International
France to withdraw troops from Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast’s President, Alassane Ouattara, on Wednesday announced the imminent withdrawal of French troops from the West African nation, marking a significant shift in the country’s defense strategy.
In a televised New Year address, Ouattara said: “We have decided on a coordinated and organised withdrawal of French troops.”
The withdrawal process is set to begin in January as Ivory Coast moved to modernise its own military forces.
The French naval infantry battalion stationed in Port Bouet will hand over its facilities to the Ivorian army as part of this transition.
Currently, around 600 French soldiers are stationed in Ivory Coast.
Their departure signifies the continuation of a trend seen across West Africa, where nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have also requested the withdrawal of French troops in recent years.
France has historically maintained a military presence in the region since the end of its colonial rule, playing a prominent role in countering Islamist insurgencies.
However, this presence has faced growing resistance from local governments and populations.
Once the French troops leave Ivory Coast, France’s remaining military bases in Africa will be limited to Gabon in Central Africa and Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.
President Ouattara stressed that the move aligns with his government’s broader efforts to strengthen Ivory Coast’s sovereignty and enhance the capabilities of its national army.
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