France has officially completed the withdrawal of its troops from Senegal, ending more than six decades of continuous military presence in the West African country. The departure marks the final chapter in France’s military footprint in West Africa, underscoring a significant shift in Franco-African relations.
At a ceremony held in Dakar on Thursday, France formally handed over Camp Geille, its largest base in the country, and a nearby air facility to the Senegalese armed forces. General Pascal Ianni, head of French forces in Africa, said the move represents a “new phase” in military relations, in line with both France’s strategic recalibration and Senegal’s demand for sovereignty.
“This decision responds to the Senegalese authorities’ wish to no longer host permanent foreign forces,” Ianni said.
Senegal’s military chief, General Mbaye Cissé, welcomed the move, stating it aligns with the country’s new national defense strategy aimed at achieving military autonomy and contributing to peace across Africa.
The pullout follows a directive by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who, upon assuming office in 2024, declared that hosting foreign troops was incompatible with Senegal’s sovereignty. “Senegal is an independent and sovereign country,” Faye said at the time. “Sovereignty does not accommodate foreign military bases.”
France had maintained a continuous military presence in Senegal since 1960, when the country gained independence. The bases were part of long-standing cooperation agreements, originally justified by counter-terrorism efforts, regional stability, and military training. However, critics argue the presence came at a steep cost to African self-determination and often reinforced neocolonial power dynamics.
A Continental Rejection
Senegal joins a growing list of West African nations cutting military ties with France. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have expelled French forces in recent years, citing disrespect, unequal partnerships, and the failure of French-led operations to curb insecurity. In many cases, new military-led governments have pivoted to alternative alliances, including Russia.
In 2024 and early 2025, France also handed over its bases in Chad and Côte d’Ivoire, reducing its military presence to a minimal advisory role. Only Djibouti now hosts a full French military base, with about 1,500 troops, and Gabon retains a shared military camp. Across the continent, the French drawdown marks a regional shift away from foreign intervention and toward self-reliance.
What Africa Lost and What It Could Gain
For decades, France’s presence was framed as supportive: offering training, intelligence, and counter-terrorism collaboration. But critics say this came with drawbacks, including compromised sovereignty, economic dependency, and a lack of accountability in joint operations that sometimes harmed civilians.
“The presence of foreign troops often discouraged the development of fully independent defense strategies,” said political analyst Awa Diop, based in Dakar. “It maintained a mindset of dependency, and that is finally being dismantled.”
With the withdrawal, Senegal and other African countries hope to strengthen indigenous military capabilities, foster pan-African defense cooperation, and reclaim their political agency. While the road ahead includes challenges such as insurgencies in the Sahel and regional instability, many believe the shift allows for more dignified and equal partnerships.
France’s Changing Approach
France insists it is not abandoning Africa but restructuring its presence. The French government has pledged to move away from permanent bases and instead offer targeted support based on country-specific requests such as training or equipment.
However, years of growing resentment, especially among African youth, have left a scar on France’s reputation across the continent. Many young Africans see the military withdrawals not as an end to friendship, but the end of an unequal relationship.
As the French flag was lowered for the last time at Camp Geille, one Dakar resident said it best: “We don’t hate France we just want to walk on our own feet now.”
