End of an Era: Ivory Coast Assumes Control of Port-Bouët Military Base
Ivory Coast has officially taken control of Port-Bouët, the last remaining French military base in the country, marking a historic shift in the West African nation’s military independence. The handover ceremony on Thursday featured a changing of the guard, symbolizing the transfer of security responsibilities from France to the Ivorian army.
Though France’s formal military presence is scaling down, French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu confirmed that around 80 French troops will remain in the country to advise and train the Ivorian military. “France is transforming its presence, not disappearing,” Lecornu assured.
Previously, 1,000 French soldiers were stationed at Port-Bouët, supporting regional efforts to combat jihadist threats. The withdrawal will proceed gradually through 2025, though training and support collaborations will continue.
During the ceremony, new military cooperation agreements were signed, reinforcing the friendly and strategic partnership between the two nations. Ivorian Defence Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara described the handover as a new era of strategic collaboration. He announced that the base would be renamed in honor of General Thomas d’Aquin Ouattara, the Ivorian army’s first Chief of Staff.
This move comes amid a broader realignment of West Africa’s relationship with France. In recent years, French forces have been expelled from countries including Niger, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Chad, as regional leaders seek greater autonomy in security matters.
Analysts suggest that these developments reflect a structural transformation in the region’s engagement with its former colonial power. In response, France is devising a new military strategy to adapt to the shifting geopolitical landscape in Africa.