Abidjan, February 20, 2025 – The Europe Today: France officially withdrew from its only military base in Ivory Coast on Thursday, marking a significant shift in its military presence in West Africa.
French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu attended the official decommissioning ceremony at the Port-Bouet military camp near Abidjan, according to media reports.
Despite the withdrawal, Ivory Coast will continue military cooperation with France, as previously affirmed by Ivorian Defense Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara. The base, formerly home to the 43rd BIMA Marine Infantry Battalion, will be renamed in honor of Thomas d’Aquin Ouattara, the first chief of staff of the Ivorian army.
France’s military presence in Africa has steadily declined in recent years, as several nations—including Chad, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—have moved to expel French forces.
Currently, French troops remain stationed in Djibouti and Gabon, two countries that have not indicated any changes to their military agreements with Paris.
