France Ends Permanent Military Presence in Senegal, Shifting Defense Strategy
France officially ends its military presence in Senegal, marking a historic shift in defense strategy and Franco-Senegalese relations.
Key Points
- • France concludes its permanent military presence in Senegal on July 17, 2025.
- • Withdrawal is part of Senegal's new sovereignty agenda under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
- • Approximately 350 French troops were previously stationed in Senegal for military cooperation.
- • The decision reflects a trend of reduced French military influence in West Africa since 2022.
On July 17, 2025, France will officially conclude its permanent military presence in Senegal, a significant development in Franco-African relations. This landmark withdrawal ceremony in Dakar will celebrate the return of the last remaining French military installations, including the Geille camp, to Senegalese sovereignty. The French military presence in Senegal has roots dating back to the country’s independence in 1960, originally established under defense agreements to support local armed forces.
The decision indicates a new direction under the leadership of Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office in April 2024. Faye's administration has been vocal about the need for a 'renovated partnership' with France while asserting the importance of national sovereignty in military matters. In his words, 'sovereignty does not accommodate the presence of military bases in a sovereign country.' This sentiment underscores a broader trend of diminishing French military influence in Africa, following similar withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Gabon since 2022 due to rising anti-French sentiment in these regions.
Faye announced in November 2024 that all foreign military presence would be withdrawn by 2025, signaling a strategic shift towards a more collaborative approach that does not rely on military bases. Approximately 350 French soldiers were stationed in Senegal to engage in operational partnerships; however, the focus has shifted in recent years towards training and support for Senegalese forces. The gradual withdrawal of French troops began in March 2025, as Senegalese military forces assumed full responsibility for the nation’s defense operations.
Despite the withdrawal, France maintains a strategic base in Djibouti, which is poised to support future missions across Africa.
With this move, Senegal embarks on a new chapter in its defense strategy, emphasizing independence and collaboration with France on equal terms while the French military evaluates its posture in the region.
This transition marks not only a pivotal moment for Senegal but also signals evolving dynamics in France's military engagements throughout West Africa.