France will officially hand over its only military base in Côte d’Ivoire this Thursday in a ceremony attended by French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu. The Port-Bouet military camp, located near Abidjan, the former capital, will be renamed after Thomas d’Aquin Ouattara, the first chief of staff of the Ivorian army. This move highlights Côte d’Ivoire’s growing sovereignty and reflects broader changes in France’s military role across Africa.
Despite the transfer, Côte d’Ivoire plans to maintain military ties with France. Ivorian Defense Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara confirmed on Tuesday that the two countries have agreed to a “new partnership.” Speaking to French broadcaster RFI, Ouattara said, “Military cooperation with France continues; there is no break in relations.” He explained that the decision aligns with France’s efforts to “restructure its presence in Africa.”
The handover comes as France’s military influence in Africa continues to shrink. Since the end of colonial rule, France has withdrawn troops from over 70% of African nations where it once had a presence. Last month, Côte d’Ivoire, a former French colony, announced the departure of French troops after decades of military engagement. This decision is part of a growing trend among African nations to reassess their relationships with former colonial powers.
In recent years, countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad have pushed out French forces, seeking greater independence and new partnerships. Many have turned to regional alliances or collaborations with other global powers.
Currently, France maintains a military presence in only two African countries: Djibouti and Gabon. Both nations have kept their agreements with France intact, with no immediate plans for change. Djibouti, in particular, remains a key strategic location for France, hosting its largest military base in Africa alongside bases from the United States and China.
The transfer of the Port-Bouet base underscores a significant shift in Africa’s geopolitical landscape. As African nations assert their independence and redefine ties with former colonial powers, France’s role on the continent is evolving. While military cooperation continues in some areas, the era of widespread French military presence in Africa is coming to an end, signaling a new chapter in Franco-African relations.