France has initiated its military withdrawal from Senegal, marking a significant shift in its longstanding presence in the West African nation. On Friday, March 7, 2025, the French government announced it had transferred control of two military facilities—the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry districts—to the Senegalese authorities.
The move follows a directive issued by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in late 2024, calling for the removal of all foreign military bases from the country. "Senegal is an independent, sovereign nation, and sovereignty does not accommodate the presence of foreign military bases," Faye declared in a speech last December.
In a statement, the French Embassy in Senegal confirmed the handover, adding that other facilities would be returned "according to a jointly agreed schedule," though no specific timeline was provided. The Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry districts, located near Hann Park, had been prepared for transfer since the summer of 2024.
A Broader Trend of French Withdrawal from Africa
Senegal, which gained independence from France in 1960, has long remained within the sphere of influence of its former colonizer. However, the election of President Faye in 2024 signaled a shift in policy, with the new government opting to treat France like any other foreign nation.
This withdrawal is part of a broader trend across West Africa, where former French colonies have increasingly sought to reduce France's military presence. In recent years, French forces have exited Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Ivory Coast. Notably, Niger, Mali, the Central African Republic, and Burkina Faso have not only pushed out French troops but have also begun forging closer ties with Russia.
France completed its withdrawal from Chad at the end of January and handed over its military base in Ivory Coast—occupied for nearly 50 years—in late February. Last month, France and Senegal established a joint commission to coordinate the withdrawal process, which included the dismissal of local employees working at French military bases.
Djibouti Base Remains Operational Amid Regional Shifts
While France scales back its presence in West Africa, its military base in Djibouti—home to approximately 1,500 personnel—remains operational. Paris has indicated that it intends to use the base as a "projection point" for future missions in Africa, particularly following its withdrawal from the Sahel region.
The ongoing reduction of French military influence in Africa reflects a broader realignment in the continent's geopolitical landscape, as former colonies assert their sovereignty and explore new partnerships.