France officially ended its longstanding military presence in Senegal on Thursday by relinquishing control of its last major base in the West African nation. This move marks a significant step in France's broader military withdrawal from the region. During a symbolic handover ceremony in Dakar, General Pascal lanni, the commander of French forces in Africa, presented the key to the Camp Geille military facility. As a Senegalese flag was raised, military musicians performed the national anthem.
"Today's transfer of Camp Geille marks a new stage in the evolution of the partnership between our two armed forces," Ianni told reporters. "It is a response to the Senegalese authorities' wish to no longer have permanent foreign forces present on their territory."
Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, had previously declared that hosting French military bases conflicted with the nation’s sovereignty, calling for their handover. Both nations agreed to finalize the withdrawal by the end of the year, starting in March with the transfer of two other bases, also located in Dakar.
Unlike the abrupt expulsions of French troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where military juntas have sought security assistance from Russia, the transition in Senegal has proceeded smoothly and collaboratively.
Last year, Chad, another key Western ally in the region’s counter-terrorism efforts, also terminated its defense agreement with France, prompting a troop withdrawal.
Although scaling back its footprint in West and Central Africa, France has emphasized its continued commitment to training, intelligence sharing, and support upon request from regional governments.
Ianni acknowledged that France’s military presence in Senegal spanned more than 200 years but emphasized the need for a renewed relationship.
General Mbaye Cisse, Chief of Staff of the Senegalese Armed Forces, welcomed the new arrangement, noting it would maintain important defense cooperation. "We wish all our comrades and their families a safe return to France," he said, adding that he hoped the countries’ shared history would "provide a strong base for cooperation."
France, Senegal’s former colonial power, has long faced criticism for maintaining military bases decades after Senegal’s independence in 1960. Among ongoing grievances is Senegal’s demand that France properly investigate the 1944 massacre of African soldiers who fought for France during World War II.
