France has officially ended its 65-year military presence in Senegal, marking a significant shift in their long-standing relationship. The withdrawal follows Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election pledge to remove foreign military forces by the end of 2025. About 350 French troops have departed over a three-month period, completing the transfer of Camp Geille and the Dakar airport airfield to Senegalese control.
The withdrawal ceremony saw the handover of Camp Geille, France’s largest base in Senegal, and the military airfield at Dakar airport to Senegalese authorities. Top officials from both countries attended the ceremony, highlighting the importance of the relationship between France and Senegal. Although France is ending its permanent military presence, both countries have expressed intentions to maintain diplomatic ties and cooperate on security matters through training missions and joint exercises.
The decision to withdraw French troops is rooted in Senegal’s desire for sovereignty. President Faye’s government emphasized that military bases are not compatible with a sovereign country’s status. Furthermore, Faye has urged France to acknowledge and apologize for colonial-era atrocities, including the 1944 massacre of African soldiers who fought for France in World War II. This move is part of a broader effort to redefine relationships between African nations and their former colonial powers.
After the withdrawal from Senegal, Djibouti will be the only African country hosting a permanent French military base, with approximately 1,500 troops. France’s military footprint in Africa is being reconfigured, with a focus on training and strategic operations in countries like Djibouti and Gabon. The withdrawal from Senegal marks a significant change in France’s approach to its military presence in Africa, as it seeks to adapt to evolving regional dynamics and partner countries’ demands for greater sovereignty.
The development underscores the shifting landscape of international relations and cooperation, particularly in the context of historical colonial relationships. As African nations continue to assert their independence and sovereignty, partnerships with former colonial powers are being reevaluated and redefined. France’s decision to withdraw its troops from Senegal reflects this broader trend and highlights the complexities of maintaining historical relationships in a rapidly changing world.
