DAKAR, Senegal — On Friday, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced the government’s decision to close all foreign military bases within the country, a declaration that largely targets France, the nation’s former colonial ruler.
While Sonko did not specifically mention the French military, Senegal is home to the last remaining foreign troops, as no other nations have military installations in the West African state. In recent years, France has experienced a series of setbacks in several West African nations, including the expulsion of its military forces from Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where they had been stationed for an extended period.
The statement from Sonko came during a policy presentation to the National Assembly, though he did not specify a timeline for the withdrawal of French forces. His announcement follows a previous declaration by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who suggested that the days of French soldiers on Senegalese land would soon come to an end.
Sonko remarked, “The President of the Republic has decided to close all foreign military bases in the very near future.” France’s military and Foreign Ministry had not yet provided a response to this recent statement.
As a historical colonial power across much of Africa, France has faced increasing resistance from some African leaders who criticize its perceived patronizing and forceful approach to the continent. In a related move, France announced the conclusion of military operations by handing over its first bases to Chad amidst ongoing changes in its military strategy.
According to French military sources, the longstanding military presence in Chad “no longer met the expectations and interests of each party.” This withdrawal is part of a broader shift in France’s military system in Africa, which has been in motion since 2022. The French government previously indicated its intention to significantly decrease its military footprint across the continent, except in Djibouti, which includes reducing the number of French personnel currently in Senegal, estimated at around 350 troops. Instead, France may focus on providing training and specific military assistance based on the requests from the host nations, as stated by officials.
The newly installed government of Senegal, which has been in office for less than a year, has adopted a strong position against the presence of French military forces. This stance is reflective of a wider sentiment throughout the region, where many view the legacy of colonialism as a lingering burden that needs to be addressed and overcome.
