Faith Nyasuguta
Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has taken a historic step by calling for the withdrawal of French troops from the West African nation. Speaking to French daily Le Monde, Faye asserted, “There will soon be no more French soldiers in Senegal,” stressing the importance of national sovereignty.
This statement marks the first official move by Senegal’s government to end the French military’s presence, which has persisted since the country’s independence in 1960.
Currently, about 350 French soldiers remain stationed in Senegal, primarily for training and regional security operations. However, Faye’s remarks follow growing dissatisfaction with their presence, a sentiment echoed by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in May 2024, when he questioned the necessity of foreign troops in a sovereign nation.
President Faye’s call coincides with the upcoming commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, a dark chapter in Senegal’s history. In 1944, hundreds of African riflemen who had fought for France during World War II were killed by French forces for demanding unpaid wages.
Faye revealed that French President Emmanuel Macron had acknowledged the atrocity as a massacre in a letter, but emphasized the need for more than mere recognition. “It is not enough to acknowledge that it was a massacre; it must pave the way for full collaboration to uncover the complete truth about the tragic events of Thiaroye,” he stated.
Speaking to France 24, Faye questioned the rationale behind the continued French military presence in Senegal, drawing a striking parallel: “As French people, do you envisage seeing us in your country with tanks or military vehicles, Senegalese soldiers in Senegalese uniforms? I don’t think so because historically, France enslaved, colonized, and stayed.” He added, “Senegal is an independent and sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accommodate the presence of military bases in a free nation.”
Senegal’s move aligns with a growing trend in West and Central Africa, where several nations are redefining their relationships with France. Chad recently terminated a security and defense agreement with France, joining countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger in expelling French troops.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States in September 2023, stepping away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after the bloc threatened military intervention in Niger following a coup. These nations have since focused on regional integration, counterterrorism, and economic cooperation, instituting measures such as a unified passport system.
The shifts reflect a broader push across Africa to reclaim sovereignty, reduce foreign military influence, and establish new security frameworks.
Faye’s bold stance signals a potential turning point for Senegal, as the country seeks greater autonomy in its security and governance.
The move has garnered attention both regionally and internationally, as it reflects the growing momentum of African nations asserting their sovereignty and reshaping their foreign partnerships.
As Senegal prepares to bid farewell to French troops, it sets a powerful precedent for the rest of the continent, signaling a new era of independence and self-determination.
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