Ivory Coast's President Ouattara Announces French Forces Withdrawal in January 2025, Renames 43e BIMA Base

Dec 31, 2024, 09:00 PM

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has announced the withdrawal of French forces from the country, set to begin in January 2025. This decision, made public during his New Year's address, marks a significant shift in the nation's military sovereignty. The French military base in Abidjan, known as the 43e BIMA, will be handed over to the Ivorian army and renamed 'Général Ouattara Thomas d’Aquin' in honor of the country's first chief of staff. Ouattara emphasized that the move is part of efforts to modernize and strengthen the Ivorian armed forces, reflecting the country's readiness to manage its national security independently.