France has officially withdrawn its military forces from Senegal, marking the end of a 65-year presence in the West African nation. On Thursday, the French army handed over its last remaining base to Senegalese authorities, completing a three-month withdrawal process. Approximately 350 troops, who had been stationed in Senegal for joint operations with the local army, have now departed.
The move has been met with approval from Senegal’s leadership. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized the importance of sovereignty, stating, “Senegal is an independent country, it is a sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country.”
This withdrawal is part of a broader trend of France scaling back its military footprint in Africa, as former colonies increasingly seek to distance themselves from French influence. In recent years, France has also pulled out of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, leaving no permanent bases remaining in West or Central Africa.
The handover in Senegal signifies the end of an era and underscores shifting dynamics between France and its former colonies. Analysts suggest this reflects a growing assertion of African autonomy and a reevaluation of long-standing military partnerships.
As Senegal takes full control of its security operations, the departure of French troops closes a significant chapter in the nation’s post-colonial history.
