France Exits Senegal After 65 Years of Military Presence
France has officially handed over its last two military bases in Senegal , marking the end of a 65-year military presence in the West African nation.
The handover, which concluded a three-month disengagement process , included the transfer of Camp Geille —France’s largest military base in Senegal—and the Dakar International Airport airfield .
A formal ceremony took place in Senegal’s capital , attended by high-ranking officials from both countries, including:
- General Mbaye Cissé , Senegal’s Chief of Staff
- General Pascal Ianni , head of French forces in Africa
Approximately 350 French troops , previously stationed for joint operations, have now departed , completing the full withdrawal.
Senegal’s President Faye Keeps Promise on Sovereignty
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye , who came into power in 2024 on a radical change platform , described the move as a fulfillment of his campaign promise to restore national sovereignty .
“Senegal is an independent and sovereign country. Sovereignty does not accept foreign military bases,” Faye said in a statement last year.
He added:
“France remains an important partner for Senegal.”
Faye’s stance reflects a growing movement in Africa where nations are rethinking foreign military ties and asserting more control over their own affairs.
Unlike Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which cut ties with France and moved closer to Russia , Senegal is taking a diplomatic path —choosing sovereignty without rupture .
France’s Exit From West Africa Accelerates
The Senegal handover follows similar French military withdrawals from Côte d’Ivoire and Chad , with operations also scaled down in the Central African Republic , where a full exit is now demanded.
The Gabon base has been converted to a joint facility , and only the Djibouti base remains , with about 1,500 French troops stationed there .
This shift marks a major recalibration of France’s role in Africa, where it once held deep military influence .
“Paris is repositioning its African military presence to the Horn of Africa,” said an analyst.
This move also aligns with France’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on bases in unstable regions and focus on strategic diplomacy .
Sahel Crisis, Russian Influence Shape New African Security Order
The French withdrawal comes amid rising security threats in the Sahel , where jihadist violence continues to spread into Mali, Burkina Faso , and Niger .
Senegal’s border region with Mali recently saw an attack on a town, raising concerns about possible spillover effects .
Despite the pullout, President Faye has urged France to formally apologize for colonial-era atrocities , including the 1944 massacre of African soldiers who fought for France in World War II .
“We will defend our dignity and demand historical justice,” Faye said.
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