President Ouattara confirmed that French forces would depart in a coordinated effort, and the military base at Port Bouét will be transitioned to Ivorian control. This decision marks a pivotal moment, as it follows France's exit from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger amidst rising anti-French sentiment fueled by military coups in those nations. Senegalese leaders echo this sentiment, with President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye pledging a restructured defense cooperation that eliminates foreign military presences by 2025.

As France faces declining influence in military operations across Africa, the historical significance of Ivory Coast's departure from reliance on French troops resonates deeply. Once a model of stability and economic success in West Africa, Ivory Coast navigated through civil strife beginning in 2002, resulting in a complex socioeconomic landscape. Despite challenges, the nation remains a leading exporter of cocoa and boasts a relatively high standard of living compared to its regional counterparts.

Experts suggest that France, while reducing its presence, may be recalibrating its strategy to maintain relevance on the continent, potentially adopting new frameworks for military partnerships. The ongoing evolution in Africa's military alliances underscores a transformative period that prioritizes national sovereignty and self-reliance over historical paternalism.