Ivory Coast Orders French Troops to Withdraw

Ivory Coast has announced the withdrawal of French troops, marking a significant shift in West African military dynamics as President Alassane Ouattara confirmed the organized pullout will begin in January 2025. This decision follows a trend among former French colonies in the region, with countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad also expelling French forces amid rising anti-colonial sentiment and security concerns. Ouattara emphasized the modernization of the Ivorian armed forces and the transfer of military control from French to Ivorian troops at the Port Bouet military base. France's diminishing military presence in West Africa has led to a vacuum that other powers, particularly Russia, are eager to fill, despite concerns about human rights abuses linked to the Wagner Group. The withdrawal reflects a broader reevaluation of foreign military presence, as nations seek to assert their sovereignty and explore new alliances. France is adjusting its strategy in response to these shifts, having already reduced its troops in several West African nations.