In a move signaling a shift in Senegal’s defense posture, France and Senegal have begun discussions to finalize the withdrawal of all French troops from the West African nation by the end of this year. A joint commission will be established to oversee the exit process and the handover of military bases, both governments announced in a statement on Wednesday.
The decision aligns with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s earlier stance on national sovereignty. In November, he made it clear that French military bases were “incompatible” with Senegal’s independence, calling for the departure of the 350 French troops stationed in the country. His position reflects a broader trend in West and Central Africa, where former French colonies are reevaluating their military and political ties with France.
The timing of this announcement is particularly significant, coming shortly after Senegal commemorated the 80th anniversary of a dark chapter in its history—the 1944 massacre of West African soldiers by colonial forces.
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The Tirailleurs Sénégalais, a unit that had fought for France against Nazi Germany, staged a protest over delayed wages and poor treatment, only to be met with deadly force from their colonial rulers. French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged this historical injustice in a letter to Faye last year, admitting that France had committed a “massacre.”
Senegal’s move follows a broader pattern across the region, where countries are gradually reducing France’s military presence. Earlier this year, France completed its troop withdrawal from Chad, while Ivory Coast also took steps to scale back French military involvement. However, the tone of these withdrawals has varied.
Unlike the abrupt expulsions in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—where a total of 4,300 French soldiers were forced to leave after France refused to support military-led coups—Senegal’s transition appears to be more measured, with both governments working on a “new defense and security partnership” that aligns with the strategic interests of both nations.
As Senegal prepares to redefine its defense strategy, the upcoming months will be crucial in shaping the country’s security framework and its future relationship with France.
