of decades-long French military presence at the site.
Approximately 80 French soldiers will remain in Ivory Coast to provide training and support under new military cooperation agreements.
The transfer reflects broader regional trends, with several West African nations reducing or ending French military presence in favor of asserting sovereignty.
The French government is recalibrating its military strategy in Africa, focusing on training, intelligence, and counterterrorism partnerships.