France has initiated the phased withdrawal of its military forces from Senegal, with the process set to conclude by the end of 2025. The French Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that both nations have established a joint commission to oversee the withdrawal and facilitate the transfer of military premises to Senegalese authorities.
“Senegal and France have decided to set up a joint commission to make arrangements for the withdrawal of French troops from Senegal and the return of premises by the end of 2025. Both countries intend to work on a new partnership in defense and security that takes into account the strategic priorities of all parties,” the ministry said in a statement.
The decision follows Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s pledge to eliminate foreign military bases from the country, reinforcing Senegal’s commitment to asserting its sovereignty. The nation’s prime minister later reaffirmed this stance, stating that all foreign military installations—including those of France, Senegal’s former colonial ruler—would be dismantled.
France has been gradually reducing its military footprint across West Africa. In recent years, French troops have been expelled from several Sahel nations, including Mali (2022), Burkina Faso (2023), and Niger (2023), amid growing regional opposition to foreign military presence. In late 2024, Chad also announced the termination of its defense cooperation with France, prompting the departure of the first French troop contingent in December.
The withdrawal marks a significant shift in France’s military strategy in Africa, as regional governments seek greater control over their national security policies and international defense partnerships.
