Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has announced that the French military base in Abidjan will be handed over to Côte d’Ivoire in January 2025.
The base, home to approximately 1,000 soldiers from the 43rd BIMA, marks a significant shift in military cooperation between the two nations.
Addressing the nation, President Ouattara highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s economic resilience, underpinned by robust GDP growth and sound fiscal management.
He reported a GDP growth rate of 6.1% in 2024, surpassing the 4.2% average within ECOWAS, and projected growth of around 7% for 2025.
“Our country’s debt remains moderate at 56% of GDP, well below the UEMOA community threshold of 70%,” Ouattara stated, affirming his government’s commitment to maintaining a strong macroeconomic framework to secure the confidence of private, bilateral, and multilateral partners.
The president also assured that the October 2025 presidential election would be conducted in a “peaceful, transparent, and democratic” manner, reflecting his government’s commitment to fostering stability and good governance.