Ivory Coast Transfers French Military Base to Local Forces

The Ivory Coast has officially announced the transfer of the French military base in Port Bouet to the control of its national armed forces, marking a shift in military operations in the West African nation.

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara disclosed the transition during his traditional New Year's Eve address, stating that the base would be renamed "Camp General Corps Ouattara Thomas d'Aquin." The renaming honors the nation’s first chief of staff, whom Ouattara described as "a soldier with an exceptional career."

Previously home to the French Marine Infantry's 43rd Battalion, the base will formally come under Ivorian command in January 2025. This development aligns with recent changes in military partnerships in the region.

While announcing the transfer, Ouattara emphasized the importance of strengthening national defense capabilities and maintaining sovereignty. The French military presence, which had been part of Côte d’Ivoire’s security framework for decades, is gradually reducing across the region amid changing geopolitical dynamics.

The Russian Foreign Ministry previously commented on the French withdrawal, suggesting that the base was no longer needed in Côte d'Ivoire. This shift reflects broader trends in West Africa, where local forces are taking on greater responsibility for their national security.