The future of Franco-Senegalese military relations is experiencing a significant turning point. In recent years, several West African countries have redefined their cooperation with the Francecalling into question the historical presence of French forces on their territory. Senegal is now part of this dynamic, asserting its sovereignty and its desire to rethink its military partnership with the former colonial power.
The Senegalese president Bassirou Diomaye Faye clearly expressed this new orientation during interviews reported by several international media. His position is unequivocal: Senegal demands the withdrawal of French military bases, while maintaining a constructive diplomatic dialogue. This decision is part of a desire for national reaffirmation, 64 years after the country’s independence.
Far from proclaiming a total break, President Faye proposes a “ renewed partnership“. He underlines the continuing importance of Franco-Senegalese relations, particularly on the economic and commercial levels. France remains a significant investor, with a significant presence of French companies and citizens on Senegalese territory.
The president highlighted the diversity of Senegal’s international partnerships. Countries like China, Turkey, the United States and Saudi Arabia maintain close relations without a military presence there. China, Senegal’s largest trading partner, perfectly illustrates this collaborative approach without military occupation.
A notable element of this new policy is the symbolic recognition of historical tensions. President Faye welcomed Emmanuel Macron’s recent admission of the Thiaroye massacre in 1944, where Senegalese riflemen were victims of colonial violence. This diplomatic gesture marks an important step in the reconstruction of relations between the two countries.
France has already undertaken a significant reduction in its military presence in Africa. Troops have been considerably reduced in several countries, going from 350 to around 100 soldiers in Senegal. This reconfiguration is accompanied by strategic reflection led by Jean-Marie Bockel, Macron’s personal envoy, who advocates a “renewed” and “co-constructed” partnership.
The coming months will be decisive in redefining military cooperation. President Faye announced an upcoming update of the cooperation doctrine, which should enshrine the definitive withdrawal of French military bases while maintaining solid diplomatic and economic ties.
