France is set to relinquish control of its only military base in Ivory Coast, marking a significant shift in its regional presence.
The handover of the 230-hectare Port-Bouet military camp near Abidjan will officially take place on February 20, with both French and Ivorian officials emphasizing a smooth and cooperative transition.
For decades, the base has played a crucial role in stabilizing Ivory Coast, particularly during periods of political unrest.
Its presence helped protect the world’s largest cocoa producer from further instability following coups and civil unrest in the early 2000s.
The departure of French troops aligns with a broader trend in West Africa, where several nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have sought to distance themselves from France’s military influence.
In preparation for the transition, the base’s watchtowers have been repainted in the Ivorian national colors—orange, white, and green—while both nations’ flags still fly side by side. As part of the change, the camp will be renamed Camp Thomas d’Aquin Ouattara after the country’s first army chief of staff, with his portrait displayed prominently on the command post.
For weeks, Ivorian paratroopers have been training at the base alongside their French counterparts. Captain Ange Yoboue Kouame, who leads the parachute regiment, noted that daily combat drills and teamwork exercises continue to foster strong cooperation between the forces. French instructors are currently advising Ivorian soldiers on marksmanship training but will soon step back, allowing the local military to operate independently.
The shift in military dynamics reflects France’s evolving defense strategy in Africa, particularly after being forced to withdraw from other nations due to rising anti-French sentiment and political changes. Port-Bouet, once home to approximately 1,000 French troops aiding in counterterrorism efforts, will gradually transition to full Ivorian control throughout 2025. However, around 100 French soldiers will remain to provide training and advisory support.
French and Ivorian officials stress that the process has been amicable and deliberate. Unlike the abrupt and often hostile exits seen in other former colonies, this transition is being carried out in a spirit of cooperation. Colonel Damien Mireval, France’s defense attaché in Abidjan, described the move as a natural evolution in the relationship between the two countries rather than a break in ties.
France’s military presence in Ivory Coast dates back to 1961, following the country’s independence. During the 2002 crisis, French forces launched Operation Licorne to stabilize the region and later played a key role in ending the 2011 post-election conflict that led to former President Laurent Gbagbo’s ousting. The last of these missions formally ended in 2015.
