Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire - February 20, 2025 France officially transferred control of its only military base in Cote d'Ivoire, the camp of the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion (BIMA), to the authorities of this West African nation on Thursday. During an official ceremony at the military camp's parade ground, Ivorian Defense Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara and his French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu signed the official handover document. The ceremony also featured the symbolic raising of the Ivorian national flag in place of the French flag, marking the official garrison of the Ivorian army at the base, which was renamed Camp Thomas d'Aquin Ouattara in honor of the country's first army chief of staff. "I thank our French partners who have always been at our side in strengthening the capacities of our men through equipment donations, training of military personnel, and training of our men. Ladies and gentlemen, by naming this camp after General Thomas d'Aquin Ouattara, it is a testimony to this illustrious son of the nation, first chief of staff of the Ivorian army," said the Ivorian defense minister. "I wanted to express not only my gratitude but also the vision that President Alassane Ouattara has drawn by taking urgent action but also by drying our tears. I would like to salute the tremendous cooperation up to our section leaders, up to the changing of the guard of this camp that we have just witnessed. This trust, this intimacy forged over the last few decades has helped to create this climate and to present ourselves collectively before our two peoples," said Lecornu. The French defense minister revealed that about 100 French soldiers are expected to remain in Cote d'Ivoire for training missions. The handover, announced on Dec 31 last year by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, is a result of a process initiated two years ago and part of France's broader efforts to reshape its military presence in Africa. In recent years, France has faced growing resistance to its military deployments, leading to forced withdrawals from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Chad. "I think that this is part of modernity and a change in mentality. The land belongs to Cote d'Ivoire, so we must return the land. I think it is a good thing and if it goes well, it is perfect for our two communities," said Jacky Berteau, president of the French Nationals Abroad. The 43rd BIMA has been stationed in Cote d'Ivoire since 1978 under a defense agreement signed a year after the country's independence in 1960. The video shows: 1. Camp Thomas d'Aquin Ouattara being unveiled 2. Ivorian Minister of Defense Tene Birahima Ouattara, French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu unveiling portrait of Ivorian army's first Chief of Staff Thomas d'Aquin Ouattara 3. Ouattara, Lecornu signing document 4. SOUNDBITE (French) Tene Birahima Ouattara, Ivorian Minister of Defense: "I thank our French partners who have always been at our side in strengthening the capacities of our men through equipment donations, training of military personnel, and training of our men. Ladies and gentlemen, by naming this camp after General Thomas d'Aquin Ouattara, it is a testimony to this illustrious son of the nation, first chief of staff of the Ivorian army." 5. Various of Ouattara, Lecornu, others at handover ceremony 6. SOUNDBITE (French) Sebastien Lecornu, French Minister of Armed Forces (partially overlaid with shot 7): "I wanted to express not only my gratitude but also the vision that President Alassane Ouattara has drawn by taking urgent action but also by drying our tears. I would like to salute the tremendous cooperation up to our section leaders, up to the changing of the guard of this camp that we have just witnessed. This trust, this intimacy forged over the last few decades has helped to create this climate and to present ourselves collectively before our two peoples." ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 7. Guests at at handover ceremony ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 8. Soldiers raising Ivorian flag 9. Various of French, Ivorian soldiers 10. SOUNDBITE (French) Jacky Berteau, president, French Nationals Abroad: "I think that this is part of modernity and a change in mentality. The land belongs to Cote d'Ivoire, so we must return the land. I think it is a good thing and if it goes well, it is perfect for our two communities." 11. Various of Ouattara, Lecornu exchanging, showing document [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]