Ivory Coast orders withdrawal of French troops amid growing anti-French sentiment

Ivory Coast has become the latest African country to order the withdrawal of French troops, signaling another blow to France’s military presence on the continent. President Alassane Ouattara announced during his end-of-year address that the 43rd BIMA Marine Infantry Battalion, based in Abidjan, will be handed over to Ivorian forces starting in January 2025.

The decision follows a wave of expulsions of French forces from West and Central Africa, including Senegal, Chad, Mali, and Burkina Faso, as anti-French sentiment grows across the region.

Why it matters

France’s military footprint in Africa has significantly diminished over the past decade. Once a dominant force across the Sahel and beyond, France is now losing influence to rising nationalist movements and alternative security partners like Russia.

Ivory Coast’s decision highlights a broader trend of African nations seeking to assert their sovereignty while reducing reliance on former colonial powers.

Details

• Troop withdrawal: The 43rd BIMA Marine Infantry Battalion, home to about 1,000 French troops, has played a critical role in regional counterterrorism operations.
• Shift in military strategy: French forces have assisted in counterterrorism missions against jihadist groups operating in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea. However, President Ouattara cited the “modernization” of the Ivorian army as the reason for their departure.
• Timeline: The withdrawal will begin in January 2025, giving the Ivorian army ample time to assume full control of the base in Port-Bouet, Abidjan.

Zoom in

• Domestic factors: With the presidential election slated for October 2025, analysts believe Ouattara’s decision may be partially motivated by political calculations. The president has not yet announced whether he will seek a fourth term, but anti-French sentiment is a growing theme in Ivorian politics.
• Unexpected announcement: Ouattara, long considered one of France’s closest allies in Africa, surprised many with this move. His administration has faced criticism for maintaining ties with Paris amid growing public resentment.

Zoom out

• Regional trend: Ivory Coast’s decision mirrors similar actions in Senegal and Chad, which announced French troop expulsions within hours of each other in late 2024. Mali and Burkina Faso had already severed military ties with France in 2021, and Niger followed suit in 2023.
• France’s response: Paris is pivoting to a new military strategy in Africa, emphasizing temporary deployments and training local forces rather than maintaining permanent bases.

Bigger picture

1. Geopolitical shifts: France’s diminishing presence opens the door for other global powers. Countries like Mali and Burkina Faso have turned to Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group for security assistance, raising concerns in Western capitals.
2. Economic influence: Beyond military ties, France’s economic and trade influence is also waning, with African nations exploring partnerships with China, BRICS, and other emerging powers.
3. African sovereignty: The move reflects a broader demand for sovereignty in African politics, with governments prioritizing domestic control over security and resources.

What’s next after withdrawal of French troops

• Despite the withdrawal, military cooperation between France and Ivory Coast is expected to continue through training programs and exchanges.
• As anti-French sentiment continues to spread, France may need to redefine its role in Africa entirely to maintain relevance in the region.