Senegal is witnessing the departure of French troops, marking a significant shift in West Africa’s reassessment of colonial ties.
This move is part of a broader withdrawal of French military presence from several West African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Ivory Coast.
The French military had been present in Senegal since 1960, with approximately 350 troops stationed in the country. However, Senegal’s President Bassirou Dioumaye Faye has been vocal about ending the French military presence, emphasizing national sovereignty and economic independence.
“We want to take charge of our own security and defense,” said President Faye. “We can’t continue to rely on foreign powers to protect us. It’s time for us to take responsibility for our own destiny.”
The withdrawal of French troops from Senegal is expected to be completed by September 2025. France has already returned several facilities used by its military in Senegal, marking the beginning of the end of its military presence in the country.
This development is part of a larger trend of West African nations reevaluating their relationships with former colonial powers. Many countries in the region are seeking to assert their independence and sovereignty, while also exploring new partnerships with other nations.
“The era of Françafrique is coming to an end,” said Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Director and Senior Fellow of the Center for Strategic and International Studies Africa Program. “African nations are increasingly resistant to external influence and are seeking to take control of their own destiny.”
According to analysts, the decline of French influence in West Africa is driven by a combination of factors, including growing nationalism, economic aspirations, and a desire for greater autonomy.
“West African nations are no longer content to be seen as mere clients or satellites of France,” said Dr. Kathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou, a senior research fellow at the Overseas Development Institute. “They want to be treated as equals and to have a greater say in their own affairs.”
As French troops depart Senegal, the country is poised to embark on a new era of independence and self-determination. The implications of this shift will be closely watched, as West Africa continues to navigate its complex relationships with former colonial powers.
“It’s a new dawn for Senegal and for West Africa,” said President Faye. “We’re taking control of our own destiny and forging our own path. We’re excited about the future and the possibilities that lie ahead.”