France has handed over control of a military base in Ivory Coast’s commercial capital, Abidjan, while retaining 80 military personnel for training. The move is part of a broader reduction of French forces in West and Central Africa.
French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that France would maintain a small military presence in Ivory Coast despite ceding control of the base. He reassured that France was "not disappearing," stating that the remaining troops would form a joint detachment, with their numbers reassessed based on training needs.
French troops have been stationed in Ivory Coast for decades, supporting President Alassane Ouattara’s rise to power in 2011 after post-election violence. However, Ouattara confirmed in December that French forces would withdraw.
The base handover comes amid a broader shift in France’s military strategy in Africa. In November, sources indicated that France was considering reducing its regional presence to 600 troops from around 2,200. The withdrawal follows the exit of French forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger after military coups and growing anti-French sentiment.
France also began withdrawing from Chad in December after N'Djamena ended its defence cooperation pact, further reshaping France’s role in Africa’s security landscape
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 22nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Australia has accused China of failing to provide sufficient notice ahead of a live-fire naval drill between Australia and New Zealand, forcing airlines to alter flight paths. Defence Minister Richard Marles described the lack of communication as “disconcerting” for commercial aviation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenyan President William Ruto have called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid escalating violence. Their appeal follows the capture of key cities by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group.
U.S. negotiators have reportedly raised the possibility of cutting Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system as part of pressure to secure a critical minerals deal. The discussions come amid growing tensions between Kyiv and Washington over repayment for wartime aid.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Kyiv and Washington are working on an economic deal, but tensions remain over U.S. demands and Ukraine’s exclusion from U.S.-Russia peace talks.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic border agreement, potentially ending a century-long dispute. The deal, hailed as a breakthrough, covers delimitation, water, and infrastructure issues. If finalized, it could ease tensions and support political, economic, and social cooperation.
The U.S. and Ukraine are close to finalizing a deal granting the U.S. mineral rights in exchange for military aid, according to Wall Street Journal.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Berlin, February 21, 2025 – German citizens will head to the polls on Sunday, February 23, for a snap general election after the coalition government collapsed late last year.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic border agreement, potentially ending a century-long dispute. The deal, hailed as a breakthrough, covers delimitation, water, and infrastructure issues. If finalized, it could ease tensions and support political, economic, and social cooperation.
The U.S. and Ukraine are close to finalizing a deal granting the U.S. mineral rights in exchange for military aid, according to Wall Street Journal.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
Hamas has begun releasing six more hostages from Gaza on Saturday in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as Israel confirmed that a body handed over earlier was that of hostage Shiri Bibas.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 22nd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have reached a historic border agreement, potentially ending a century-long dispute. The deal, hailed as a breakthrough, covers delimitation, water, and infrastructure issues. If finalized, it could ease tensions and support political, economic, and social cooperation.
The U.S. and Ukraine are close to finalizing a deal granting the U.S. mineral rights in exchange for military aid, according to Wall Street Journal.
As US-Russia peace talks advance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intensifies diplomatic efforts, holding discussions with multiple world leaders to rally support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and regional security.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment