Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara announced on Tuesday that French forces would be withdrawing from the country, marking a significant step in the former colonial power’s military pullback from West Africa.
This move reflects the evolving dynamics between France and its former colonies in the region, as many countries seek greater autonomy in their security affairs.
In his end-of-year address to the nation, Ouattara emphasized the growing strength of the Ivorian military, highlighting the country’s efforts to modernize its armed forces.
He stated that Ivorians should take pride in the development of their own military capabilities, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring national security independently.
Ouattara confirmed that the withdrawal of French troops would be “coordinated and organized,” signaling a clear shift towards more self-reliant defense strategies.
The decision comes amid a broader reassessment of France’s military presence in West and Central Africa.
For several years, France has been facing increasing scrutiny and criticism of its ongoing military operations in the region, particularly following a series of military coups and growing anti-French sentiment among local populations.
According to sources, France plans to reduce its troop numbers in the region from around 2,200 to 600, a move that has already seen its forces pull out of countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where French troops had been stationed as part of counterterrorism efforts.
In addition to these changes, Chad, a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants in the Sahel region, ended its defense cooperation agreement with France in November, further signaling a shift in the region’s relations with its former colonial power.
This decision by Chad, combined with other regional developments, reflects a growing trend of African nations asserting greater control over their security affairs and seeking to diversify their military partnerships.
These shifts come as the security situation in the Sahel and surrounding regions remains precarious, with militant groups continuing to threaten stability.
Despite the withdrawal of French forces, France has expressed its ongoing commitment to supporting regional security through other means, including increased diplomatic efforts and collaboration with local governments.
However, the evolving relationships in West Africa are reshaping the geopolitical landscape and challenging France’s historical influence in the region.
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