Ivory Coast says French troops to leave West African nation

Ivory Coast to end French troop presence, reflecting its military modernization. Senegal follows suit, signalling a shift in West Africa's defense alliances.

Ivory Coast has announced the withdrawal of French troops, marking a shift in the country's defense strategy, according to BBC.

President Alassane Ouattara stated this reflects the modernization of the Ivorian armed forces. The French military base at Port Bouét will be handed over to local troops.

Similarly, Senegal plans to end all foreign military presence by 2025, as confirmed by President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye, who campaigned on enhancing sovereignty. France’s military presence in West Africa has been shrinking, with troops already pulled out of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger due to anti-French sentiment and military coups. A limited presence will remain in Gabon and Djibouti.

France's declining influence in Africa is evident as nations like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso strengthen ties with Russia. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, known for cocoa exports and relative economic stability, continues to rebuild after years of conflict.