France has officially started withdrawing its military presence from Senegal, handing over two military facilities to the Senegalese government.
This move marks the first formal step in ending France’s military presence in the West African country, as the region shifts away from its former colonizer.
The handover is part of a joint commission established between France and Senegal to organize the restitution of military bases and the withdrawal of 350 French troops by the end of 2025.
Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has emphasized the need to end foreign military presence in the country, citing incompatibility with Senegalese sovereignty.
France’s military withdrawal from Senegal is not an isolated incident.
Neighboring countries Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have already pushed out French troops, opting for Russian support in fighting jihadist insurgencies.
France also began withdrawing its troops from Chad in December after the Chadian government terminated their defense cooperation pact.
The French embassy in Senegal confirmed the handover of facilities and accommodations in the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry quarters to the Senegalese side. Further handovers will take place according to a jointly agreed timetable.
