Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara revealed on Tuesday that French troops will withdraw from the country, marking a continuation of the reduction of French military presence in West Africa.
In a speech delivered on the occasion of the end of the year, Ouattara urged Ivorians to take pride in the development of their armed forces, remarking that the decision was part of a “coordinated and organized withdrawal of French forces.”
This move comes amid France’s broader strategy to decrease its military presence in West and Central African countries. According to media reports, France plans to cut the number of its troops in the region to 600, down from the current 2,200.
Additionally, in November, Chad, a key ally in the fight against Islamist militants, abruptly ended its defense cooperation agreement with France.
Ouattara’s announcement follows similar actions by leaders in other West African countries, where French forces have been requested to leave. Analysts have described these requests as part of a broader structural shift in the relationship between the region and Paris.
France has faced similar setbacks in several West African countries in recent years, including Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where French troops, stationed for many years, have been expelled.
Agencies
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