Dakar: France officially transferred control of two military sites to Senegal on Friday, marking the first tangible step in winding down its military presence in the West African nation. This move comes as the region continues to distance itself from its former colonial ruler.
The French embassy in Senegal confirmed the handover in a statement, specifying that the facilities in Dakar’s Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry quarters were transferred to Senegalese authorities. The process is part of a broader agreement established last month between the two countries, which set up a joint commission to oversee the return of military bases and the phased withdrawal of 350 French troops by the end of 2025.
This development follows a regional trend, with Senegal's neighbors—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—having already expelled French forces in favor of strengthening security ties with Russia. Similarly, Chad, a key Western ally in the fight against Islamist militants, moved to terminate its defense cooperation with France in December, prompting the start of a French military withdrawal.
Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has been vocal about ending foreign military presence in the country. In a New Year’s Eve speech, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to closing foreign bases, citing concerns over national sovereignty. A month earlier, he had also stated that the presence of French military installations was incompatible with Senegal’s independence.
The French embassy noted that additional site transfers would occur in accordance with the agreed timetable.
