Dakar, Senegal – In a historic move, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has called for the closure of all French military bases in the country, signaling a shift in Senegal’s defense and foreign policy. The announcement, made on November 28, 2024, coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Thiaroye massacre, a dark chapter in Senegal’s colonial history where French troops killed West African soldiers demanding their rightful pay after World War II.
President Faye, while acknowledging French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent admission of responsibility for the massacre, emphasized that Senegal must fully assert its sovereignty. “This decision is not about severing ties with France, but about redefining our partnership on equal terms,” he stated.
Senegal hosts several French military installations, which have been part of France’s broader defense strategy in West Africa. However, growing sentiments against foreign military presence—fueled by regional instability and France’s diminishing influence—have led several West African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, to push back against French military involvement.
This move follows similar actions taken by Chad, where French troops are also set to withdraw. Analysts see it as part of a broader trend of African nations reclaiming control over their security policies, reducing reliance on former colonial powers.
While France has yet to officially respond to the demand, the decision marks a significant turning point in Franco-African relations. As Senegal takes this bold step, the future of security cooperation between the two nations remains uncertain.
