In a historic shift marking the end of a 65-year military presence, France has formally handed over its last remaining bases in Senegal, effectively ending its permanent military footprint in West and Central Africa.
The withdrawal, which concluded in a symbolic handover ceremony in Dakar, reflects a broader trend of African nations asserting greater sovereignty and distancing themselves from lingering colonial-era ties with Paris.
The final phase of the departure saw Camp Geille, France’s largest base in Senegal, and its adjoining airfield at Dakar airport, returned to Senegalese control.
The event was attended by General Mbaye Cissé, Senegal’s Chief of General Staff, and General Pascal Ianni, head of French military operations in Africa.
The exit comes months after newly elected Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who swept to power in 2024 on a platform of radical reform and national renewal, called for the withdrawal of French troops by 2025.
Around 350 French soldiers—previously engaged in joint counter-terrorism and training missions—are now being pulled out in a staggered process that began in March.
Unlike more confrontational exits in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, where military juntas have expelled French forces and severed defense ties altogether, Senegal’s approach has been notably diplomatic.
President Faye has reaffirmed Senegal’s intention to maintain cooperative relations with France, even as the country reclaims full control over its defense infrastructure.
“This is not a rupture, but a realignment,” said one Senegalese official. “We are asserting our sovereignty while preserving valuable partnerships.”
France’s military influence in Africa has shrunk dramatically in recent years amid growing anti-French sentiment, rising nationalism, and a strategic pivot by African governments.
Once deeply entrenched across the Sahel and West Africa, French forces have been forced out of several countries following coups and public protests.
In contrast, Senegal—a democratic and relatively stable nation—has chosen a more measured path, reflecting a broader evolution in how African nations engage with former colonial powers.
As France recalibrates its Africa strategy and Senegal embraces a new phase of post-colonial self-determination, both countries are expected to explore new forms of cooperation beyond defense—particularly in trade, education, and economic development.
