Fri Jan 03 07:09:01 UTC 2025: ## Ivory Coast Cuts Military Ties with France, Accelerating Exodus of French Troops from Africa
**ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST** – Ivory Coast has become the latest African nation to sever military ties with France, marking a significant blow to France’s influence on the continent. President Alassane Ouattara announced on Tuesday that French troops will withdraw from the country by January 2025, citing the effectiveness of the modernized Ivorian army. This decision follows similar moves by Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Senegal in recent months, highlighting a growing wave of anti-French sentiment across the region.
While President Ouattara offered no further explanation for the withdrawal, analysts suggest the move is driven by a confluence of factors. These include rising popular resentment towards France’s historical role in the country, the upcoming Ivorian general elections in October, and a broader shift in African nations seeking alternative military partnerships. Despite President Ouattara’s traditionally close relationship with France, his government has faced criticism for maintaining strong ties with the former colonial power amid growing anti-French sentiment.
The departure of French troops from Ivory Coast, where they have been stationed for decades assisting in counterterrorism efforts and UN peacekeeping missions, signals a major strategic shift for France. This latest development is part of a wider trend forcing France to reassess its military strategy in Africa, moving towards temporary deployments and increased focus on training local forces.
The expulsion of French troops is part of a larger narrative of shifting alliances in Africa. Several countries that have severed ties with France have turned to Russia for military support, deploying Russian mercenaries to combat armed groups. The continued instability and violence in the Sahel region, despite the substantial French military presence, has fueled resentment towards France’s perceived inability to effectively address security challenges.
France’s influence in Africa is undeniably waning. While it maintains a significant military presence in Djibouti, its footprint in West and Central Africa is shrinking rapidly. The continued cooperation with Gabon, which also experienced a recent coup, stands out as an exception, possibly due to specific political considerations regarding the ousted Bongo regime. The exodus of French forces signals the end of an era of close military collaboration, leaving France to adapt to a changing geopolitical landscape in Africa.
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