France has officially begun the process of withdrawing its military presence from Senegal, starting with the handover of two military bases to the Senegalese government.
The transfer, announced on Friday, marks a significant step in Paris’ broader strategy to scale back its military footprint in Africa amid growing regional opposition. The French Embassy in Senegal confirmed in a statement that control of the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry districts, two key military installations, had been returned to Senegalese authorities.
“The French side handed over to the Senegalese side the facilities and housing in the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry districts on Friday, March 7, 2025,” the statement read, adding that these locations, situated near Hann Park in Dakar, had been prepared for return since the summer of 2024.
Senegal’s New Leadership Pushes for Military Sovereignty
The withdrawal follows a firm directive issued by Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, late last year, instructing all foreign troops to leave the country. Faye’s stance is in line with a broader wave of nationalist sentiment sweeping across West Africa, where several governments have increasingly pushed back against military agreements with France.
To facilitate an orderly withdrawal, France and Senegal established a joint commission in February to coordinate logistics. In a recent move, the French military dismissed 162 Senegalese personnel employed at its bases, signaling the ongoing dismantling of its operations.
Senegal’s decision to remove foreign military forces reflects a growing frustration in the region over what many perceive as France’s lingering colonial influence. Critics argue that Paris has historically maintained a dominant, sometimes heavy-handed role in West African security affairs, often to the detriment of national sovereignty.
France Faces Growing Expulsions in Africa
Senegal is the latest in a series of African nations to sever military ties with France. Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso have all expelled French troops in recent years, aligning with a broader shift toward greater regional self-reliance and reduced Western military involvement.
In response to these developments, France has outlined plans to scale down its military footprint across the continent, including withdrawing the 350 troops currently stationed in Senegal. However, French officials have stated that Paris remains open to providing defense training, logistical support, and counterterrorism assistance where requested.
The only exception to France’s sweeping military drawdown remains Djibouti, a strategic hub in the Horn of Africa, where French forces are expected to maintain a more substantial presence.
As France recalibrates its defense strategy in Africa, the future of its military partnerships on the continent remains uncertain, with regional powers increasingly asserting their autonomy in security affairs.
