French Troops' Departure from Ivory Coast Marks New Chapter in Africa's Independence Movement

French Troops' Departure from Ivory Coast Marks New Chapter in Africa's Independence Movement

Ivory Coast, once a French colony, has become the sixth African country to decide to end the presence of French troops on its soil. In a declaration by President Alassane Ouattara, starting from January 2025, the French military base in the country's economic capital, Abidjan, which houses the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion (BIMA), will be handed over to the Ivorian army.

This move follows the example of other African nations that have taken a stance against French military presence. Countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Senegal, and now Ivory Coast have gradually expelled French forces from their lands. These actions are significant in addressing internal grievances against French troops and promoting greater respect for national sovereignty.

President Ouattara stated that the Ivorian military is now sufficiently capable and, after modernization, no longer requires French military support. He added, "We are proud of our military's capabilities, which have now been successfully modernized."

Behind this decision lies growing public frustration with French influence in Ivory Coast and a broader protest against the long-standing presence of French troops in Africa.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron had previously met with the President of Ivory Coast, which helped deepen relations between the two countries. However, political analysts believe that Ouattara's decision could be influenced by the rising instability in the country and increasing anti-French sentiment as the upcoming elections approach.

This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the decline of French influence in Africa, where countries are increasingly seeking to make independent decisions and move away from the legacy of colonial powers.