In a significant development reflecting Côte d’Ivoire’s growing self-reliance in defense, President Alassane Ouattara announced the departure of French forces stationed at the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion (MAB) in Port-Bouët, Abidjan. The transition will take place in January, with the base being handed over to the Ivorian armed forces.
"We can be proud of our army, whose modernization is now effective," President Ouattara stated during his New Year's address on Tuesday evening. "It is within this framework that we have decided on the planned and coordinated withdrawal of French forces from Côte d'Ivoire."
The military facility will be renamed in honor of General Ouattara Thomas d'Aquin, Côte d’Ivoire’s first chief of staff, underscoring the nation’s commitment to its military heritage. The French contingent at the base, consisting of approximately 1,000 soldiers, has been a symbol of Franco-Ivorian military cooperation.
This move aligns with a broader trend across West Africa, as France faces a series of withdrawals from former colonies. In recent years, French troops have exited Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Additionally, Senegal and Chad announced the departure of French forces in December 2024.
The withdrawal of the French military marks a pivotal moment for Côte d’Ivoire, signaling a new era of national defense independence amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region.
