President Ouattara announces coordinated withdrawal of French forces as national pride and military capability rise.
Ivory Coast to Withdraw French Troops Amid Growing Anti-Colonial Sentiment
Ivory Coast to Withdraw French Troops Amid Growing Anti-Colonial Sentiment
French military presence in Africa diminishes as Ivorians assert independence through modernization of their military.
Ivory Coast has confirmed that French military forces will withdraw from its territory, signaling a continued decline of French influence in West Africa. The announcement comes as the Ivorian armed forces declare their modernization complete, asserting that they can independently ensure national security.
In a televised address last night, President Alassane Ouattara stated that French troops would leave this month after completing a transfer of authority at a military camp located near the capital. This move aligns with recent actions taken by other nations in the region, including Chad and Senegal, which have also opted to reduce or eliminate foreign military presence.
Ouattara emphasized the transformation of the national army in his New Year’s message, expressing pride in its modernization. "It is in this context that we have decided on the coordinated and organized withdrawal of French forces from the Ivory Coast," he said.
France's military involvement in Africa is rapidly shrinking, with its remaining troops primarily stationed in Djibouti and Gabon, starkly contrasting the robust military presence it once maintained across the Sahel region amidst combat operations against extremist groups.
In recent years, growing resentment towards France has surfaced in its former colonies, where locals have criticized the nation for perceived neocolonialist behavior and patronizing attitudes. Military juntas in several countries that have experienced government upheaval have utilized these sentiments to galvanize public support against French influence.
As Ivory Coast takes this decisive step away from its colonial past, the broader implications for France's legacy in Africa remain to be seen.
In a televised address last night, President Alassane Ouattara stated that French troops would leave this month after completing a transfer of authority at a military camp located near the capital. This move aligns with recent actions taken by other nations in the region, including Chad and Senegal, which have also opted to reduce or eliminate foreign military presence.
Ouattara emphasized the transformation of the national army in his New Year’s message, expressing pride in its modernization. "It is in this context that we have decided on the coordinated and organized withdrawal of French forces from the Ivory Coast," he said.
France's military involvement in Africa is rapidly shrinking, with its remaining troops primarily stationed in Djibouti and Gabon, starkly contrasting the robust military presence it once maintained across the Sahel region amidst combat operations against extremist groups.
In recent years, growing resentment towards France has surfaced in its former colonies, where locals have criticized the nation for perceived neocolonialist behavior and patronizing attitudes. Military juntas in several countries that have experienced government upheaval have utilized these sentiments to galvanize public support against French influence.
As Ivory Coast takes this decisive step away from its colonial past, the broader implications for France's legacy in Africa remain to be seen.
