/
RSS Feed
Ivory Coast has officially assumed control of the Port-Bouët military base, marking the end of France’s military presence in the country. In a ceremony on Thursday, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu handed over the base to Ivorian authorities, symbolizing a significant shift in West Africa’s security dynamics.
This transition is part of a broader trend of West African nations reassessing their military relationships with France. In recent years, countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal, and Chad have also seen the withdrawal of French troops, reflecting a regional desire for greater autonomy over security matters.
Despite the withdrawal, France and Ivory Coast have reaffirmed their commitment to continued military cooperation. Approximately 80 French military personnel will remain in Ivory Coast to provide training and advisory support to the Ivorian armed forces.
Ivorian Defense Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara emphasized the enduring partnership between the two nations, stating that the handover signifies “a new era in the friendship and strategic collaboration between our two countries.”
The Port-Bouët base, located near the economic capital Abidjan, has been a strategic site for French military operations in West Africa. Its transfer to Ivorian control underscores the shifting geopolitical landscape and the evolving nature of France’s involvement in the region.
