West Africa: France to Handover Last Military Base in Côte d’Ivoire As Retreat From West Africa Continues

France is preparing to hand Côte d’Ivoire back its only military base in the country in a ceremony on 20 February, further diminishing French influence in West Africa.

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara announced the planned withdrawal in December, making it the latest country in the region to dismantle military ties with former colonial power France.

“The scheduled date is 20 February. Côte d’Ivoire is ready,” according to an AFP source in the country, with sources on the French side…