Senegal’s new prime minister criticizes French military presence in the West African country

Senegal’s new Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, who recently rose to prominence after leading his party to victory in the March presidential election, has voiced strong criticism against the continued French military presence in Senegal. Sonko, known for his nationalist stance and opposition to Western influence, argued that Senegal’s desire for self-determination is incompatible with the long-term stationing of foreign troops in the country.

At a recent event in Dakar, held alongside French far-left politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Sonko condemned not only the French military presence but also Western attempts to impose values that conflict with Senegalese traditions, particularly LGBTQ rights and monogamy. Polygamy is widely practiced in Senegal, and Sonko stressed that the push for LGBTQ rights by France and other Western nations could create tension between the two countries.

While criticizing the presence of foreign forces, Sonko clarified that his stance did not undermine Senegal’s existing defense agreements, which include hosting around 350 French troops. His comments reflect a growing sentiment in parts of West Africa, where several countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have expelled French troops following military coups and shifted their alliances toward Russia. These nations have formed their own alliance, further deepening divisions within the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Sonko, whose party advocates for reforming ECOWAS, expressed concern over the organization’s failure to address these growing divisions and reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to strengthening ties with its neighbors in the Sahel. Senegal, often seen as a bastion of stability in a region fraught with political upheaval, could face increasing attention from Western allies as Sonko’s nationalist rhetoric gains traction.