France has officially begun its military withdrawal from Senegal by transferring control of two key military bases to the Senegalese government. This move follows a directive from Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who ordered the exit of all foreign troops by the end of 2024.
On March 7, 2025, the French Embassy in Senegal confirmed the handover of two military facilities in the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry districts, located near the Hann Park in Dakar. These bases, which had been prepared for return since mid-2024, are now under the control of the Senegalese military. France also dismissed 162 Senegalese workers who had been employed at these bases.
This withdrawal is part of France’s broader strategy to reduce its military presence in West Africa, as anti-colonial sentiments grow in the region. Countries like Chad, Niger, and Burkina Faso have recently expelled French forces, calling for a re-evaluation of France’s military role on the continent. Senegal’s new government, echoing regional trends, has adopted a more hard-line stance against foreign military presence, including that of French forces.
Historically, Senegal has been one of France’s key military outposts in Africa, but the political landscape is shifting. France plans to decrease its military footprint across all African bases, including the 350 troops stationed in Senegal. Instead, France will focus on providing defense training and targeted military support to nations that request it.
An exception will be made for France’s strategic military presence in Djibouti, where its forces will remain due to its geopolitical significance. This move marks a turning point in France’s military strategy in Africa and reflects broader trends in the region toward increased sovereignty and self-determination. Other African nations may follow Senegal’s lead in reassessing their military ties with former colonial powers.