Ivory Coast Joins Exodus of Nations Expelling French Military

January 1, 2025 Hour: 3:20 pm

In a significant move signaling the growing rejection of Western military presence in the region, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has announced the “concerted and organized withdrawal” of French troops from Ivory Coast, beginning this January.

Related:

French Military Base Handed Over to Chadian Army Amid Shifting Defense Relations

This decision marks the latest in a series of departures of French forces from former colonies across West Africa, including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal, reflecting a widespread desire for true sovereignty and the end of neo-colonial ties

.In a televised address to the nation marking the New Year, President Ouattara stated that the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion (BIMA) military camp in Port-Bouët, a symbol of France’s long-standing military footprint in the country, would be handed over to the Ivorian Armed Forces this month.

The camp, he announced, will be renamed in honor of General Thomas D’Aquin Ouattara, a distinguished Ivorian military leader, underscoring the nation’s intent to reclaim its defense infrastructure.

“We have decided on the concerted and organized withdrawal of French forces in Ivory Coast,” President Ouattara declared, emphasizing Ivory Coast’s readiness to take full responsibility for its national security.

“Ivory Coast is prepared to fully assume the management of its national security. We are proud of the path and the progress made by our armed forces.

“This decision comes amidst a wave of similar actions across West Africa, with nations like Senegal, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali all having either expelled or announced the withdrawal of French troops from their territories.

These developments point to a profound shift in the relationship between France and its former colonies, which have long chafed under the weight of military and economic domination.

The French military presence in Ivory Coast, dating back to the nation’s independence, had been justified by Paris as necessary for regional stability.

However, critics have long viewed these deployments as a tool to maintain French influence and protect economic interests in the region, hindering the development of truly independent security structures.

The withdrawal comes at a moment of increased regional consciousness of the lingering effects of colonialism and a rising demand for genuine self-determination.

The move is not merely a logistical shift; it is a political statement about the aspirations of African nations to forge their own destinies free from foreign interference.

The decision by Ivory Coast and other nations represents a significant step toward dismantling the legacy of colonialism and neo-colonialism that has hampered the continent for so long. It highlights the resilience and determination of these countries to build a future based on genuine sovereignty and pan-African solidarity.

As Ivory Coast now reclaims its military facilities, it sends a clear signal that the era of foreign military bases is coming to an end, with a new era of self-reliance and regional cooperation slowly emerging across Africa.