France handed over its last two military bases to Senegal on Thursday morning, ending a 65-year chapter. The event occurred in Dakar, led by General Mbaye Cissé and Pascal Ianni, head of French forces in Africa.
Cissé described it as “a key moment in our joint military journey.” He highlighted new aims to reshape the security alliance.
“Senegal’s troops are keen to advance toward greater self-reliance,” he stated. Camp Geille, home to about 350 French soldiers, was the final site returned. Other bases had closed since March last year, completing the withdrawal.
Senegal’s Drive for Independence
This move aligns with Senegal’s push to reclaim full control. In December, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye pledged to remove all foreign troops by 2025. Rising anti-French feelings, viewed as lingering colonial control, fuel this shift.
Protests in 2021 led to attacks on French businesses, showing public discontent. Faye asserted, “A sovereign nation must not host foreign bases.”
The decision tied to the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye incident, where French colonial troops killed West African soldiers over wage disputes and poor conditions.
This year, President Emmanuel Macron sent a letter to Faye, recognizing the tragedy as a gesture of amends.
Changing Regional Power Balance
France’s exit from Senegal is part of a wider decline in West Africa. Since 2020, coups in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali forced out 4,300 French soldiers.
These nations now partner with Russia, distancing themselves from France. In 2022, France withdrew from the Central African Republic. Earlier this year, it left Ivory Coast and Chad.
Djibouti holds France’s last major African base, with roughly 1,500 troops. This trend reflects a region seeking new alliances and asserting autonomy.
Impact on Both Nations
Senegal gains stronger national identity with this handover. It plans to boost its defense capabilities independently. Yet, it must address security threats without French aid.
France loses a strategic position, challenging its regional influence. Economic and diplomatic ties may weaken, though both countries aim for cooperation. Future efforts might focus on training rather than bases, adapting to new realities.
Future Outlook
The transfer opens a fresh phase in Senegal-France relations. Analysts will monitor Senegal’s ability to maintain stability. The EU, especially Spain, might assist due to migration concerns.
France needs to rethink its African strategy as anti-French views grow. This shift signals a global realignment, with former colonies forging their paths.
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