Link to article: https://apnews.com/article/ivory-coast-french-troops-3118a507ce4d1232d1982ebe574ba059
After decades of military presence in Ivory Coast, France has been asked to withdraw their troops from the country. Ivory Coast was a former colony of France and has been the latest country in Africa to move towards less ties with France. With around 600 troops in Ivory Coast, France will start to pull out at the beginning of 2025. Port Bouét, a French military base, will be given to Ivorian troops. French troops have been kicked out of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal and Chad (considered one of France’s most loyal partner in Africa) in recent years. France has sought to revive its lessening political and military influence in Africa by formulating a new military plan that would thoroughly reduce their amount of troops on the continent. Following the removal of French troops, some countries have moved closer to Russia, with their security situations worsening.
Ivory Coast’s decision is not unlike the wider regional pattern of movement away from former colonial powers. In this bigger trend, West African countries seek less dependence and support of others and look to build more self reliance and strength- more sovereignty. However, the withdrawal of French troops may not come with all the good they are looking for. Without outside military support, extremist groups can gain more courage to take power and may be more successful in those endeavors. Some of these African countries are now turning towards partnerships with Russia, China, or Turkey in perhaps a move away from Western influence.
I understand how the Ivory Coast and other African countries are making these decisions to strengthen their country’s sovereignty and autonomy. But with France gone, who is to fill that space? Ivory Coast may look towards new partnerships or invest more into their own national security. France may consider finding new places for their influence since their presence in Africa is quickly diminishing. The UN could possibly need to increase their peace efforts in these regions if extremist groups take the opportunity to gain power. France’s reduced military presence in Africa shows the weakening of their influence in the region especially as a former colonial power with their dictated sphere of influence. Without French troops, a security dilemma could arise if states are to become more vulnerable to extremist groups.