The Ivory Coast has ordered the expulsion of French forces by August 2025, marking a significant shift in military relations. This decision reflects broader anti-colonial sentiments in Africa, as more than 70% of countries have severed ties with France. With France’s exit, nations such as Russia and China are attempting to fill the vacuum amidst rising violence from insurgents.

The Ivory Coast has mandated the withdrawal of French forces by August 2025. In his New Year’s Eve address, President Alassane Ouattara encouraged Ivorians to take pride in their military, which is undergoing modernization. Although gaining independence in 1960, the Ivory Coast still hosts approximately 600 French troops— the largest remaining military presence of France in West Africa. Furthermore, the French military base in Abidjan is set to be renamed in honor of Gen. Ouattara Thomas d’Aquin in January 2025.

This decision follows Chad’s recent move to expel French troops, illustrating a growing trend of former colonies severing military ties with France. France has already exited Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in response to a series of political upheavals. Moreover, it is scheduled to withdraw from Senegal by 2025. A significant factor contributing to these changes is the rising anti-colonial sentiment, which has led to more than 70% of African countries breaking military agreements with France, leaving only Djibouti and Gabon with limited French military contingents.

With France’s departure, there is potential for a geopolitical shift in the region, as nations like Russia, China, and Turkey vie to fill the void in the fight against Islamic insurgents. However, there are concerns regarding the involvement of Russia’s Wagner Group, which has been linked to human rights abuses, raising alarms as violence in the Sahel region has reportedly intensified following France’s exit.

In conclusion, the Ivory Coast’s decision to expel French forces marks a significant shift in the region’s military alignment and reflects broader anti-colonial sentiments across Africa. This move, along with others in the past, underscores a growing trend of African nations reevaluating their military partnerships with France, allowing emerging powers to seek influence in the area. As these transitions occur, the implications for regional security, particularly in the face of rising insurgency threats, remain to be seen.

Original Source: www.gzeromedia.com

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