Côte d’Ivoire has announced the withdrawal of French military forces, signaling a shift in its defense strategy and a reduction of ties with its former colonial ruler. President Alassane Ouattara stated in his end-of-year speech that the withdrawal process would begin in January 2025 as part of efforts to modernize the nation’s armed forces. The military base at Port Bouét, currently operated by French troops, will transition to Ivorian control.

This decision aligns with a broader trend across West Africa, where several nations have been re-evaluating their military relationships with France. The region has seen a noticeable decline in France’s influence, reflecting structural shifts in how African countries engage with their former colonizer. Notable examples include Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and Chad, where governments have reduced or entirely severed military ties with Paris.

As of the announcement, approximately 600 French personnel were stationed in Côte d’Ivoire, part of a decades-long military presence in the country. However, France’s footprint across the continent has diminished significantly, with over 70% of the African nations where it once maintained troops now opting for alternative security partnerships. French forces remain stationed in Djibouti and Gabon, numbering 1,500 and 350 soldiers, respectively.

The trend of expelling French forces has often coincided with strengthened relationships between African nations and other global powers, particularly Russia. Countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have embraced Russian support, including the deployment of private military groups. These groups, however, have faced accusations of human rights violations against civilians in the Sahel region.

While these transitions have marked a shift in regional geopolitics, they have also coincided with worsening security conditions. Extremist violence has surged, leading to a rise in civilian casualties caused by both armed groups and governmental responses. These developments underscore the complexity of balancing sovereignty, international partnerships, and domestic security needs in West Africa.

Côte d’Ivoire’s move reflects a decisive effort to reshape its military strategy, setting a precedent for further transformations in the region’s approach to defense and foreign influence.