France ends military presence in Senegal, closing post-colonial chapter
The handover concluded a three-month phased withdrawal of 350 French troops from Senegal.
President Emmanuel Macron authorised the withdrawal in response to Senegal's request for full sovereignty, and both countries agreed to complete the exit by the end of 2025.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye demanded the removal of foreign troops after his 2024 election win.
Generals Mbaye Cisse and Pascal Ianni, representing both nations' armed forces, attended the ceremony.
Senegal gained independence from France in 1960 and has hosted French troops since then.
Faye's administration pledged to treat France as an equal partner, not a military overseer.
Unlike Mali and Burkina Faso, Senegal maintains diplomatic relations with Paris despite the military exit.
France's withdrawal aligns with Macron's 2022 directive to reshape African partnerships based on mutual respect.
Faye reiterated Senegal's commitment to sovereignty while preserving its cooperative defence ties with France.
France has closed its permanent military bases in Chad and Ivory Coast since early 2025, but no base closure has been officially reported in the Central African Republic.
France completed the withdrawal of its forces from the Adji Kossei base in Chad in January 2025, ending its military presence in the country.
Ivory Coast's final base was returned in February, marking another post-colonial disengagement.
Djibouti now hosts France's only major permanent military base in Africa, with around 1,500 personnel, although a smaller contingent remains stationed in Gabon.
Furthermore, France plans to centralise Africa's operations at Djibouti, its last strategic outpost on the continent.
Faye urged France to apologise for colonial-era atrocities, including the 1944 Thiaroye massacre.
The withdrawal reflects growing African demands for autonomy and post-colonial accountability.
France's military downsizing follows coups and rising Russian influence in neighbouring Sahel states.
In addition, Senegal's transition indicates a new approach to African-European defence cooperation that does not involve permanent bases.
Senegal views the move as a milestone in redefining post-colonial relations across Francophone Africa.
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