Senegal is set to reclaim its national sovereignty, announcing on Wednesday that all 350 French troops from the West African country will withdraw by the end of 2025, as a joint commission with Paris paves the way for a new era in independent defense.
In a major geopolitical shift, Senegal announced plans to reclaim its sovereignty by ending the French military presence within its borders by the end of 2025. This historic decision, unveiled Wednesday, follows the formation of a joint Senegalese-French commission tasked with overseeing the departure of 350 French soldiers stationed in the West African nation.
The announcement contained in a communique released on February 12 underscores a new chapter in Senegal’s defense strategy. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized the nation’s resolve, stating, « There will soon be no more French soldiers in Senegal. » This sentiment was first expressed in November during an interview with Le Monde, where Faye highlighted the significance of national sovereignty.
French troops have been stationed in Senegal since its independence in 1960, primarily supporting training and regional security. However, growing criticism of their presence has fueled calls for change. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko joined the discourse in May, questioning the necessity of foreign troops in a sovereign state.
This move mirrors a broader trend across Africa. France recently ended its military presence in Chad, completing its withdrawal just before a government-imposed deadline. Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby described the departure as a « new sunrise for a fully sovereign Chad. » Similarly, French forces have been expelled from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, while the Ivory Coast has signaled intentions to follow suit.
Despite these shifts, France retains a military presence in Djibouti and Gabon, where no immediate changes to agreements have been announced.
Senegal’s decision marks a significant milestone in Africa’s push for autonomy, signaling a redefinition of defense partnerships and a bold stride toward self-reliance.
