In a formal ceremony on February 20, 2025, France transferred control of its military base in Port-Bouët, near Abidjan, to the Ivorian authorities. The event was attended by French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and his Ivorian counterpart, Téné Birahima Ouattara. This handover signifies the conclusion of France’s military presence in Côte d’Ivoire, a relationship that has spanned several decades.
Despite the base transfer, approximately 80 French military personnel will remain in Côte d’Ivoire to provide training and advisory support to the Ivorian armed forces. Minister Lecornu emphasized that this move represents a transformation rather than a withdrawal of France’s presence in the region. He stated, “France is transforming its presence; France is not withdrawing.”
This development is part of a broader trend of France reevaluating its military engagements in West Africa. In recent years, French forces have departed from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following requests from those nations’ governments. Additionally, France has announced plans to withdraw its troops from Senegal by the end of 2025, further signaling a shift in its strategic posture on the continent.
The reconfiguration of France’s military footprint in West Africa occurs amid a backdrop of rising local opposition to foreign military presences and a desire among African nations to assert greater sovereignty over their security affairs. As France reduces its direct military involvement, it aims to continue supporting regional stability through partnerships, training programs, and strategic collaborations with African nations.
