In a significant move, France officially transferred control of its only military base in Ivory Coast to local authorities on Thursday, ending a long-standing presence at the facility.
The transition was formalized with the signing of an agreement between the defence ministers of both nations, shortly after the Ivorian flag was hoisted in the base’s parade ground.
“This act marks a new era in the friendship and strategic collaboration between our two countries,” stated Ivorian Defence Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara.