France officially transferred control of its last military installations in Senegal to local authorities in a ceremony on July 17, bringing to an end the permanent deployment of French troops in the country since Senegal gained independence in 1960. The withdrawal of over 350 troops marks the completion of a process initiated in March, when France began handing over multiple military sites. These have included the Rufisque communications station outside the capital Dakar, turned over on July  1.

The move came at the request of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. In a November 2024 interview with Le Monde, he called the presence of French soldiers in Senegal "an anomaly," asking: "What country can have foreign troops on its soil and still claim independence?"

French Gen. Pascal Ianni described the handover as inaugurating a new stage in the partnership between French and Senegalese forces. He stated: "It is part of France's decision to end permanent military bases in West and Central Africa, and responds to the Senegalese authorities' desire to no longer host permanent foreign forces on their territory."

Unlike in other West Adrican countries, where French forces were expelled amid political tumult, Senegal's withdrawal process was peaceful and coordinated. The development concludes France's phased military exit from the West African country that began in 2022, a period that has also seen withdrawals from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad and Gabon. Analysts view this as part of France's broader re-orientation away from traditional "Françafrique" military footprint and toward more flexible, sovereignty-respecting partnerships.

France will retain only limited regional engagement—focused on training, intelligence, and responding to specific requests—and maintains no permanent bases on mainland Africa, aside from its sizable presence in Djibouti and a smaller footprint in Gabon.

From JURIST, July 19. Used with permission.