In a key shift towards military autonomy, Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara confirmed the departure of French forces, reflecting the modernization of national armed forces and growing sentiments for independence in the region.
French Troops to Withdraw from Ivory Coast: A New Era of Sovereignty
French Troops to Withdraw from Ivory Coast: A New Era of Sovereignty
Ivory Coast announces the withdrawal of French troops, marking a significant reduction of colonial military influence in West Africa.
Ivory Coast has officially declared the withdrawal of French military personnel, a move seen as a step towards asserting greater sovereignty in the country. President Alassane Ouattara, during an address, emphasized that this decision aligns with the modernization goals of the Ivorian armed forces. This development follows Senegal's recent announcement to end French military presence on its territory by 2025, further signaling a trend of declining French influence in West Africa.
Currently, approximately 600 French troops are stationed in Ivory Coast, which hosts the largest contingent of French soldiers in the region. France’s military cooperation has diminished in light of rising anti-French sentiment amid the political upheaval in neighboring countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where France has already withdrawn its troops.
Senegalese President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye, who vowed to further national sovereignty during his election campaign, also reiterated plans to eliminate all foreign military presences in his country by 2025, instructing the armed forces to draft a new defense cooperation strategy that prioritizes national interests.
Despite its historical ties to France, where colonial rule ended in the 1960s, Ivory Coast remains a significant player in the global cocoa market and boasts a relatively stable economy compared to other nations in the region. Following a divided past marked by civil war and violence, the country aspires to navigate towards a more independent future while maintaining its economic strengths.
As regional dynamics shift, France retains a minimal military presence in Gabon, suggesting a potential recalibration of its military strategies across West Africa in response to this growing call for autonomy.
