In a historic shift that marks the closure of a centuries long chapter, France has officially ended its permanent military presence in West Africa with the handover of its last base in Senegal. The symbolic ceremony took place on July 17, 2025, at Camp Geille in Dakar, as French and Senegalese military officials finalized the transition.
This move comes in line with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s firm stance on reclaiming national sovereignty. The young reformist leader, elected earlier this year, has been vocal about his desire to see all foreign military bases removed from Senegalese soil. With this handover, his administration takes a decisive step toward fulfilling that vision.
The withdrawal is part of a broader reconfiguration of France’s military presence in Africa. Over the past two years, France has been gradually scaling back operations and pulling troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad countries that have seen increased political instability and anti-French sentiment. In contrast, Senegal’s democratic stability and longstanding cooperation with France have ensured a peaceful and respectful transition.
During the ceremony, French General Pascal Ianni and Senegalese General Mbaye Cissé emphasized a future of continued cooperation. While permanent troops will no longer be stationed in Senegal, both sides affirmed their commitment to a new model of partnership focused on training, intelligence sharing, and rapid deployment when requested.
France’s shift away from permanent African bases aligns with its broader strategy to operate in a more agile and demand driven manner. With the closure of Camp Geille, Djibouti remains the only African country with a permanent French military base.
This latest development not only underscores Senegal’s growing assertion of independence but also signals the end of an era in West African geopolitics. It opens a new chapter in regional defense built on equal footing, mutual respect, and homegrown leadership.
The departure of French forces may also influence how other nations particularly those still grappling with the legacy of colonialism redefine their foreign partnerships. For Senegal, this is a proud moment of reclaiming full control over its territory and charting a sovereign path forward in the global arena.