Steigan.no: Africa breaks ties with France

Africa breaks ties with France

France has withdrawn from more than 70% of the African countries where it has deployed troops since the end of colonial rule in the 1960s.

Chad has announced a complete withdrawal of 1,000 French soldiers from its territory. What other African nations have ended France’s draining military presence?

1. Mali: In May 2022, the country ended its defense agreement with Paris, and the exit of 2,400 French soldiers was completed by December 2023.
2. Burkina Faso: In February 2023, the country ordered around 400 French troops to leave within a month.
3. Niger: After the military coup on July 26, 2023, which had broad support from the Nigerian population, France withdrew 1500 soldiers in December 2023.
4. Central African Republic: In December 2022, a contingent of 130 French troops pulled out of the country.
5. Chad: In January, France closed its military base in Chad. This withdrawal means that for the first time in more than 100 years, France no longer has a military presence in the Sahel region of Africa.

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Where is France expected to pull out next?

Senegal: The westernmost country in West Africa announced in November 2024 that France “should” close its military bases (home to 350 soldiers) by the end of 2025.

Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire): A French contingent of 600-1000 soldiers was ordered to withdraw by the end of January 2025.

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