France has officially ended its military presence in Senegal, concluding a 65-year chapter that began in the aftermath of the country’s independence. The final group of French troops departed from their base near Dakar this week, marking a significant moment in the evolving relationship between the West African nation and its former colonial ruler.
The withdrawal follows months of diplomatic discussions and reflects a broader shift in France’s military strategy in Africa. Once seen as a key pillar of France’s regional influence, its presence in Senegal had increasingly come under scrutiny from local politicians, civil society groups, and a population eager to assert greater national sovereignty.
Senegalese officials welcomed the move, emphasizing that the country is now fully capable of handling its own security. “This is a historic moment,” said Defense Minister Sidiki Kaba. “Senegal is taking full control of its military future while continuing to maintain strong diplomatic and economic ties with France.”
The base near Dakar was one of France’s last major military installations in West Africa, following similar withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic in recent years.
Analysts say the move signals a transformation in France’s role in the region, with Paris now favoring partnerships over permanent deployments. Meanwhile, African nations are increasingly looking toward regional cooperation and alternative international partners to address security challenges.
As the gates of the French base closed for the final time, many in Senegal saw the moment not as a rupture, but as a rebalancing—an opportunity to redefine their country’s path on its own terms.
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