Côte d'Ivoire: The shadow of a French departure...

The announcement of the planned withdrawal of French forces from Côte d’Ivoire marks a historic turning point that could disrupt the security and geopolitical dynamics of the region. Following successive expulsions from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, France appears to be losing influence in West Africa. However, this departure raises major concerns for Côte d’Ivoire, a strategic partner long seen as a pillar of France’s presence in Africa.

The recent history of the region suggests that France, under the guise of protecting its interests, might adopt indirect strategies, including fueling instability through armed groups. This hypothesis is not without merit, especially considering the experiences observed in the Sahel, where countries like Mali and Burkina Faso had to contend with a rise in terrorist groups shortly after breaking their military agreements with Paris.

In the face of this potential scenario, Côte d’Ivoire must adopt a proactive approach. One strategic solution would be to strengthen its regional alliances, particularly with members of the Sahel States Alliance (AES), already tested in the fight against terrorism. Closer cooperation with these states could provide Côte d’Ivoire with essential military and logistical support to prevent possible orchestrated destabilizations.

In this context, vigilance remains crucial. Côte d’Ivoire cannot ignore the challenges that a French military withdrawal could bring, especially the possibility of security disturbances in an already vulnerable region. Strengthening its national military capabilities, combined with close cooperation with its neighbors, becomes a priority to maintain stability.

By anticipating the consequences of this withdrawal, Côte d’Ivoire has the opportunity to redefine its alliances and strengthen its sovereignty. However, this will require careful planning and close regional cooperation to address all potential scenarios, whether security-related or geopolitical.