France officially handed over its last two military bases in Senegal, including Camp Geille and the airfield at Dakar’s airport, marking the end of its 65-year military presence in West Africa. The handover ceremony, held on Thursday, was attended by top French and Senegalese officials, symbolizing a significant shift as former colonies increasingly sever military ties with their former colonial power.
About 350 French soldiers, who had worked alongside the Senegalese army on joint operations, completed their withdrawal after a phased pullout that began in March. French and Senegalese military leaders described the transfer as an important milestone, emphasizing a new phase of partnership focused on cooperation rather than permanent deployment.
The withdrawal from Senegal follows earlier base handovers in Ivory Coast and Chad, reflecting France’s broader strategy amid growing regional conflicts in the Sahel. Security challenges across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger threaten the stability of neighboring Gulf of Guinea countries, raising questions about the long-term impact of France’s military exit on regional security.
Despite the end of France’s permanent troop presence, officials stressed the continuation of diplomatic and security collaborations adapted to the evolving geopolitical landscape. The move underscores a redefinition of military relationships in West Africa as nations assert greater sovereignty while navigating complex security challenges.
