France and Senegal have agreed to withdraw all French troops from the West African nation by the end of 2025. A joint commission will oversee the process, including the handover of military bases and the restructuring of defense relations between the two countries.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye previously stated that French military presence was incompatible with national sovereignty and called for the departure of 350 stationed troops. This decision aligns with a broader regional trend, as West and Central African nations increasingly re-evaluate their ties with France.
The move also coincides with historical events—Senegal recently marked 80 years since the 1944 massacre of West African soldiers who had served in France’s fight against Nazi Germany but were later killed by colonial forces when they demanded fair treatment.
France has been gradually reducing its military footprint in Africa, having withdrawn troops from Chad in January and preparing for an exit from Ivory Coast. However, the disengagement from Senegal has been more diplomatic, unlike the forced removals in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where French troops were expelled following political shifts.
As Senegal and France redefine their defense and security partnership, discussions will focus on strategic priorities that benefit both nations while reflecting the evolving political landscape in the region.
