France has formally ended its military presence in Senegal after 65 years, handing over its last two bases in the country. The handover ceremony on Thursday saw top French and Senegalese military officials mark the return of Camp Geille and an airfield at Dakar airport to Senegalese control.
The withdrawal means France now has no permanent military bases in West or Central Africa, following similar exits from other former colonies. Around 350 French troops, who had been conducting joint operations, are now departing Senegal.
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Senegal’s Chief of the General Staff, General Mbaye Cisse, described the moment as a major turning point in the military relationship between both countries. His French counterpart, General Pascal Ianni, said the move reflects a shift in France’s partnerships across a dynamic Africa.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had called for the troops to leave by 2025, but unlike military regimes in other former French colonies, Faye has pledged continued cooperation with Paris.
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