France Reportedly Hands Over Military Base to Ivorian Army

Addis Ababa, February 21, 2025 (ENA)—In a symbolic ceremony on Thursday, France has officially transferred control of the Port-Bouët military base to the Ivorian army.

The handing over ceremony was attended by the local authorities and French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu.

This marks a significant milestone in the restructuring of France's military presence in Africa.

The handover reflects the evolving nature of military cooperation between the two nations and takes place against the backdrop of rising independence movements across the continent.

"France is transforming its presence; France is not withdrawing.

Thus, 80 French servicemen, constituting the backbone of the joint squad, will come to arm and justify the French military presence here," Lecornu said at the base in Port-Bouet, near Abidjan.

 

Recall that the French military was forced to leave  Mali in 2022, after maintaining a presence in Africa's Sahel region since 2014 as part of the anti-terrorism Operation Barkhane.

Similarly, in 2023, French soldiers left Burkina Faso and Niger at the request of the countries' authorities.

Accordingly, France officially transferred the Port-Bouët military camp to the Ivorian yesterday, on 20^th February 2025.

The Port-Bouët camp is now named General Thomas-d'Aquin-Ouattara, in honour of the first Chief of Staff of the Ivorian army, and the French flag will no longer fly over it.