Ivory Coast asks French forces to withdraw, President Ouattara says

Ivory Coast announced on Tuesday that French troops will withdraw from the country, ending a military presence that has lasted for decades. It is part of a larger trend of African countries pushing France to reduce its military presence in Africa. 

Speaking in an end-of-year address, President of Ivory Coast Alassane Ouattara announced that the withdrawal would start in January. They have decided on the concerted and organized withdrawal of French forces in Ivory Coast, Ouattara said.