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France ends permanent troop presence in Senegal

France ends permanent troop presence in Senegal

TimesLIVE18-07-2025
France handed over control of its last major military facility in Senegal on Thursday, marking the end of its armed forces' long presence in the West African country and a milestone in a withdrawal from the wider region.
The commander of French forces in Africa, Gen Pascal Ianni, handed over a key to the military camp in Dakar during a ceremony at which a Senegalese flag was raised while military musicians played 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."
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced last year that France's military bases were incompatible with Senegalese sovereignty and would have to be transferred.
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