France has begun its military withdrawal from Senegal, according to the French embassy in Dakar. They released a statement saying, ‘The French side handed over to the Senegalese side the facilities and housing in the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry districts on Friday, March 7, 2025.’
Senegal’s president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, called for the evacuation of 350 French troops from bases and stations in Dakar by 31 December 2025. This follows the expulsion of French military forces in Mali, the Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad. However, unlike Chad and the neighbouring Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprised of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—Senegal will continue to collaborate militarily with France in other ways.
On 12 February, Senegal and France issued a joint declaration stating, ‘The two countries intend to work towards a new defence and security partnership that takes into account the strategic priorities of all parties.’
France has said it could provide defence training or military support moving forward. However, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) also provides training and military-to-military collaborations with 52 of the 55 African countries. Eritrea has never agreed to work with AFRICOM, Niger booted US troops in 2024, and the US classifies Egypt under the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
All of this makes us wonder how much of a difference a French-troop expulsion will make for Senegal. Let us know what you think in the comments.
Photo credit: Éléments Français au Sénégal (@Efsarmee on IG and X)
Sources
https://apnews.com/article/france-senegal-military-base-e7ea26d9eda64746d163313325b6944b
https://www.reuters.com/world/france-senegal-say-talks-arrange-departure-french-troops-2025-02-12
https://apnews.com/article/senegal-france-military-bases-close-e525f3a11825fbe397b90363c9417224