- France transfers two military bases to Senegal on March 7, 2025
- Joint commission oversees withdrawal amid regional backlash against foreign troops
- 162 Senegalese base employees dismissed as France reduces troop numbers
- Part of broader French military downsizing across West Africa
France formally handed control of the Maréchal and Saint-Exupéry military districts to Senegalese authorities in a ceremony near Hann Park, marking the first phase of its complete military exit. The French Embassy confirmed the facilities had been prepared for transfer since mid-2024, aligning with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s mandate for foreign troop removal. This transition follows months of diplomatic negotiations, reflecting Senegal’s assertive stance under its new leadership.
The withdrawal process gained momentum through a bilateral commission established in February 2025, designed to manage logistical challenges and personnel transitions. Recent staff reductions saw over 160 Senegalese workers terminated from French bases, raising questions about local employment impacts. French officials have yet to disclose current troop levels, though reports suggest approximately 350 service members remain pending full withdrawal.
This strategic pivot occurs against growing anti-French sentiment across former colonies, with Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad expelling troops through military coups. Unlike these abrupt exits, Senegal’s negotiated approach preserves diplomatic ties while asserting sovereignty. Analysts note this model could influence other Francophone nations reconsidering defense partnerships.
France plans to maintain only its Djibouti base as it reconfigures African operations toward targeted training missions. Security experts suggest this reflects Europe’s broader strategic realignment, prioritizing naval security and counterterrorism partnerships over permanent land bases. Senegal’s military modernization program, including recent drone fleet acquisitions, positions it to assume greater regional security responsibilities.
The transition raises questions about West Africa’s evolving security architecture, with ECOWAS nations increasingly collaborating on joint defense initiatives. Some observers warn reduced French engagement could create power vacuums exploited by non-Western actors, while others champion it as overdue decolonization progress.
