France has decided to significantly reduce its military presence in Gabon, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. This decision, made by French President Emmanuel Macron in December, aligns with France’s strategy to decrease its military footprint in these countries. According to “Le Monde,” the reduction process has already commenced in most French bases located in these nations and is expected to accelerate this year.
Plans suggest that the French forces in the capitals of Gabon, Senegal, and Ivory Coast could be reduced to approximately 100 soldiers in each city, focusing mainly on support roles. Until recently, there were 350 French soldiers stationed in Libreville and Dakar, the capitals of Gabon and Senegal, respectively, and 950 soldiers in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
The French Presidency’s office conveyed that the number of French units in these countries would vary over time based on the “needs of the partners” during specific periods. However, the French military presence in Djibouti and Chad, with 1500 soldiers in each country, will remain unchanged.
This decision reflects France’s intention to move away from its historical approach of interference in African affairs, particularly in its former colonies. The reduction is part of a broader reorganization of French military presence rather than a complete withdrawal, aiming to adapt to the partners’ needs more effectively. This strategy includes a greater focus on training and equipping allied countries’ forces and addressing challenges such as maritime piracy, illegal gold mining, and environmental crimes linked to regional drug trafficking. Currently, more than 3,000 French soldiers are deployed across Senegal, Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Djibouti, with this reduction affecting the first three locations. Meanwhile, in Senegal, the downsizing of the French military contingent has been in progress for a few months, with France working on new cooperation arrangements with the Senegalese army.
