This withdrawal, which reflects a desire to respond to the sovereignty aspirations of the States concerned, comes in a context of growing diplomatic tensions between Paris and several African capitals.
France plans to close its permanent military bases in Senegal as well as other countries in West and Central Africa by summer 2025, reports the Senegalese Press Agency (APS), citing a source French military.
According to this source, discussions are underway to organize this withdrawal. “In the summer of 2025, there will no longer be a permanent French military base in Senegal,” she clarified, while adding that Paris will favor cooperation with the Senegalese authorities according to their needs, without a permanent establishment.
This decision is part of a strategic change aimed at responding to the sovereignty aspirations expressed by several African countries. “The French military presence is today seen as an attack on sovereignty. We are aware of this,” admitted the source, noting that these bases fueled negative feelings towards France.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had already announced, on January 31, the end of all foreign military presence on Senegalese territory from 2025, advocating a new doctrine of military cooperation.
The 2012 military agreement between France and Senegal provides for mutual benefits. French forces have free access to several strategic infrastructures, such as the Ouakam camp and the Senegalese naval base, as well as tax exemptions for the equipment and services necessary for their operations. They also benefit from ease of movement and the organization of military exercises.
In return, Senegal benefits from reinforced support, in particular through priority access for its soldiers to French schools, technical assistance and the transfer of military equipment. Senegalese maritime and air stopovers in France are also facilitated. The agreement may be terminated by written notice with six months’ notice, involving the return of the installations without compensation, unless specifically agreed.
A global withdrawal of the French system in Africa
-This withdrawal is part of a broader reorganization of French forces in Africa, initiated in the summer of 2023 with the successive departures of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and more recently Chad.
In Chad, the authorities denounced, on November 28, 2024, the military cooperation agreement signed with Paris, judging that it was “obsolete” and “without added value”. At the beginning of December, France began the repatriation of its air fleet and the gradual withdrawal of its bases, notably at Faya-Largeau and Abéché. The Adji Kossey base in N’Djamena, the largest, will be handed over by January 31, 2025, the deadline set by the Chadian government.
President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno described this decision as a “historic turning point”, while insisting on the preservation of friendly relations between the two nations.
Diplomatic tensions
This military withdrawal comes in a tense climate marked by lively exchanges between African and French leaders. Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko recently disputed the comments of President Emmanuel Macron, who claimed that the departure of the French bases was the result of prior negotiations. Sonko rejected these statements, saying that “Senegal’s decision stems from its sole will, as a free and sovereign country.”
The Chadian government also urged France and its partners to respect the aspirations of African people for autonomy. “Instead of attacking Africa, President Macron should focus his efforts on resolving the problems that concern the French people,” concluded a press release from the Chadian authorities.
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