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Several French army bases in Senegal have been officially handed over to local authorities as a first step towards a complete withdrawal of French military presence in the country. The two sites, Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry, located near the port of Dakar, were returned to Senegalese authorities. These sites had been vacant for a year and were already designated to be returned to Senegal, according to the French military. There was no ceremony for the handover, only a signing of a document to mark the transfer.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who was elected in April last year, has expressed his desire to reshape Senegal’s relationships with foreign countries. In a November interview with French media, he stated that “there will soon be no more French soldiers in Senegal.” This sentiment was echoed in December by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in his first major policy speech to parliament, where he promised significant changes to transform the nation, including the closure of foreign military bases.

The remaining three French military bases in Senegal are also set to be closed and returned, although a timeline has not yet been determined. The largest of the five bases, Camp Geille, is located in the city centre of Ouakam and is home to over 200 soldiers and their families. The Rufisque base, located in the suburbs of Dakar, houses an additional 20 soldiers.

These actions by the Senegalese government align with their goals of asserting independence and sovereignty, as well as improving economic and diplomatic relationships. The closure of French military bases marks a significant shift in Senegal’s international relationship and a step towards progress and self-determination

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