France has commenced the formal handover of two military facilities to Senegal, a move marking a significant shift in West African security dynamics. This action, confirmed by the French embassy, represents the initial step in the planned withdrawal of French troops from the nation, aligning with a broader regional trend away from traditional security partnerships.
The handover, which occurred on over the weekend, follows the establishment of a joint commission between France and Senegal last month, tasked with orchestrating the restitution of military bases and the departure of approximately 350 French troops by the close of 2025. This development is set against a backdrop of evolving security arrangements across the region, where nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have already expelled French forces, turning to Russia for security assistance in their fight against jihadist insurgencies.
Furthermore, France initiated its military withdrawal from Chad in December, a move prompted by the Chadian government’s abrupt termination of its defense cooperation pact. This series of withdrawals underscores a notable recalibration of security alliances within the Sahel region.
“In accordance with the decision of the joint commission… the French side handed over facilities and accommodation in the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry quarters to the Senegalese side,” the French embassy in Senegal stated on its website, referencing key military sites in Dakar. Further handovers are scheduled according to a mutually agreed-upon timetable.
Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, had previously articulated his stance on foreign military presence during his New Year’s Eve address, declaring that all foreign military presence in Senegal would be terminated. This statement reinforced his earlier remarks, made in an interview a month prior, where he asserted that France’s military bases were incompatible with Senegalese sovereignty and necessitated closure.
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This transition raises pertinent questions about the future security landscape of Senegal and the wider region. As I analyze these events, it’s clear that the concept of national sovereignty is a driving force. The desire of these west african nations to have full control of their own security is a powerful motivator.
The implications of this withdrawal are multifaceted. From an economic standpoint, the departure of French troops may necessitate adjustments in Senegal’s security budget and resource allocation. Socially, it mirrors a growing sentiment of national pride and a desire for self-determination. However, this shift also carries potential risks. The security vacuum left by departing French forces could present opportunities for non-state actors, including terrorist groups, to expand their influence.
The shift in security partnerships in the region is also happening alongside an increase in anti-french sentiment. As reported by the BBC, “Anti-French sentiment has been growing in some of France’s former colonies in Africa, fuelled by perceptions of neo-colonialism.” This sentiment adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing withdrawals.
For the Senegalese people, this handover symbolizes a reclaiming of their national space and a move toward greater autonomy. It elicits a sense of empowerment, reflecting a broader aspiration for African nations to chart their own course in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
