French Troops Withdraw from Senegal, Marking Shift in Military Presence

Senegal, Dakar — French forces finished their withdrawal from Senegal on Thursday, the last West African nation hosting a permanent military presence, a sign of decreasing regional influence in recent years.

France is facing backlash from some leaders in Africa who critique its approach to former colonies as, well, somewhat questionable and coercive.

The handover ceremony took place in Dakar, where French troops passed control of Camp Gaille, the largest military base in Senegal, along with nearby aviation facilities, to the Senegalese government.

General Pascal Ianni, the French commander in Africa, noted that this marked a new chapter in military relations.

“This aligns with France’s decision to discontinue permanent military bases in West and Central Africa, responding to the desire from Senegalese authorities for foreign troops to leave,” he stated.

Senegal’s military chief, General Mbei Sisse, remarked that this withdrawal aligns with the country’s new defense strategy.

“Our main objective is to assert the autonomy of the Senegalese army while continuing to promote peace in Africa and beyond,” General Sisse added.

This ceremony confirmed the exit of around 350 French troops, a process that initiated in March and took about three months to complete.

Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Senegal has maintained a military cooperation agreement with France.

This withdrawal comes after Senegalese President Basilou Diomai Fey’s call last year for all foreign forces to depart.

The current Senegalese government has taken a firm stance against the presence of the French military, part of a broader regional pushback against what many see as the lingering effects of colonialism.

France has announced it will close all permanent military bases in Africa, except for one in Djibouti where a unit of around 1,500 troops remains stationed.

Colonel Guillaume Vernett, speaking for the chief of French defense, indicated that the withdrawal from Senegal is part of a strategic shift toward a more flexible “partnership” model rather than a permanent presence.

He explained that French forces will focus on providing defense training or support to countries based on their specific needs.

Recently, France has faced challenges in Africa, including the closure of its last military base in Chad and Ivory Coast. Additionally, French troops have been expelled from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, where military governments have turned to Russia for military assistance.

While France has ended its permanent military presence in West and Central Africa, some personnel will stay in the region. Approximately 350 French soldiers remain in Gabon, where their base has been restructured to accommodate shared operations with Central African nations. About 80 French soldiers are still in Ivory Coast, providing advisory and training support to the national military.