France’s Military Presence in Africa: Ivory Coast Takes Control of French Base

By Godfred Zina

France’s military presence in Africa is continuing its decline, as Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) becomes the latest nation to regain control of a French military base. The Port-Bouët military base in Abidjan, once a hub for French troops, has now been officially handed over to Ivorian authorities, marking a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape amid growing anti-Western sentiment.

Transfer of Control to Ivory Coast

On December 30, 2024, Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara announced that France would transfer control of its Abidjan base to the Ivorian army, signaling a major step in the country’s assertion of sovereignty over its security matters. Approximately 1,000 French soldiers had been stationed at Port-Bouët, primarily to support counterterrorism efforts against jihadist groups that have plagued the West African region.

Gradual Withdrawal and Continued Cooperation

The withdrawal of French forces will be gradual throughout 2025, with around 80 soldiers remaining temporarily to provide training and logistical support. On February 20, both countries signed new military cooperation agreements, underlining their continued strong bilateral ties despite the shift in military presence.

A Broader Trend Across Africa

Ivory Coast is not alone in this trend; Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has also announced plans to close all foreign military bases in the country by 2025. France’s departure from its bases in Chad further emphasizes the broader withdrawal of French military influence from the Sahel region, a move that follows France’s exit from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in response to local demands.

The Future of France’s Role in Africa

So, what does this mean for France’s role in Africa? France’s influence on the continent has been steadily declining over the years.

French military personnel in Africa, which numbered 20,000 in 1970, were reduced to just 6,000 by 2022. Unlike some Sahelian nations, which have shifted their allegiances towards Russia, Ivory Coast has maintained a solid relationship with France.

However, France’s diminishing military presence signals the end of major French interventions in the region.

The Challenge of Security Sovereignty

With the closure of French bases, countries like Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast will now face the challenge of managing their own security. These nations must prove their ability to ensure stability and safeguard their sovereignty.

Rethinking France’s Engagement Strategy

In the absence of a French military presence, France will need to reevaluate its strategic approach to engagement with Africa, shifting its focus beyond military operations and towards more diplomatic, economic, and developmental cooperation.

A Shift Towards Greater Sovereignty

The evolving dynamics in African military cooperation highlight a clear trend towards greater sovereignty, with nations like Ivory Coast opting for a balance of military cooperation while asserting control over their security affairs. France’s exit from its African bases marks the end of an era, with African countries taking a more proactive role in shaping their own security futures.

Godfred Zina is a freelance journalist and an associate with DefSEC Analytics Africa – a consulting agency specializing in the provision of accurate data and assessments on security, politics, investment, trade, and other risks within Africa. He is based in Accra, Ghana.