According to media reports, France has officially withdrawn from its only military base in Ivory Coast, marking another step in the changing dynamics of its military presence in West Africa.
The decommissioning ceremony held on Thursday was attended by French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Ivory Coast officials. Despite the withdrawal, Ivory Coast will continue its military cooperation with France, as previously confirmed by Ivory Coast Defense Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara.
The Port-Bouet military camp, which previously hosted the 43rd BIMA marine infantry battalion, will be renamed in honor of Thomas d’Aquin Ouattara, the first chief of staff of the Ivory Coast army.
France’s Declining Military Influence in Africa
France’s military footprint in Africa has been shrinking in recent years, with several West African countries, including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Chad, moving to end military agreements with the former colonial power.
Despite these withdrawals, French forces remain in Djibouti and Gabon, where no immediate changes to military agreements have been signaled.