This is according to Eastern and Western African and Sahel region Political Expert Alex Kiarie, who says this trend is inspired by sentiments from the populations in the region, especially in the central Sahel region that has been under the control of the French for decades, since independence.

“I think from the 60s, late 50s and this in itself is a very interesting situation for the French because it signifies that their fortunes on the continent are dwindling as we progress, and there is a reason behind that,’ said Kiarie.

The announcement made this Tuesday by President Alassane Ouattara marks the end of a decades-long military presence in the country.

Ouattara says the process will begin this January with the Port Bouët military base handed over to Ivorian forces.  France has faced military expulsions across 70% of African countries where it once maintained a presence.

Recent withdrawals include Senegal and Chad, France, whose colonial rule in West Africa ended in the 1960s, has already pulled its soldiers out of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger following military coups in those countries and growing anti-French sentiment.

“The French have been a part of the crisis and successes of Ivory Coast history from independence. And if you recall, the reign of the best serving President of that country called (Félix) Houphouët-Boigny, whose economic policies shaped what later came to be a powerful economy in the region. Later on, this was completely desecrated by his successors, and even as we speak right now, President (Alassane) Ouattara himself is battling with the acceptance, and he has actually been having issues with his ambitions to seek another presidential term against the Constitution and the French have been part of all this,” said Kiarie.

--ChannelAfrica--