France’s historical and contemporary influence played a pivotal role in shaping conflicts and the subsequent peacebuilding process in Cote d’Ivoire. From colonial exploitation, marked by forced labour, resource extraction, and cultural assimilation, to post-independence economic and military dominance, France maintained significant control over Côte d’Ivoire’s political trajectory. French policies, including the CFA franc system and military interventions, reinforced dependency, while selective support for autocratic leaders like Félix Houphouët-Boigny and Alassane Ouattara prioritised French interests over democratic governance. Additionally, France’s educational and cultural policies entrenched social inequalities by promoting a Francophone elite while marginalising indigenous languages and traditions. This systemic disparity fuelled ethnic and religious divisions, contributing to the conflicts. The UN-led peacebuilding process employed a top-down approach, focusing on disarmament, political reforms, and social cohesion but often excluded grassroots participation, limiting its effectiveness. While this approach addressed immediate security concerns, the lack of local ownership and underutilisation of traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms hindered long-term reconciliation. A hybrid strategy combining top-down institutional reforms with bottom-up community engagement could have fostered more sustainable peace. Ultimately, France’s enduring influence, economic, military, and cultural, remain a critical factor in understanding both the causes of the Ivorian conflicts and the challenges of post-conflict stability.