France has said it would retain 80 military personnel in Côte d’Ivoire as it hands over control of a military base in the commercial capital
- France is revising its military strategy in Africa, focusing on enhanced partnership with local armed forces
- France to retain 80 military personnel in Côte d’Ivoire for training purposes
- France faces growing resistance to its military presence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel, and is adapting to new geopolitical realities
Despite scaling back its operations in Africa, France has opted to retain a limited military personnel in Côte d’Ivoire, largely for training purposes in the country.
French Defence Minister, Sebastien Lecornu during a recent ceremony in the nations’ capital noted that France was “not disappearing” as per a Reuters report.
DON’T MISS THIS: African countries that rely on France to print their currency
Speaking further, he said the 80 military personnel would form “the basis of a joint detachment depending on the needs you express, needs that will be constantly reassessed, particularly in terms of training,”
This decision comes as France revises its military strategy in Africa, shifting its focus towards enhanced partnership with local armed forces and restructuring its military bases.
France’s military presence in Africa
France has maintained a significant military footprint in Africa for decades, shaped by historical ties, security concerns, and strategic interests.
Despite recent efforts to scale back its operations, French forces continue to play a role in counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and regional stability across the continent.
France’s decision to scale back its operations in Africa is part of a broader effort to reevaluate its military presence on the continent.
This move is seen as an opportunity for France to redefine its relationship with African countries and transition towards a more collaborative and flexible approach to military cooperation.
In recent years, France has faced growing resistance to its military presence in Africa, particularly in the Sahel.
The withdrawal of troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger reflects shifting dynamics, with African governments seeking to assert greater sovereignty over security matters.
DON’T MISS THIS: 6 African countries that have rejected France’ s military presence
Also, the closure of Operation Barkhane, a long-running counterterrorism mission, signaled a shift in France’s military strategy.
Despite these changes, France continues to maintain military personnel in countries like Côte d’Ivoire, reinforcing strategic alliances while adapting to new geopolitical realities.
