Faith Nyasuguta
France and Senegal have initiated discussions on the withdrawal of French troops and the transfer of military bases, aiming to complete the process by the end of 2025. This decision follows a joint statement from their foreign ministers, highlighting a shared commitment to redefine their defense and security partnership in line with both nations’ strategic priorities.
Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has been outspoken about the need to end French military presence, arguing that it undermines Senegal’s sovereignty. “Senegal is an independent country… sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country,” Faye stated. Despite this stance, he emphasized that Senegal remains open to non-military collaboration with France, particularly in trade and investment.
Faye also highlighted Senegal’s growing commercial ties with China, which is now the country’s largest trading partner. He noted that China’s economic influence does not come with military involvement, contrasting it with France’s historical military presence. “China is our largest trading partner… Does China have a military presence in Senegal? No,” he pointed out, underlining the possibility of maintaining strong diplomatic relations without foreign military bases.
This move by Senegal aligns with an ongoing shift in Africa, where rising anti-colonial sentiment and frustration with French influence are shifting political dynamics. French military bases have long served as strategic outposts for Paris, supporting over 2,000 troops across West and Central Africa, including in Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Chad, Senegal, and Djibouti. These bases were crucial for maintaining France’s political and security interests in the region.
However, growing resentment towards France’s role in African affairs has prompted at least six countries to distance themselves from French military and political influence. In several nations, this shift has coincided with the rise of military juntas, which have increasingly turned to Russia for security support. Russian mercenaries, particularly from the Wagner Group, have been welcomed into the Sahel region to fill the void left by departing French troops.
The ongoing negotiations between France and Senegal mark a significant moment in the changing interests of West Africa. If completed, the withdrawal will change the relationship between France and Senegal and show how global power is shifting in Africa.
RELATED:
