The announcement by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara is a new sign of the weakening of the military influence of France, a former colonial power, in West Africa.
Ivory Coast has announced the withdrawal of French troops from the country, becoming the latest African nation to reduce its military ties with its former colonial power.
In his end-of-year speech, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said the withdrawal would begin this month and reflected the modernization of the national army.
“In this context, we have decided on a coordinated and organized withdrawal of French forces”declared Mr. Ouattara, adding that the military infantry battalion of Port Bouét, managed by the French army, would be handed over to Ivorian troops.
French forces have a decades-long military presence in Ivory Coast, with around 600 personnel in the country when the announcement was made on Tuesday.
Ivory Coast’s decision follows that of other West African leaders, who asked French soldiers to leave the country. Analysts have described the trend as part of a broader structural transformation in the region’s engagement with Paris.
These countries include Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Senegal and Chadwhich is considered France’s most stable and loyal partner in Africa.
The reduction in military ties comes as France strives to revive its waning political and military influence on the continent by developing a new strategy that would significantly reduce its permanent presence in Africa.
France has been driven out of more than 70% of African countries where it had troops since the end of its colonial rule in the 1960s. French troops will only remain in Djiboutiwith 1,500 soldiers, and in Gabonwith 350 soldiers.
After expelling French troops, the military leaders of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso moved closer to Russia. The Kremlin has deployed mercenaries throughout the Sahelwho have been accused of massive human rights violations against civilians.
The security situation has deteriorated in these countries, with a growing number of extremist attacks and civilian deaths, both by armed groups and government forces.