Faith Nyasuguta
Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, recently announced the closure of all foreign military bases, a move primarily aimed at French forces stationed in the country. Sonko’s statement follows President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s recent declaration that French troops would soon vacate Senegalese soil.
While Sonko provided no timeline during his address to the National Assembly, this decision aligns with a growing trend across West Africa, where France, the region’s former colonial power, has faced mounting resistance. French troops have been expelled from several countries in recent years, including Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
In Chad, France recently handed over its first military base as part of a broader restructuring of its African presence. French military officials have acknowledged that their permanent presence “no longer meets the expectations” of many African nations. They now aim to reduce their footprint, focusing on defense training and targeted support rather than maintaining large military bases.
Senegal hosts 350 French troops, but the government’s firm stance against their presence reflects increasing regional backlash over France’s perceived overreach and its colonial legacy.
France’s influence in Africa has waned in recent years, with its military operations in the Sahel region, such as Operation Barkhane, drawing criticism. Mali, for instance, expelled French forces in 2022, accusing Paris of interference. Burkina Faso and Niger followed suit, signaling a broader rejection of foreign military involvement.
Senegal’s decision comes as its new government seeks to assert independence and redefine relationships with former colonial powers. The closure of military bases is part of a larger regional push for sovereignty and self-determination, echoing the sentiments of neighboring countries seeking to end decades of foreign military presence.
French officials have yet to comment on Senegal’s announcement.
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