France returned its only military base in Ivory Coast to the West African country yesterday with a ceremony, where a changing of the guard took place and the two countries’ defense ministers, Tene Brahima Outtara and Sebastien Lecornu, signed a document confirming the handing over.
“This move marks a new era in friendship and strategic cooperation between the two countries,” said the Ivorian minister Ouattara in his speech at the ceremony, also mentioning that he wanted to “assure” France that military cooperation between the two countries would continue “as good as ever” in the future.
Meanwhile, French Minister Lecornu said, “The world is changing. It is clear that our military relations must change.” Describing the handover of the base as a “historic moment” for the two countries, which share “a relationship built on friendship and high professionalism,” Lecornu added, “The French presence is changing but not disappearing.”
France’s military withdrawal will be gradual throughout 2025, but around 80 French soldiers are expected to remain in the country for training and support missions.