SENEGAL TO END FRENCH PRESENCE ON ITS TERRITORY IN 2025, PRESIDENT SAYS

Thu 02 January 2025:

Senegal intends to end the presence of French military forces on its soil this year.

France is currently the only foreign military power in Senegal, maintaining a permanent base with approximately 350 soldiers stationed in the country.

In a New Year’s address yesterday, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye stated: “Senegal is an independent nation, and there should be no foreign soldiers in an independent country.”

Faye also announced that he had instructed the minister of armed forces to draft a new policy to ensure the complete withdrawal of foreign military forces by 2025.

Previously, Faye had highlighted the need to close the French military base in Senegal but had not provided a specific timeline.

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The French military presence in Senegal stems from its colonial past. Senegal was a central hub in French West Africa from the 19th century, serving as an administrative and military base. France exploited Senegal’s resources and labor while imposing its culture, language, and governance structures.

In 1960, Senegal gained independence, but France maintained close military ties through defense agreements. Today, French forces in Senegal focus on regional security, counterterrorism, and training Senegalese troops.

This presence reflects France’s broader influence in Africa, criticized by some as “neo-colonialism.” While framed as cooperative, it underscores lingering colonial-era power dynamics.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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