Faith Nyasuguta
On Friday, France initiated the process of withdrawing its military presence from Senegal by transferring control of two military facilities in Dakar’s Marechal and Saint-Exupery districts to Senegalese authorities. This action aligns with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s late 2024 directive for all foreign troops to depart the nation.
The decision to end France’s military presence in Senegal reflects a broader regional shift against lingering colonial influences. Senegal, historically a strategic partner for France, had hosted approximately 350 French troops prior to this withdrawal. The departure signifies a reevaluation of France’s military engagements in West Africa, where it has faced increasing opposition and setbacks in nations like Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
In November 2024, Jean-Marie Bockel, the special politician for French operations in Africa, submitted a report to President Emmanuel Macron advocating for a “renewed” and “rebuilt” partnership with African nations. This report recommended reducing pre-positioned French forces and adapting military cooperation to the specific needs expressed by African countries.
Consequently, France plans to maintain only a minimal presence in Africa, focusing on defense training and targeted military support as required.
The withdrawal from Senegal coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, a pivotal event in Franco-Senegalese relations where between 35 and 300 West African French soldiers were killed by the French army due to protests over poor living conditions and unpaid wages.
President Faye, elected on a platform emphasizing national sovereignty and seeking reparations from France for historical injustices, has set a timeline for complete foreign military withdrawal by the end of 2025.
This is part of a larger trend across West Africa, where countries are reassessing and, in some cases, terminating longstanding military agreements with France. The evolving dynamics show a growing desire among African nations to assert autonomy and redefine their international partnerships, moving away from traditional ties that are increasingly viewed as remnants of an oppressive colonial past.
As France continues to recalibrate its military strategy on the continent, the focus shifts towards fostering collaborations based on mutual respect and addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change, education, and health. This transition marks a significant turning point in Franco-African relations, with both parties navigating the complexities of a post-colonial world.
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