On February 20, 2025, France officially handed over its sole remaining military base in Ivory Coast, the Port-Bouet military camp, to local authorities. This marks the end of decades of French military presence in the country, symbolizing a new chapter in bilateral relations. 

The ceremony, attended by defense ministers from both nations, included a symbolic changing of the guard and the renaming of the base to honor Ivorian military history. While 100 French soldiers will remain for training and support, this withdrawal reflects a broader trend of French military disengagement from Africa. 

This shift comes amid growing anti-French sentiment and the rise of other global powers in the region. As France adapts its strategy, Ivory Coast and other African nations are asserting their sovereignty and diversifying international partnerships.