French military completes withdrawal from Senegal, ending regional presence
The French military officially withdrew from Senegal on Thursday, marking the end of its permanent presence in West Africa. This withdrawal, which began in March, culminated with the handover of the last two French military bases to Senegalese authorities.
Final handover of military bases
The largest French military base, Camp Geille, along with an airfield in Dakar, was formally transferred to the Senegalese armed forces in a ceremony attended by senior French and Senegalese military officials, including Senegal's military chief, General Mbaye Cisse.
General Cisse highlighted that the withdrawal aligns with Senegal’s renewed defense strategy, which prioritizes the autonomy of its armed forces while contributing to regional and continental stability.
A shift in French-Senegalese relations
This transition represents a mutually agreed-upon decision to redefine French-Senegalese relations. General Pascal Innai, head of the French forces, emphasized that this withdrawal signals a new phase of bilateral ties, moving away from a military-focused relationship.
The removal of 350 French troops from Senegal follows a broader trend of France reducing its military footprint in West Africa. Earlier this year, France vacated its bases in Chad and the Ivory Coast, responding to growing regional demands for sovereignty and independence from French influence.
National sovereignty and regional dynamics
Senegal’s newly elected president, who took office in 2024, firmly advocated for the removal of foreign troops, citing incompatibility with national sovereignty. This stance reflects a broader regional pushback against France, as seen in the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States, which has expelled French forces and sought to diminish neo-colonial ties.
Although France plans to maintain a limited presence in some African countries for defense training and support, this withdrawal marks the end of its historical military dominance in West Africa.
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