In a symbolic ceremony this Thursday, France will officially transfer control of the Port-Bouët military camp to the Ivorian army. This marks a significant milestone in the restructuring of France's military presence in Africa. The handover reflects the evolving nature of military cooperation between the two nations and takes place against the backdrop of rising independence movements across the continent.

France is officially transferring the Port-Bouët military camp to the Ivorian army today, Thursday 20 February, in a symbolic ceremony attended by French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu and his Ivorian counterpart Téné Birahima Ouattara.

Until now, the base had been home to the 43rd French Marine Infantry Battalion (BIMA).

The Port-Bouët camp is now named General Thomas-d'Aquin-Ouattara, in honour of the first Chief of Staff of the Ivorian army, and the French flag will no longer fly over it.

The handover of the site to the Ivorian army was actually decided in April 2023, and the process began a few weeks ago, allowing the military to adapt the 230-hectare camp to its needs.

Since 20 January, a battalion of 90 Ivorian paratroopers has taken up residence there, particularly appreciating the space and access to infrastructure offered by the site.

"We have access to facilities that are all in one place, which makes training easier and helps us remain operationally ready," Captain Fabrice Yoboué Kouamé, head of the paratrooper detachment, told RFI's correspondent in Abidjan.

"Côte d'Ivoire benefits from maintaining French expertise," another Ivorian officer added.