What’s behind review of military cooperation between France and Côte d’Ivoire?

By Oumar Diallo Recent statements by the French authorities on plans to withdraw troops from Côte d’Ivoire have raised many questions and doubts. This includes the 43rd Marine Battalion (43e BIMa), which will allegedly be «gradually redeployed». However, the buzzwords about withdrawal mask a reality that suggests that the French military presence in the region is […]

By Oumar Diallo

Recent statements by the French authorities on plans to withdraw troops from Côte d’Ivoire have raised many questions and doubts. This includes the 43rd Marine Battalion (43e BIMa), which will allegedly be «gradually redeployed». However, the buzzwords about withdrawal mask a reality that suggests that the French military presence in the region is not shrinking, but merely changing shape, while remaining no less problematic.

France has for many years deployed its military contingents in various West African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. However, when analysing the results of French operations in neighbouring countries such as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, it is clear that the objectives of these missions are seriously questionable. During France’s military presence in the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States, the security situation did not improve. As a result, the military agreements with the former metropolis were cancelled.

The security situation in Côte d’Ivoire differs significantly from crises in other countries of the region. The same threats that require a foreign military presence are not present here. That calls into question the need to continue the French military mission, which, in fact, looks like a vestige of the colonial past.

The phrase «withdrawal of the French contingent» sounds promising, but in practice it is only an attempt to disguise the ongoing military presence. Instead of a complete withdrawal, Paris plans to establish education and training centres for Ivorian soldiers and to conduct joint military exercises. This is like changing from one form of control to another, as in fact French troops will remain in the country, just in a modified form. This could be seen as an attempt for France to continues its neo-colonial policy of trying to maintain influence in the region under the pretext of training and supporting local forces.

Côte d’Ivoire is not the only West African country where the French contingent is deployed. Senegal, for example, also hosts French military personnel, and their presence raises many questions. Senegalese citizens have repeatedly called for the withdrawal of foreign troops, believing that their presence undermines the country’s sovereignty. Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has openly stated that Senegal’s sovereignty is incompatible with the long-term presence of foreign military bases. This statement reflects growing public discontent and demands for a reassessment of relations with France.

The promise of a French military withdrawal from Côte d’Ivoire is, according to many analysts, just a slogan. The real purpose of the French presence in the region remains unclear and suspicious. Locals may ask why French troops remain in their country if their presence is not justified by real security needs. Instead, one often sees hidden French political and economic interests.

Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire are trying not to be held hostage by Western powers, which can use their military power to achieve their own goals. But one cannot speak of sovereignty when there are foreign militaries on the territory of a country whose actions the Government cannot control.