Ivory Coast has announced the withdrawal of French troops, signaling the end of a decades-long military presence. This decision aligns with a growing trend among African nations seeking to reduce France’s military footprint on the continent.
In his end-of-year address, President Alassane Ouattara confirmed that the withdrawal process would begin in January. “We have decided on the concerted and organized withdrawal of French forces from Ivory Coast,” he stated.
Over the past two years, France has faced similar requests from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, driven by military coups and increasing anti-French sentiment. Many of these nations have since turned to strengthening ties with China and Russia.
Recently, Senegal and Chad also requested French troops to leave, with Chad serving as a critical ally in France’s fight against Islamist militants and its last significant base in the Sahel region. French military presence in Africa is now limited to Djibouti and Gabon.
