France Returns Sole Military Base To Ivory Coast, Ending Decades of Presence

France officially handed over its only military base in Ivory Coast to local authorities on February 20, 2025, marking the end of a long-standing French presence at the site.

The return was formalized with a ceremony where both French and Ivorian defense ministers signed a document and the Ivorian flag was raised at the base.

Ivorian Defense Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara hailed the move as the start of a new era in bilateral relations, while French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu described the moment as “historic.”

The base, located in Port-Bouet near Abidjan, had been a fixture in the country since 1978, providing stability during times of unrest.

Following the transfer, the base will be renamed Camp Thomas d’Aquin Ouattara, after the first chief of staff of the Ivorian army.

While French troops will gradually withdraw through 2025, around 100 soldiers are expected to remain to assist with training and support operations.

This handover comes as France seeks to restructure its military presence in Africa after withdrawing forces from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The French-Ivorian military cooperation dates back to 1961, following the country’s independence.