France, Senegal begin talks on military exit and base handover
Senegal and France have agreed to form a joint commission to oversee the withdrawal of French troops and the transfer of French military bases, marking a significant shift in their defense relations. The process is set to be completed by the end of 2025, according to a joint statement released by the foreign ministers of both countries on Wednesday.
The agreement comes as Senegal seeks to redefine its security strategy, emphasizing sovereignty and self-reliance. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been vocal in advocating for the removal of foreign military presence in the country.
“Senegal is an independent country, it is a sovereign country, and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country,” Faye stated.
Despite this stance, President Faye reassured that Senegal remains open to cooperation with France in areas outside military involvement. He acknowledged France’s role as a key economic partner and highlighted the continued presence of French companies and citizens in Senegal.
“France remains an important partner for Senegal for investment, and the presence of French companies and citizens in Senegal,” he noted.
Economic Relations Without Military Presence
President Faye also pointed to Senegal’s growing commercial ties with China as an example of an effective partnership without military intervention. He emphasized that China is Senegal’s largest trading partner in terms of investment and trade, yet it does not maintain a military presence in the country.
“Does China have a military presence in Senegal? No. Does that mean our relations are cut? No,” Faye remarked, highlighting the possibility of maintaining strong diplomatic and economic relations without military involvement.
Senegal’s decision reflects a broader trend across the African continent, where several nations are reevaluating their military and political relationships with former colonial powers. France has maintained military bases across West and Central Africa for decades, with over 2,000 troops stationed in Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Chad, Senegal, and Djibouti. These bases have been pillars of French strategic influence, helping Paris maintain a geopolitical presence in the region.
However, growing anti-colonial sentiment and frustration with France’s role in regional affairs have led at least six African nations to take steps to end French military influence. Countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have already expelled French troops in favor of alternative security arrangements.
As French troops exit the region, some African nations have turned to Russia for military support. In several cases, military juntas have welcomed Russian mercenaries, including Wagner Group operatives, to fill the security vacuum left by departing French forces. This shift has further complicated the geopolitical landscape in the Sahel, raising concerns about the potential implications for regional stability.
For Senegal, however, the focus remains on fostering a defense strategy that aligns with its national interests while maintaining productive partnerships with key global players. The withdrawal of French troops marks a new chapter in the country’s foreign relations, emphasizing economic cooperation over military dependence.
As the joint commission begins its work, the transition process will likely involve negotiations over logistics, security, and the future role of France in Senegal’s defense framework. The outcome could serve as a model for other African nations seeking to redefine their relationships with former colonial powers.
With the withdrawal slated for completion by the end of 2025, Senegal’s move signals a shift towards greater autonomy in security matters, reinforcing the broader push for African nations to chart independent paths in their international relations.
