On February 20, 2025, France transferred its only military base in Cote d’Ivoire to local authorities, marking a new phase in their defense relations. The camp is now named after Cote d’Ivoire’s first army chief. Both nations have expressed a commitment to cooperative security amidst evolving geopolitical challenges.

On February 20, 2025, France officially transferred control of its only military base in Cote d’Ivoire, the camp of the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion (BIMA), to Ivorian authorities. This significant act took place at a formal ceremony in Abidjan, where Defense Ministers Tene Birahima Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire and Sebastien Lecornu of France signed a handover document, marking a shift in the military relationship between the two nations.

The ceremony was highlighted by the symbolic raising of the Ivorian flag, replacing the French flag, as part of the base’s rebranding to Camp Thomas d’Aquin Ouattara, named after Cote d’Ivoire’s first army chief of staff. Minister Ouattara remarked that this transfer signifies a deepening friendship and strategic cooperation amidst evolving geopolitical challenges in the region, reinforcing their commitment to mutual security.

Minister Ouattara expressed gratitude towards France for its support in enhancing the capabilities of the Ivorian armed forces and reiterated Cote d’Ivoire’s dedication to ongoing strategic cooperation, which reflects a mutual political will from both nations’ leaders following extensive consultations.

The handover announcement, made by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara on December 31 of the previous year, is part of France’s strategic military realignment in Africa, as it aims to address rising resistance to its military engagements across the continent, having already withdrawn from several West African nations.

Minister Lecornu emphasized the necessity for their defense relationship to adapt to the changing security landscape, underscoring that France is not exiting but evolving its military presence. Approximately 100 French soldiers will remain in Cote d’Ivoire to conduct training missions, ensuring continued support as they navigate regional stability. The 43rd BIMA has been in Cote d’Ivoire since 1978, following a defense agreement from the nation’s early independence era.

The handover of the military base represents a pivotal shift in the military relationship between France and Cote d’Ivoire, symbolizing enhanced sovereignty for the West African nation. This development follows a broader trend of reevaluation of France’s military engagement in Africa in light of changing geopolitical dynamics and rising local resistance. Continued collaboration in training missions indicates a commitment to regional stability and security for both countries.

Original Source: english.news.cn

Related posts:

France Transfers Control of Its Military Base to Cote d’Ivoire Ivory Coast Announces Withdrawal of French Troops Amid Growing Sovereignty Sentiments Ivory Coast Initiates Withdrawal of French Troops Amid Growing Sovereignty Ivory Coast to Withdraw French Troops, Marking a Shift in West Africa’s Military Dynamics