Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara announced in his end-of-year address that French forces will withdraw from the country by January 2025, marking a significant shift in the nation’s security partnerships.
Ouattara emphasized the modernization of the Ivorian army as the context for this decision, stating that the 43rd BIMA marine infantry battalion at Port-Bouet in Abidjan, where French troops are currently stationed, will be handed over to Ivory Coast’s armed forces.
This move aligns with a broader trend of decreasing French military presence in West Africa, following similar withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and Chad.
While Ivory Coast remains an important ally of France, this decision reflects a growing assertion of sovereignty and a desire for greater autonomy in security matters.
Approximately 1,000 French soldiers were deployed in Ivory Coast, primarily to assist in counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region and parts of the Gulf of Guinea.
Ouattara also addressed the upcoming presidential election in October 2025, promising a peaceful, transparent, and democratic process.
While Ouattara has been in office since 2010, he has not yet confirmed whether he will seek a fourth term.
