Ivory Coast has declared that French troops will withdraw from the West African nation, reflecting a significant reduction in the military presence of the former colonial power.

In an end-of-year address, President Alassane Ouattara announced the decision to begin the withdrawal of approximately 600 French soldiers starting in January 2025. Ouattara emphasized the country's commitment to strengthening its military capabilities, stating, "We can be proud of our army, whose modernisation is now effective" (source: BBC). This comes after similar actions by neighboring countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have also expelled French forces amid growing anti-French sentiment.

The announcement positions Ivory Coast as the latest among several West African nations opting to sever military ties with France. President Ouattara noted that the French military contingent based at Port Bouët will be handed over to Ivorian troops as part of the organized withdrawal (source: AP News). This formal transition reflects a broader trend of decreasing military partnerships in the region, as sentiments against French presence continue to rise.

France's military presence in West Africa has diminished significantly in recent years, with recent withdrawals from countries such as Chad and Senegal, further contributing to the region's shifting geopolitical landscape (source: Reuters). Analysts suggest that the growing trend of expelling French troops is part of a larger structural transformation in the region, wherein local governments are seeking to reassert their sovereignty and reduce foreign military influence.

As anti-colonial and nationalist sentiments intensify, military leaders in affected countries, like Niger and Mali, have begun reaching out to Russia for potential military support, marking a significant shift in alliances (source: Al Jazeera). The developments suggest a fundamental change in how African nations engage with former colonial powers, reflecting a desire for greater independence in military affairs.