x

France Hands Over Military Base to Ivory Coast, Ending Decades-Long Presence

By Abigail Philip David

France officially returned its sole military base in Ivory Coast to local authorities on Thursday, marking the end of a decades-long French presence at the site.

The handover was formalized in a signing ceremony attended by the French and Ivorian defense ministers, shortly after the Ivorian flag was raised at the base’s parade ground.

“This marks a new era in the friendship and strategic collaboration between our two countries,” said Ivorian Defence Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara. Meanwhile, French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu described the moment as “historic,” emphasizing that while France’s presence is evolving, it is not disappearing entirely.

The ceremony featured a change of guard to signify the transfer of security responsibilities to the Ivorian army. The 230-hectare (570-acre) Port-Bouet military camp, located near Abidjan, has played a crucial role in Ivory Coast’s stability since its establishment in 1978, particularly during periods of political unrest in the 2000s.

The site, previously home to France’s 43rd BIMA marine infantry battalion, will now be renamed Camp Thomas d’Aquin Ouattara, in honor of the Ivorian army’s first chief of staff. His portrait will be displayed on the command post’s facade.

France’s decision to adjust its military strategy in Africa follows its withdrawal from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military-led governments have adopted anti-French policies.

Approximately 1,000 French troops were stationed at Port-Bouet, contributing to counterterrorism efforts in the wider region. The withdrawal will be phased throughout 2025, but around 100 French soldiers will remain to provide training and support.

French-Ivorian military ties date back to a 1961 agreement signed after Ivory Coast’s independence, while France’s presence in the country extends to the colonial era.

Hot this week

Bandits Killings: S/Kaduna Kicks as Gov Sani Flags Off Makarfi Rural Roads

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna The flag-off of a rural road...

Delta Govt Says Brazil Visit to Unlock Industrial Growth, Job Creation

By Anne Azuka The Delta State Government says its recent...

Troops kill wanted bandit Babangida in Kogi gun duel

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian...

Light Up Abuja Programme: Wike To Flag-Off Construction of New Roads, Light Projects

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT),...

Public Alert: Increased Water Release from Goronyo Dam

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Sokoto Rima River Basin Development...

Global Spotlight: Daybreak Publisher Clinches Silk Road News Award

The publisher and editor-in-chief of daybreak Nigeria newspaper, Dr....

A’ibom committed to industrial Cluster Development

By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo Akwa Ibom State government has restated...

Pilgrimage Is Spiritual Exercise, Not Jamboree, NCPC Boss Warns Intending Pilgrims

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju As intending pilgrims depart Abuja on Monday...

Wike Lauds President Tinubu for lifting Rivers emergency rule

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),...

Nigerian journalist wins Silk Road Global News Award

By Micheal Onjewu with Agency Report The publisher and editor-in-chief...

A’Ibom Commissioner seeks royal support for voter registration, Gov Eno’s Arise Project

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo Traditional leaders in Akwa Ibom have been...

Prof. Usman Ogbo Moves to Curb Rumoured Protest Over Fee Hike in Kogi Poly

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The management of Kogi State Polytechnic,...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img