France ends troop presence in Senegal, closing colonial chapter

France has ended its permanent military presence in Senegal, handing over its last base in Dakar and closing a significant chapter of colonial legacy.

France officially concluded its long-standing military presence in Senegal on Thursday by transferring control of its last major facility, Camp Geille, in Dakar. The ceremony marked the end of more than two centuries of French military footprint in the West African nation and symbolised a broader shift away from colonial-era influence in the region.

General Pascal Ianni, commander of French forces in Africa, handed over the keys to the camp as the Senegalese national anthem played and the national flag was raised. "Today's transfer of Camp Geille marks a new stage in the evolution of the partnership between our two armed forces," Ianni said. "It is a response to the Senegalese authorities' wish to no longer have permanent foreign forces present on their territory."

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had previously declared that the continued presence of French military bases was incompatible with national sovereignty. France and Senegal agreed to complete the withdrawal by the end of 2025, beginning the process in March with the handover of two other facilities in Dakar.

Unlike the abrupt and contentious departures of French forces from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, the transition in Senegal has been cooperative and symbolic, reflecting a mutual desire to redefine the relationship on more equal terms. In recent years, several African nations have pushed back against what they see as lingering colonial ties, with some turning to other partners for defence and security support.

Chad, another key Western ally, ended its defence pact with France last year, forcing a withdrawal of French troops from its territory.

While France reduces its physical footprint in West and Central Africa, it has stated it will continue to support regional partners through training, intelligence sharing, and limited deployments upon request. General Mbaye Cisse, head of Senegal’s armed forces, confirmed that cooperation would continue under a new framework. "We wish all our comrades and their families a safe return to France," he said.

The withdrawal also comes amid growing calls in Senegal for France to address historical grievances, including the 1944 massacre of African soldiers who fought for France during World War Two.

As the Senegalese flag now flies above Camp Geille, the handover stands as a potent symbol of a nation's determination to move beyond its colonial past and shape a future rooted in sovereignty and self-reliance.

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