Côte d’Ivoire: The departure of French troops, a step towards sovereignty applauded by Africans

The recent announcement of the withdrawal of French troops from Côte d’Ivoire is seen by many Africans as a significant step toward reclaiming continental sovereignty. This decision, applauded by a large portion of the Ivorian people and other African nations, comes at a time when many African countries are eager to redefine their relationships with their former colonizer.

African observers emphasize that this withdrawal marks a crucial stage in the geopolitical repositioning of Côte d’Ivoire and its emancipation from foreign influences. However, they urge Ivorian authorities to expedite the process to ensure the departure is completed as soon as possible. This desire for a swift process reflects a wish to definitively close the chapter on military agreements.

For many citizens, this withdrawal represents an opportunity to strengthen national defense capabilities and promote more autonomous regional military cooperation, such as that seen in AES countries. Indeed, the growing strength of African armies in tackling security challenges is a strong argument for a more independent transition.

This movement, which echoes similar decisions in other African countries, symbolizes a growing dynamic on the continent—one that seeks to assert full and complete sovereignty while building a model of collective security based on equal partnerships.