Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has called for the closure of all French military bases in his country, a statement made as the nation prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre—a dark chapter in its colonial history. Faye’s comments came in an interview with AFP, where he emphasized that France’s continued military presence in Senegal was incompatible with the country’s sovereignty.
In his remarks, Faye noted that French President Emmanuel Macron had acknowledged France’s responsibility for the 1944 massacre, where French forces killed at least 35 Senegalese soldiers. These soldiers, who had previously been imprisoned by the Germans during World War II, had been sent back to Senegal in late 1944, where they protested delayed wages. The French military’s violent crackdown on the protest resulted in deaths, with historians suggesting the toll was much higher.
Faye praised Macron’s acknowledgment of the atrocity, calling it “a great step,” but emphasized that Senegal’s status as a sovereign nation must be respected, which includes the removal of foreign military bases. “Senegal is an independent country, it is a sovereign country and sovereignty does not accept the presence of military bases in a sovereign country,” he stated firmly from his presidential palace.
This move is a part of Faye’s broader agenda to assert Senegal’s sovereignty, a pledge he made during his election campaign earlier this year. However, Faye was careful to clarify that his call for the removal of French military forces was not an indication of deteriorating relations with France. He pointed out that Senegal maintains strong economic ties with France and other foreign partners, notably China, which is Senegal’s largest trading partner in terms of investment and trade. Faye emphasized, “Does China have a military presence in Senegal? No. Does that mean our relations are cut? No.”
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Senegal’s position contrasts with that of other West African countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military juntas have expelled French forces in favor of alliances with Russia. France has already signaled a reduction in its military presence across Africa, with plans to decrease troop numbers in Senegal, Gabon, Chad, and Ivory Coast.
Faye further revealed that Macron had sent a letter officially acknowledging France’s role in the Thiaroye massacre, marking a rare instance of public admission by the French government. The massacre has been a contentious issue between the two nations for decades. While France has expressed regret, Faye suggested that the next step might involve demanding a formal apology from France.
For now, President Faye’s stance appears to be a delicate balance between asserting Senegal’s independence and maintaining important international relationships. His leadership in advocating for the closure of French military bases signals a new chapter for the country, as it seeks to redefine its relationship with former colonial powers while honoring its past.
