France has officially handed over its last two military bases in Senegal in a ceremony attended by top French officials today. France, a former colonial ruler, now has no permanent presence in either West or Central Africa.
The departure ends France’s 65-year military presence in Senegal, returning Camp Geille and its airfield in Dakar to the state. The withdrawal comes after former colonies increasingly turn their backs on the nations that once ruled them.
According to report, the growing conflict in the Sahel region is also a contributing factor to France’s withdrawal from Senegal. About 350 French soldiers, deployed to conduct joint operations with the Senegalese army, are now leaving the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senegalese chief of staff, Mbaye Cisse, disclosed that the handover marked an important turning point in the country. According to him, France is reinventing partnerships and the military journey of the two countries.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye had earlier called for France’s withdrawal of its soldiers after winning the country’s presidential election. In addition, he demanded that France apologize for colonial atrocities, including the December 1, 1994, massacre of African troops.
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However, Diomaye promised that Senegal would keep its relationship with Paris, unlike other French colonies run by a military government. Earlier this year, France handed back its last base in Ivory Coast, marking the country’s end in Ivory Coast.
Following the development, Djibouti is the only African nation with a French army base following Senegal’s withdrawal today. Djibouti, a base with over 1500 people, is reported to be France’s military headquarters in Africa.
Meanwhile, coups in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have brought military rulers to power from 2020 to 2023. The three governments have collectively cut ties with France and kicked out 4300 French soldiers.
